Head of Engineering OHL

Calibre Global Consulting; Greater London; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy in the UK is seeking a Head of Engineering for Overhead Transmission Lines to lead technical operations. In this senior role, you will develop technical roadmaps, manage complex OHL projects, and ensure compliance with industry standards. The ideal candidate will be a Chartered Engineer with 15 years of relevant experience and proven leadership skills, enabling innovation in transmission design and project delivery. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence the future of the UK's transmission network.

Qualifications

• 15 years of HV / EHV OHL engineering experience.
• 5 years in management or senior technical roles.
• Proven leadership across OHL project lifecycles.

Responsibilities

• Develop technical roadmaps ensuring compliance with industry standards.
• Lead system integration design and engineering implementation.
• Drive product type testing certification for APL.
• Support constructability technical solutions for projects.
• Act as technical interface to customers for bids and clarifications.
• Collaborate with Group CTO on new materials adoption.
• Ensure safety in design best practices across projects.
• Manage department wellbeing, recruitment, and budgeting.
• Oversee quality systems for technical governance.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Knowledge of transmission engineering

Safety legislation expertise

Project controls understanding

Commercial acumen

Contractual knowledge

Established industry network

Education

BSc in Electrical Engineering

Chartered Engineer qualification

MBA (desirable)

Job description

About the job

Head of Engineering Overhead Transmission Lines (UK)

United Kingdom Full-time Senior Leadership

We are seeking a Head of Engineering (Overhead Transmission Lines OHL) to lead our UK technical and engineering operations. This is a pivotal leadership role for an accomplished Chartered Engineer with extensive HV / EHV OHL experience and a proven track record in delivering complex large-scale transmission projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop technical roadmaps and standard interfaces for OHL in the UK ensuring compliance with BS / EN / IEC / ENA standards.
• Lead system integration design and engineering implementation of CICA cross-arms conductors fittings and towers.
• Drive product type testing certification and inclusion into Transmission Owners Approved Product List (APL).
• Support constructability technical solutions and HSE compliance for line uprating and new build projects.
• Serve as the technical interface to customers supporting bids clarifications and deviation management.
• Collaborate with the Group CTO to promote adoption of new materials and processes.
• Ensure safety in design best practice across projects with focus on CDM and ESQCR compliance.
• Manage the development wellbeing recruitment and budgeting of the department.
• Oversee quality systems to ensure robust technical governance throughout the project lifecycle.
• Act as focal point for engagement with internal and external senior stakeholders.

Experience & Qualifications

• BSc in Electrical Engineering (MBA desirable).
• Chartered Engineer in a relevant discipline.
• 15 years of HV / EHV OHL engineering experience.
• 5 years in management or senior technical roles within UK transmission projects (TO EPC consultancy or utility).
• Proven leadership across the full lifecycle of OHL projects: design approval, testing, commissioning.

Technical & Leadership Skills

• Strong leadership and strategic thinking with the ability to deliver under changing conditions.
• In‑depth knowledge of transmission engineering disciplines, industry standards and design requirements.
• Expertise in safety legislation (CDM, ESQCR) and network operations.
• Advanced understanding of project controls, technical governance and capital project delivery.
• Commercial acumen: balancing CapEx / OpEx, regulatory frameworks and investment cases.
• Strong contractual and procurement knowledge (NEC3 commercial strategies).
• Established network and credibility with consultants, contractors and industry stakeholders.

Why Join Us

This is a unique opportunity to shape the UK’s transmission network of the future, leading innovation in OHL design, new materials adoption and large‑scale project delivery. You will have full responsibility for building and leading a high‑performing engineering team while engaging directly with senior stakeholders across the industry.