Head of Projects

National Grid; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

National Grid Electricity Distribution seeks a Head of Projects to lead the management of significant projects in the South West Electricity Distribution area. This role will oversee a portfolio of investment and ensure high-quality service, promoting a safety culture and operational excellence while managing complex capital projects, fostering a collaborative work environment.

Qualifications

• Proven project/programme/portfolio leader.
• Expertise in project and programme management methodologies.
• Exceptional leadership skills managing large teams.

Responsibilities

• Manage major capital projects/programmes from end-to-end.
• Lead and motivate a team of managers and operations.
• Coordinate capital and revenue budgets and monitor expenditure.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Data Analysis

Job description

Job Introduction

An opportunity is available for a Head of Projects.

In this role, you will be responsible for managing the Primary distribution systems and Major Projects within our South West Electricity Distribution area.

a.
You will manage the portfolio of investment and regulated funding across all projects and programmes end-to-end, ensuring that deliverables meet or exceed stakeholder expectations. This includes forward planning 10 years ahead, covering all project functions from mobilisation, design, build, commissioning, to benefits realisation. Responsibility will also include operational programmes, e.g., faults, that need to be developed, operated, and maintained efficiently and effectively in accordance with legislation, policies, and standards.

As the Head of Projects, you will work closely with the PMO to ensure alignment with project delivery practices and methodologies. Each region has a Major Projects capital spend exceeding 0.5BN over the next 5 years.

The role's base location will preferably be Redruth, Bodmin, Exeter, Weston Super Mare, but Taunton and Bristol are also considered. This will be agreed with the successful candidate.

Our hybrid working approach offers a mix of office and home working, which is available after initial training and based on business needs.

Main Responsibilities

• Engage, motivate, and lead a team of Managers and operational functions.
• Set objectives, monitor performance, and control primary Distribution activities in the region.
• Ensure high-quality service to customers in the Distribution Area.
• Coordinate Capital and Revenue Budgets, and monitor expenditure.
• Promote a safety culture.
• Manage all major capital projects/programmes from end-to-end, ensuring they meet time, cost, and quality targets.
• Review, design, approve, and implement new operational models.
• Implement governance and controls in partnership with the PMO.
• Translate high-level business plans into operational delivery plans, making decisions on insourcing vs. outsourcing.
• Manage project lifecycle from appointment to closure, including defining WBS and schedules.
• Track projects against time, cost, quality, contractual, and regulatory requirements, including forecasting and lessons learned.
• Ensure effective Risk, Issue, and Opportunity Management.
• Embed governance, compliance, and performance reporting.
• Monitor programme compliance with contractual obligations.
• Champion best practices across the matrix organization.

Ideal Candidate

• Proven project/programme/portfolio leader with a track record of leading teams in project functions.
• Expertise in project and programme management methodologies, especially large capital infrastructure projects.
• Experience in data analysis is desirable.
• Experience in the electricity, energy, or regulated industries is a plus but not essential.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders, including customers, partners, and suppliers.
• Exceptional leadership skills managing large engineering/construction teams, both insourced and outsourced.

National Grid Electricity Distribution is committed to safeguarding interests. This role may require a satisfactory DBS check and other vetting depending on the position.

Annual check

About Us

We’re National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED), serving over 8 million people in the Midlands, Southwest England, and South Wales. Our teams deliver heat, light, and power for homes and businesses.

With over 29,000 employees worldwide, we are building an inclusive workplace that celebrates diversity. Our vision is to lead a clean, fair, and affordable energy future, focusing on renewable, low-carbon energy sources to meet increasing demand.