HV Project Director

AE Partners; Ringway; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading electrical & instrumentation services company in the UK is seeking an HV Project Director to provide strategic leadership for major high-voltage construction and upgrade projects. The role requires 10-15+ years of experience in HV infrastructure projects, overseeing all project phases to ensure safety and quality. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Electrical Engineering, strong commercial management skills, and a commitment to a safety-first culture.

Qualifications

• 10-15+ years' experience delivering major HV infrastructure projects (33kV-400kV).
• Proven track record overseeing complex, multi-year capital programmes.
• Extensive experience in contract and commercial management.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive-level oversight of HV projects from pre-construction through commissioning.
• Ensure all projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget.
• Drive continuous improvement across project teams.

Skills

Leadership

Commercial management

Regulatory compliance

HV design knowledge

Safety culture advocacy

Education

Degree in Electrical Engineering

Chartership (CEng)

Job description

Company Overview

Our client are a privately owned Electrical & Instrumentation services company with a strong focus on quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction who aim to be at the forefront of the electrical industry. Being specialist Electrical & Instrumentation services contractors they provide Engineering, Construction, Commissioning and Maintenance services covering a broad range of sectors such as Oil & Gas, Power & Infrastructure, Industrial and Commercial.

Role Overview

The HV Project Director is responsible for the strategic leadership, delivery, and performance of major high-voltage (HV) construction and upgrade projects, including substations, overhead lines, cable installations, grid connections, and associated electrical infrastructure. This role ensures that all projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards while maintaining strong client relationships and commercial control.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide executive-level oversight of HV projects from pre-construction through commissioning and handover.
• Define project delivery strategies, ensuring alignment with organisational goals, client requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Lead multidisciplinary project teams, including engineering, commercial, planning, SHEQ, and construction functions.
• Oversee all commercial aspects of the project, including budget control, cost forecasting, contract negotiation, and change management.
• Ensure full compliance with NEC, FIDIC, or other contract forms as applicable.
• Drive value engineering and cost-optimisation initiatives.
• Act as the senior point of contact for client organisations, network operators, regulators, partners, and subcontractors.
• Manage key external relationships, ensuring communication is effective and expectations are met or exceeded.
• Represent the business at steering meetings, technical boards, and project governance reviews.
• Provide strategic guidance on HV engineering design, system integration, protection schemes, commissioning strategies, and grid connection requirements.
• Review and approve critical technical documents, ensuring compliance with statutory, utility, and industry standards (e.g., ENA, IEC, BS).
• Support resolution of complex engineering issues and risk management activities.
• Define and manage project delivery programmes at a strategic level, ensuring milestones are achieved.
• Oversee supply chain performance, procurement strategy, and resourcing.
• Implement robust project controls, reporting frameworks, and KPIs.
• Drive continuous improvement across project teams.
• Champion a strong safety culture across all HV operations, ensuring compliance with all SHEQ policies and statutory regulations.
• Ensure adherence to network operator safety rules (e.g., DNO/TSO rules, Permit to Work systems).
• Lead audits, incident reviews, and quality assurance initiatives.
• Mentor and support Project Managers, Engineers, and site leadership teams.
• Build high-performing project teams through effective resourcing, coaching, and performance management.
• Contribute to workforce planning and succession strategies across the business.

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field (essential).
• Chartership (CEng) or equivalent professional status preferred.
• 10-15+ years' experience delivering major HV infrastructure projects (33kV-400kV).
• Proven track record overseeing complex, multi-year capital programmes.
• Strong knowledge of HV design, installation, commissioning, protection systems, and grid compliance.
• Extensive experience in contract and commercial management.
• Strong understanding of regulatory and safety frameworks within the power sector