Lead Policy Engineer (Transformers and Static Wound Equipment)

National Grid plc; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company car

Annual incentive up to 15%

28 days annual leave

Contributory pension up to 12%

Job summary

National Grid plc is seeking a Lead Policy Engineer (Transformers and Static Wound Equipment) to lead policy work within NGED. As SME for transformers, you will shape standards, influence policy across the business, and represent NGED in national and international groups.

You will report to the Engineering Policy Manager and balance safety, cost and performance while guiding technical leadership and external collaborations. Hybrid work is offered.

Qualifications

• HNC in Electrical Engineering or equivalent with policy/document management experience.
• Experience in transformer design, testing and investigations.
• CEng status or willingness to pursue via IET or equivalent.
• Knowledge of legacy network transformer infrastructure.
• Asset Risk Management experience desirable.

Responsibilities

• Approve the development and review of materials used to communicate policy changes.
• Provide up to date expertise on UK and international policies.
• Develop and improve equipment, installation and maintenance techniques to enhance safety, efficiency and lifecycle cost.
• Support the Procurement team throughout global tendering processes.
• Represent NGED on national and international committees and lead responses to external consultations.
• Maintain deep technical knowledge of NGED policy, Transformers and Static Wound Equipment.
• Support failure investigations and root cause analysis.
• Contribute to the creation and review of wider company policies.
• Provide expert input into Asset Risk modelling and long term strategic planning.
• Review existing policies based on feedback from the business.
• Provide clear technical guidance on Transformers and Static Wound Equipment.
• Deliver work on time, to quality standards and within agreed budgets.
• Support R&D and Innovation activities related to Transformers and Static Wound Equipment.

Skills

Transformer design

Transformer testing

Policy/document management

Strategic influencing

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Driving licence

Education

HNC in Electrical Engineering or STEM

CEng status or progression

Job description

Lead Policy Engineer (Transformers and Static Wound Equipment)

About us

The energy sector is evolving, and National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) is at the heart of that transformation.

As we prepare for ED3, our next regulatory period under the RIIO framework, we are developing the plans, investments and commitments that will shape the future of our electricity network. ED3 will determine how we deliver for customers, communities and stakeholders while enabling the UK's transition to a cleaner, more resilient energy system.

This is a pivotal moment for NGED. Following submission of our ED3 Business Plan, our focus turns to securing the strongest possible regulatory outcome and preparing the organisation to successfully deliver its commitments from day one of ED3.

About the role

We are recruiting a Lead Policy Engineer (Transformers and Static Wound Equipment) to join our Engineering Policy Team at National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED).

As the organisation’s lead Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Transformers and Static Wound Equipment, you will shape and govern company standards, work closely with internal and external stakeholders, and represent NGED at national and international working groups.

You will use your technical expertise and strategic mindset to influence Engineering Policy across both the business and the wider industry.

Reporting to the Engineering Policy Manager, you will provide technical leadership, support global tendering processes, and approve design deviations while balancing commercial, operational and safety considerations.

The role may be based from any location within the NGED licence areas. We encourage applications within the West Midlands, East Midlands, South West and Wales.

We offer a hybrid working model, typically with two days a week in the office, with flexibility depending on business need.

What you will do

• Approve the development and review of materials used to communicate policy changes
• Provide up to date expertise on UK and international policies
• Develop and improve equipment, installation and maintenance techniques to enhance safety, efficiency and lifecycle cost
• Support the Procurement team throughout global tendering processes
• Represent NGED on national and international committees and lead responses to external consultations
• Maintain deep technical knowledge of NGED policy, Transformers and Static Wound Equipment
• Support failure investigations and root cause analysis
• Contribute to the creation and review of wider company policies
• Provide expert input into Asset Risk modelling and long term strategic planning
• Review existing policies based on feedback from the business
• Provide clear technical guidance on Transformers and Static Wound Equipment
• Deliver work on time, to quality standards and within agreed budgets
• Support R&D and Innovation activities related to Transformers and Static Wound Equipment

About you

• HNC in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent) or a relevant STEM discipline, with demonstrable experience in policy/document management.
• Significant experience in transformer design, testing and transformer investigation, with a strong appetite to develop expertise across these areas, ideally within a DNO environment.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status, or willingness to work towards it via the IET or an equivalent institution.
• Knowledge of legacy network transformer and associated infrastructure.
• Experience in Asset Risk Management (desirable).
• Ability to drive improvements in safety, efficiency, environmental performance and network outcomes.
• Strong strategic influencing skills across all organisational levels.
• Ability to communicate compelling business cases and secure buy in for change.
• Skilled at building cohesion across teams and recognising individual strengths.
• Ability to explain complex technical issues clearly to varied audiences.
• Strong coaching, mentoring and communication skills.
• Analytical approach to complex technical subjects.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Full UK driving licence

What you will get

• A competitive salary of £80,000 - £90,000 dependent on experience.
• Company car
• Annual performance incentive of up to 15% of eligible earnings
• 28 days annual leave
• A generous contributory pension scheme - we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%
• Contributory healthcare for you and your family
• Life Insurance 4 x base salary
• Family care benefits including a back-up care service for when your usual care arrangements fall through (six paid days each year as standard with the option to purchase further days).
• Access to apps which support health and wellbeing.

Further information

This role closes on 13 October 2026, however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary. National Grid’s recruitment periods can and may vary. We reserve the right to remove this advert or close it to further applications at any point during the recruitment process. #LI-SC1 #LI-HYBRID

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates – we make appointments purely on merit, assessed against objective selection criteria. We support flexible working and will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process should you have any physical or mental impairment which may affect your ability to participate in the process.

Please note that in most cases, National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points-based immigration system. As such, applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future under the UK points-based immigration system. However, in exceptional circumstances where there is a clear and demonstrable need for specialist skills that cannot be sourced from the local labour market, National Grid may consider offering sponsorship. All applications are welcome from candidates who meet these requirements, regardless of race, nationality, or ethnic origin.

Safety, Health, Environment and Resilience

National Grid operates in both the UK and US, with a broad portfolio of energy businesses dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and sustainable power.

From electricity and gas transmission to advancing clean energy and modernising grids, our work covers every aspect of the energy system.

Our energy flows through absolutely everything we do

Life here at National Grid is more than just our purpose or our values, it’s everything we put into everything we do. It’s our commitment to diversity and inclusion; how we help our employees learn and grow; and how we partner with and support the communities where we live and work. It’s all this, and so much more.

We leverage our collective strengths to do meaningful BIG work so that we can be at the heart of a fair and affordable energy future.

Your salary is reviewed each year against the market for your role, skills, knowledge and experience.

Incentive

Annual performance plan or bonus (depending on your role) rewards your contribution to our success each year.

Retirement

Generous pension plan with company contributions up to 12%.

Private medical insurance for self and family.