Operations & Business Development Manager - Substations

Proman; Wales; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international energy firm is seeking a strategic business leader to drive transformational growth in the UK energy infrastructure market. This role involves overseeing business development strategies, operational excellence, and market engagement in Wales and Scotland. The ideal candidate will have over 8 years of experience in relevant sectors and demonstrate exceptional stakeholder management skills. Competitive remuneration and career progression opportunities are offered.

Benefits

Competitive remuneration

Performance-based incentives

Career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• 8+ years in business development or strategic leadership within energy or infrastructure sectors.
• Strong understanding of HV substations and power infrastructure.
• Exceptional negotiation skills and stakeholder management experience.

Responsibilities

• Set strategic direction for business development.
• Oversee operational performance of projects.
• Lead engagement with key stakeholders and develop relationships.

Skills

Business development

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder management

Analytical mindset

Education

Degree in Engineering or Business

MBA

Job description

Overview

This is an exceptional opportunity for a commercially minded, strategically driven business leader to join a growing international platform and lead transformational growth across the UK energy infrastructure market. The successful candidate will spearhead business development and operational strategy for the organisation, driving market expansion, partnership growth, and operational excellence across Wales and Scotland.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic & Commercial Leadership
  Set the strategic direction for business development in Wales & Scotland, aligning with overall corporate growth objectives.
• Strategic & Commercial Leadership (continued)
  Lead origination and execution of high-value transactions — including acquisitions, joint ventures, and development partnerships — from early-stage identification through to investment case and delivery.
• Strategic & Commercial Leadership (continued)
  Drive market positioning and portfolio expansion through a mix of organic growth and strategic alliances.
• Strategic & Commercial Leadership (continued)
  Evaluate and prioritise opportunities based on commercial, technical, regulatory, and financial factors.
• Strategic & Commercial Leadership (continued)
  Provide strategic commercial insight into market dynamics, competitor activity, and regulatory changes to inform executive decision-making.
• Operational Excellence
  Oversee the operational performance of projects, ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and delivery standards.
• Operational Excellence (continued)
  Collaborate with technical and project delivery teams to optimise operational efficiency, cost control, and customer satisfaction.
• Operational Excellence (continued)
  Implement performance metrics, reporting frameworks, and continuous improvement initiatives across active and pipeline projects.
• Market Development & Relationship Management
  Lead engagement with key external stakeholders, including developers, institutional investors, regulators, TSOs, and government bodies.
• Market Development & Relationship Management (continued)
  Represent the organisation at industry forums, trade events, and strategic negotiations to enhance visibility and strengthen market influence.
• Market Development & Relationship Management (continued)
  Develop and maintain trusted relationships with clients, partners, and industry peers to identify collaboration and growth opportunities.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  Work closely with internal teams (Legal, M&A, Technical, Finance, Grid, ESG) to ensure seamless project progression and robust risk management.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration (continued)
  Contribute to the development and refinement of value propositions across the business and related technologies.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration (continued)
  Support corporate growth initiatives by identifying synergies between business development, project delivery, and operational functions.

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in Engineering, Business, or a related technical/commercial discipline (MBA desirable).
• Proven track record (8+ years) in business development, operations management, or strategic leadership within the energy, utilities, or infrastructure sectors.
• Strong understanding of HV substation systems, grid connections, and power infrastructure markets.
• Demonstrated success in executing commercial transactions, partnerships, or acquisitions.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and negotiation skills, with experience engaging at senior and regulatory levels.
• Analytical mindset with strong financial and strategic acumen.
• Willingness to travel regularly across the UK (primarily Wales and Scotland).

What's on Offer

• Opportunity to lead transformational growth in a high-impact, future-facing sector.
• Dynamic, international environment with strong career progression potential.
• Competitive remuneration and performance-based incentives