Operations Manager - Substations

National Grid; Ashford; Hybrid; GBP 76,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company car

Bonus up to 30%

Hybrid working

Job summary

National Grid in the UK is seeking an Operations Manager - Substations to lead the safe, reliable operation of transmission substations across four sites in East Kent, ensuring regulatory compliance and optimal asset performance.

You will manage 9 direct reports and a wider team of around 35 FTE, drive a strong safety culture, coordinate preventative maintenance and fault response, support major capital works, and champion continuous improvement in a hybrid working environment near Sellindge,

Qualifications

• A minimum HNC/Level 4 qualification in Engineering, preferably electrical.
• Proven Safety Leadership.
• Experience leading dispersed teams and direct reports.
• Experience managing costs, performance and commerciality.
• Excellent communication across teams and stakeholders.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Live within 45 minutes of Sellindge, Kent.

Responsibilities

• Oversee safe, efficient, and resilient operation of transmission substations across four sites in East Kent.
• Lead 9 direct reports and a wider team of circa 35 FTE.
• Coordinate preventative maintenance, fault response, and cross-functional projects.
• Support major capital works to deliver a reliable electricity transmission network 24/7.
• Foster a strong safety culture and continuous improvement.

Skills

Safety leadership

People leadership

Communication skills

Driving licence

Education

HNC/Level 4 in Engineering (Electrical preferred)

Job description

How do you ensure the safety and development of your team to meet business requirements?

Are you ready to take on a senior role helping to shape the electricity transmission network for local communities and the next generation? As part of the Great Grid Upgrade, we’re modernising an electricity system that has served the country for more than 60 years - making it stronger, cleaner, and more resilient for the future.

As an Operations Manager - Substations, you will be responsible for the safe, efficient and resilient operation of electricity transmission substations across 4 operational sites in the East Kent area. Leading 9 direct reports and a wider team of circa 35 FTE, you will bring visible, confident and experienced people leadership to a dispersed operational workforce, creating the conditions for high performance, continuous improvement and a strong safety culture.

This is a key role in ensuring optimal asset performance, regulatory compliance and lifecycle management across a complex, nationally significant environment. You will lead technical teams, coordinate cross-functional projects, oversee preventative maintenance and fault response, and support major capital works that will help deliver a reliable electricity transmission network 24/7. Your ability to bring people together, manage a variety of personalities and backgrounds, and communicate clearly across teams, stakeholders and sites will be essential.

We are looking for a leader who can bring new energy and a new voice to the operation - someone who is visible on site, able to build trust quickly, and committed to performance through coaching, accountability and continuous improvement. We offer a dynamic and flexible working environment where hybrid working is embedded in our culture, with a mix of site and home working to support a healthy work-life balance. To support the operational needs of this role, you will live within 45 minutes commute of Sellindge, Kent.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• A minimum HNC/Level 4 qualification in Engineering, preferably electrical.
• Proven Safety Leadership.
• Significant operational people leadership experience - direct reports, including leading dispersed teams.
• Managing costs, performance and commerciality.
• Excellent communication skills, with the confidence to engage clearly across teams, sites and stakeholders.
• A current full driving licence which allows you to drive in the UK is essential.
• You will live within 45 minutes commute of Sellindge, Kent.

Desirable

• Experience in Electricity Transmission or Distribution, Maintenance and/or Construction operations.
• NEBOSH (or willing to work towards).

Pay and Benefits

• £76,000-£85,000 salary, + company car + 30% bonus opportunity.
• 28 days annual leave + contribution pension totalling up to 18%