Principal Designer - HV/EHV Substations & CDM Lead

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working policy

Gymflex scheme

Thrive programme

WSP My Hour

Flexible working options

Leave purchase and holiday flex

Job summary

WSP in the UK & Ireland is seeking a Principal Designer for HV/EHV infrastructure projects. You will lead the design phase, manage multidisciplinary teams, and ensure health, safety and regulatory compliance across 11kV to 132kV schemes.

The role emphasises design governance, risk management, and collaboration with clients and suppliers. You will shape robust, buildable solutions while maintaining programme and budget objectives, with hybrid working across UK offices and sites.

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent with HV/EHV experience.
• Proven CDM Principal Designer experience and design risk knowledge.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary design teams through full lifecycle.
• Strong HV/EHV substations knowledge, incl. 11kV–132kV.
• Understanding of relevant standards, legislation, and safety by design.

Responsibilities

• Undertake the CDM Principal Designer role for HV/EHV projects.
• Lead and coordinate the design phase with multidisciplinary teams.
• Review technical specs for substation upgrades and new builds 11kV–132kV.
• Ensure robust, buildable, compliant design solutions.
• Manage design risk and health/safety throughout the lifecycle.
• Chair design reviews, hazard workshops, and stakeholder sessions.
• Provide design governance and assurance per requirements.
• Support construction phase with design leadership and changes.
• Monitor design performance against programme and budget.
• Build strong client/supplier relationships on CDM matters.

Skills

CDM Principal Designer

Electrical engineering

HV/EHV substations

Design governance

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Project design lifecycle

Education

Degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

AIS systems

GIS installations

Job description

WSP in the UK & Ireland is seeking a Principal Designer for HV/EHV infrastructure projects. You will lead the design phase, manage multidisciplinary teams, and ensure health, safety and regulatory compliance across 11kV to 132kV schemes.

The role emphasises design governance, risk management, and collaboration with clients and suppliers. You will shape robust, buildable solutions while maintaining programme and budget objectives, with hybrid working across UK offices and sites.