Senior Associate Director – Cable System Design - National Grid Projects (400kV)

Westwood Recruitment; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 93,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy and power consultancy in the UK is seeking a Senior Associate Director for Cable System Design, focusing on high-voltage projects. The role involves technical leadership on major schemes like HVDC interconnectors. Candidates should have over 16 years of relevant experience, a degree in Electrical Engineering, and a background in high-voltage cable systems. Flexible working options are available, emphasizing work-life balance and career development.

Benefits

Competitive salary structures

Medical cover

Professional development funding

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• 16+ years of experience in the power sector.
• Experience in consultancy, contracting or utility settings.
• Chartered Engineer or progressing towards chartership.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate HV/EHV cable system design across project phases.
• Manage coordination with engineering teams and stakeholders.
• Ensure project designs meet safety and legislative requirements.

Skills

High-voltage cable system design

Stakeholder engagement

Project delivery

Communication

Education

Degree in Electrical Engineering

Chartered Engineer (IET)

Tools

CYMCAP

COMSOL

Job description

Title:

Senior Associate Director – Cable System Design - National Grid Projects (400kV)

Location:

UK (flexible)

Experience:

16+ years

Salary:

Up to £110,000+ (Flexibility dependant on experience)

About the Client:

Our client is a key organisation in the Energy & Power sector, delivering holistic solutions across energy networks, conventional and renewable generation, and storage technologies. They support major programmes globally, helping countries and cities transition from traditional thermal power assets to cleaner, modern, sustainable energy systems.

A career with our client offers exposure to high-impact projects, opportunities to solve complex engineering challenges, and the chance to contribute to work that has a tangible influence on communities and the wider environment. They place strong emphasis on supporting professional growth and enabling people to thrive.

The Opportunity:

As part of their continued expansion across the UK and Continental Europe, our client is seeking a Senior Associate Director – Cable System Design. The successful candidate will contribute technical leadership across a number of major schemes involving high-voltage AIS / GIS substations, transmission network assets, HVDC interconnectors and utility‑scale storage facilities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Significant experience gained within consultancy, contracting, or utility settings in the power sector.
• Strong background in cable-related engineering, supporting both FEED and detailed design activities.
• Lead and coordinate HV / EHV cable system design through all phases of project delivery.
• Proficient with CYMCAP and COMSOL for modelling and system assessment.
• Familiarity with EHV transmission voltage environments.
• In-depth experience designing HV and EHV cable systems for HVAC and HVDC applications.
• Develop specifications, undertake conceptual / detailed design, lead reviews, provide cost input, and offer on-site support where required.
• Offer technical direction and guidance on all aspects of HV cable system engineering.
• Prepare specifications for plant, equipment, cable routes, tender documentation, and technical reporting.
• Manage coordination with multidisciplinary engineering teams; represent the client in internal and external meetings with stakeholders, contractors, and partners.
• Support factory acceptance testing activities.
• Carry out cable‑related calculations (sizing, rating, TMF / EMF, sheath voltage, etc.).
• Undertake design verification, review and approval tasks.
• Ensure project designs meet CDM requirements, relevant legislation and internal governance.
• Promote high standards of health, safety and environmental performance.
• Contribute to temporary works design as required.
• Maintain constructive and collaborative relationships with clients, designers, project teams, and supply chain partners.
• Advise engineering teams on construction techniques and setting‑out approaches.
• Ensure drawings and specifications contain all necessary detail; raise formal requests where information is outstanding to avoid schedule impacts.
• Produce risk assessments and method statements.
• Ensure inspection and test plans are delivered in accordance with project management plans and specifications, including verification of dimensions and quality checks.

Qualifications:

• Degree in Electrical Engineering or closely related discipline.
• Chartered Engineer (IET) or progressing towards chartership.
• CDAE and TP141 authorisation experience preferred.

Skills & Experience:

• Strong background in high‑voltage cable system design (132kV–400kV) within UK transmission and distribution environments.
• Good understanding of National Grid and DNO standards and procedures.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement capabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in demanding environments.
• Track record of leading technical workstreams and supporting strategic aspects of project delivery.

Working Environment & Flexibility:

The client places high value on work‑life balance and supports flexible working arrangements. Their Energy & Power teams are based across several UK offices—including London, Birmingham, Reading, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow and Exeter—though applicants from any UK location are welcomed. Hybrid, part‑time, or other flexible arrangements can be discussed.

What the Client Offers:

The organisation is committed to influencing the global energy transition and welcomes innovative thinking in how solutions are developed and delivered. Employees join an international community where knowledge is shared across regions to address global challenges in collaborative and forward‑thinking ways.

They invest heavily in professional development, providing opportunities to mentor emerging engineers and build a legacy through knowledge‑sharing. Their benefits package includes competitive salary structures, medical cover, digital GP access, enhanced parental support, employee assistance programmes, and funding for relevant professional memberships. Community involvement is encouraged through matched funding, volunteering initiatives, and charitable contributions.

Culture & Values:

The client’s culture is anchored in safety, integrity, inclusion, and respect. They prioritise mental wellbeing and create environments where colleagues feel valued and supported. Their commitment to diversity is reflected in the broad range of employee networks across the organisation.

As a Disability Confident employer, they guarantee interviews for disabled applicants who meet essential role criteria. They also welcome applications from individuals seeking flexibility or those who may not match every requirement listed. Adjustments to the recruitment process can be provided upon request.

They aim to create a positive and transparent candidate experience, and feedback is always welcomed throughout the recruitment process.

Disclaimer:

By submitting your resume to Westwood Recruitment Solutions Ltd, you acknowledge and agree to the following: Westwood Recruitment Solutions Ltd acts as an employment agency and will work to find suitable employment opportunities for you. We do not guarantee employment. You agree that all information submitted to Westwood Recruitment Solutions Ltd is accurate and truthful. You agree to hold Westwood Recruitment Solutions Ltd harmless for any liabilities arising from employment, and to treat all candidate data as confidential.