Senior Project Manager

People with Energy; Bournemouth; On-site; GBP 108,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive day rate

Paid travel

Long-term opportunity

High-profile projects

Job summary

People with Energy is seeking a Senior Project Manager to lead on-site delivery of EHV/HV substation projects across the UK. This hands-on role requires strong background in substation construction, HV infrastructure, and M&E project delivery, overseeing budgets and timelines.

The successful candidate will manage complex transmission projects, interface with National Grid, DNOs and regulators, and ensure safe, compliant operations on live sites across multiple regions.

Qualifications

• Senior Project Manager with experience in electricity transmission or distribution.
• Experience delivering EHV/HV substation construction and maintenance projects.
• Knowledge of National Grid and DNO standards and RAMS processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead EHV/HV substation projects from inception to commissioning.
• Oversee transformer replacement, refurbishment and busbar works.
• Manage budgets, schedules and resource plans to meet programme milestones.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary site teams and supervise subcontractors.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and quality standards.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Project leadership

Electrical engineering knowledge

CDM regulations

Education

HNC/HND or Degree in Electrical Engineering

PRINCE2 or equivalent

Tools

APM

PRINCE2

Job description

Senior Project Manager

Location: Bournemouth, , UK Type: Contract Vacancy Reference: 26-00200

Senior Project Manager - EHV Substations

Contract Type: Ltd Company Contract
Rate: Circa £550 per day (Dependant on experience)
Location: Bournemouth
Working Pattern: 5 Days Per Week On-Site
Travel: Paid

The Role:
We’re seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager to lead the delivery of EHV/HV substation construction and refurbishment projects across the UK. This is a hands‑on site-based role requiring a strong background in substation construction, HV electrical infrastructure, and M&E project delivery.
The successful candidate will take full responsibility for delivering complex transmission and distribution projects safely, on programme, and within budget while managing key stakeholder relationships including National Grid, DNOs, and regulatory authorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of EHV/HV substation construction projects from inception through to commissioning.
• Manage transformer replacement, refurbishment, repair, and maintenance activities on 132kV assets.
• Oversee 132kV busbar replacement and associated substation upgrade works.
• Manage maintenance and replacement programmes for breakers ranging from 33kV to 132kV.
• Coordinate and supervise multidisciplinary site teams including:
  • Electrical Fitters
  • Cable Jointers
  • Civil Engineering Teams
  • Specialist Subcontractors
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Review and approve RAMS and ensure safe systems of work are implemented across all projects.
• Conduct and oversee safety audits and site inspections.
• Monitor project budgets, forecasts, cost controls, and commercial performance.
• Develop and maintain project programmes and resource plans.
• Manage stakeholder communications and act as the primary point of contact with National Grid, DNOs, clients, and local authorities.
• Drive project delivery to achieve programme milestones and client satisfaction.

Candidate Requirements
Essential

• Proven experience as a Senior Project Manager within the electricity transmission or distribution sector.
• Strong background delivering:
  • EHV/HV substation construction projects
  • Transformer replacement and maintenance works
  • HV electrical infrastructure projects
  • M&E projects within utilities or energy sectors
• Experience managing projects involving voltage levels from 33kV to 132kV and above.
• Demonstrable knowledge of National Grid and DNO standards and procedures.
• Strong understanding of CDM regulations, RAMS, and construction health and safety requirements.
• Experience managing subcontractors and direct labour teams on live operational sites.
• Excellent stakeholder management and client-facing skills.
• Commercial awareness with experience managing project budgets and reporting.

Desirable

• AP/SAP authorisations.
• HNC/HND or Degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline.
• PRINCE2, APM, or equivalent Project Management qualification.
• SMSTS certification.
• Experience working on National Grid framework projects.

What's on Offer

• Competitive day rate of approximately £550 per day Ltd Company. (Dependant on experience)
• Paid travel.
• Possible long-term opportunity with a leading infrastructure contractor.
• High-profile transmission and distribution projects.
• Opportunity to lead complex EHV substation programmes across the UK.