Senior Substation Design Director – HV Primary

Jacobs; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Jacobs is seeking a Senior Associate Director – Substations (Primary Design) to lead FEED and detailed design across high-profile power projects in the UK. You will steer HV AIS/GIS substations, HVDC systems and transmission assets, driving technical excellence and client value.

You’ll inspire multi-disciplinary teams, maintain strong stakeholder relationships, and shape standards while benefiting from flexible working options and a collaborative culture that values safety and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• HV substation experience 132kV–400kV incl. AIS/GIS/HVDC.
• Proven leadership delivering complex multi-disciplinary infra projects.
• Strong knowledge of UK transmission and distribution standards.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement.
• Strategic thinking with commercial acumen and BD track record.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership on FEED and detailed design for National Grid and DNOs.
• Oversee QA, resource planning, and capability development across projects.
• Lead technical reviews of HV plant layouts, earthing, interlocking, busbar calculations.
• Coordinate with back-office engineers, sub-contractors, and suppliers.
• Manage tender packages including technical and commercial submissions.
• Chair design and hazard review meetings and ensure technical assurance.
• Attend site visits, FAT and SAT as required.
• Mentor senior engineers and contribute to succession planning.
• Maintain and grow client relationships and support business development.
• Represent Jacobs in industry forums and help shape standards.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder management

Business development

Strategic thinking

Electrical engineering

Education

Degree in Electrical Engineering

LCDAE/PD TP137/TP141

Job description

Jacobs is seeking a Senior Associate Director – Substations (Primary Design) to lead FEED and detailed design across high-profile power projects in the UK. You will steer HV AIS/GIS substations, HVDC systems and transmission assets, driving technical excellence and client value.

You’ll inspire multi-disciplinary teams, maintain strong stakeholder relationships, and shape standards while benefiting from flexible working options and a collaborative culture that values safety and inclusion.