Substations Director: Lead Primary Design (HV/GIS)

Jacobs; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working hours

Hybrid/remote working options

Job summary

Jacobs is seeking a Director – Substations (Primary Design) to drive the strategic direction of its UK/Europe Substation Primary capability. You will lead FEED and detailed design workstreams, ensure technical governance, and shape bids for major clients such as National Grid and DNOs.

You will recruit and develop engineering talent, manage billability, and influence industry standards while representing Jacobs in industry forums and client engagements.

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• LCDAE/PD (TP137) and TP141 authorisation.
• Recognised authority in HV substation engineering (132kV–400kV), including AIS/GIS and HVDC systems.
• Proven leadership across large-scale infrastructure programmes and multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience in bid strategy and client engagement.
• Demonstrated success in team growth, recruitment, and capability development.
• Excellent communication, strategic thinking, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to influence technical standards and contribute to industry innovation.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead the strategic direction of Jacobs’ Substation Primary capability across the UK and Europe.
• Provide executive leadership on FEED and detailed design workstreams for National Grid and DNO clients.
• Ensure quality assurance, technical governance, and delivery excellence across all substation projects.
• Lead recruitment, onboarding, and development of engineering talent to support growth and delivery.
• Drive team billability, utilisation, and performance metrics aligned with business objectives.
• Oversee resource planning and ensure adequate training and capability development.
• Lead and support major bids, including technical strategy, resource alignment, and client engagement.
• Review HV plant aspects including layouts, earthing, interlocking, busbar calculations, and specifications.
• Chair high-level design reviews, hazard reviews, and technical assurance meetings.
• Attend site visits, FAT and SAT as required.
• Represent Jacobs in industry bodies and forums, influencing standards and best practices.
• Maintain and grow strategic client relationships, supporting business development and market positioning.

Skills

HV substation leadership

Bid strategy

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Electrical Engineering

Job description

Jacobs is seeking a Director – Substations (Primary Design) to drive the strategic direction of its UK/Europe Substation Primary capability. You will lead FEED and detailed design workstreams, ensure technical governance, and shape bids for major clients such as National Grid and DNOs.

You will recruit and develop engineering talent, manage billability, and influence industry standards while representing Jacobs in industry forums and client engagements.