Head of Electrical Engineering

VVB delivers sustainable mechanical, electrical and telecommunication engineering solutions with expertise and long-standing experience across Rail, Highways, Power, and Tunnels. Combining robust processes with specialist agility, our approach to projects always takes into account the best interests of our clients, our people and our environment. At VVB, our CORE values shape our behaviour and are apparent in everything we do:

• C – Care & Collaboration
• O – Opportunity & Ownership
• R – Responsibility & Respect
• E – Excellence & End Result Focus

We are looking for an experienced and forward-thinking individual to spearhead and develop our Electrical Engineering and Design function. This is a critical leadership role where you will drive technical excellence, support major infrastructure projects, and mentor the next generation of engineers. You will be responsible for building and managing our Electrical Engineering team, developing our in-house design capabilities, and ensuring all works are delivered safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards. You will play a key role in supporting project delivery, assuring design quality, enhancing company processes, and driving innovation across VVB's engineering operations.

Responsibilities:

• Lead, develop, and mentor the Electrical Engineering team.
• Establish and grow VVB’s Electrical design capabilities.
• Provide technical leadership on all electrical systems (LV, HV up to 33kV, lighting, CMS, earthing, UPS, VSDs, DCS, PLC, SCADA, BMS, etc.).
• Ensure engineering works comply with HSE regulations and standards.
• Develop and maintain engineering processes and procedures.
• Support business growth through technical input into tenders and client relationships.
• Ensure robust peer-review and audit processes for project compliance and learning.
• Support accident investigations and oversee project safety from a technical perspective.
• Champion continuous improvement, knowledge sharing, and CPD across the company.

Skills and Experience:

• Strong technical knowledge of Electrical and Process Design, installation standards, BIM, DSEAR and HSE legislation.
• Proficiency in Electrical design software (e.g., Amtech, E-tap, Dialux).
• Hands-on experience with low and high voltage systems up to 33kV.
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and people development skills.
• Experience with hazardous area design (ATEX compliance).
• Sound understanding of design risk assessment and compliance requirements.

Desirable:

• Use of MS Project or similar project planning software.
• CompEX Responsible Person (EX14) certification.
• Knowledge of harmonics correction and power factor correction.

Qualifications:

Essential:

• Degree in Electrical Engineering.
• NEBOSH Construction Health and Safety Certificate.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) registered with the Engineering Council.
• Membership of a recognised institution (IMechE, CIBSE, IET or equivalent).
• BS 7671 (18th Edition Wiring Regulations).
• C&G Inspection and Testing 2391-52 qualification.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Desired:

• Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering.
• Project management qualification (APM, Prince2 or equivalent).
• Sustainability awareness.
• Authorised Engineer training.

Competencies and Behaviours:

Essential:

• Collaborative and forward-thinking leader.
• Decisive under pressure, able to prioritise and delegate effectively.
• Flexible, with a positive ‘can do’ attitude.
• Experienced mentor for graduate and junior engineers.
• Strong leadership and excellent communication skills.
• Fluent in English, both written and verbal, at a technical level.
• Builds strong relationships at all levels of the business and with clients.
• Balances client needs with business objectives.
• Self-motivated with a drive for both personal and company development.
• Willingness to travel nationally and stay overnight if required.
• IT proficient (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Desired:

• Good contractual and commercial awareness.
• Understanding of sustainability and environmental impact.
• Familiarity with legal processes (e.g., expert witness roles).

Experience:

Essential:

• Minimum 15 years’ experience in an infrastructure or heavy industrial environment.
• Hands-on experience as a Design Engineer, Project Engineer, and Commissioning Engineer.

Desired:

• Experience working for both M&E contractors and client/main contractors.
• Network Rail CRE (Contractor’s Responsible Engineer) experience.

VVB values the benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to treating all prospective and current employees with dignity regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnerships, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. All employees must demonstrate commitment and enthusiasm in promoting the principles of equality in employment and service delivery.

NO EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES