Lead Project Manager (Building Services)

Great Britain's electricity infrastructure is undergoing an ambitious, exciting and vital transformation. Together with industry, we are creating a cleaner, greener system, one that protects the planet and serves generations to come.

We are looking to recruit a Lead Project Manager to support delivery of the Eastern Green Link 2 (EGL2) project with responsibility for the HVDC auxiliary systems and building services. EGL2 is a 2GW high voltage direct current (HVDC) electrical ‘superhighway’ cable link to be built between Peterhead in Aberdeenshire, Scotland and Drax in North Yorkshire, England. This project creates an increased boundary transfer capacity between Scotland and England, accommodating increased renewable generation in Scotland. This will create huge consumer benefits through reducing constraints as well as being key to the net zero agenda.

The project is being jointly delivered by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks Transmission (SSENT) and National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET). This role will be within the EGL2 Wren Hall Converter Station delivery team, which is being built next to Drax Power Station in North Yorkshire. The roles require a hybrid working approach with a mix of home, site and office working, our offices are presently in Leeds, so ideally you’ll be located within an hour of Leeds or Drax. We continue to offer hybrid working as part of our work/life balance commitment. We are open to full time and part time applicants, as well as flexible working arrangements.

About You

What we do isn’t just important – it’s essential. That’s why we look to recruit experts in their field. In this case, we’re looking for someone who crucially is:

• Knowledgeable about the auxiliary power systems, electrical plant, auxiliary building layout and equipment such as auxiliary transformers, MV & LV switchgear, diesel generators, UPS, batteries, earthing design, small power and lighting, cable containment design, fire alarm systems, emergency power systems, security systems including CCTV, telecoms and integration of building management systems into HVDC OEM control systems.
• Driven and enthusiastic about building the kind of infrastructure that will help make Net Zero.
• Demonstrates significant experience in project development and delivery of complex high value schemes safely, on time and to budget. Experience of developing/construction of energy/infrastructure projects is advantageous.
• Knowledgeable on the application of CDM.
• Knowledgeable about EPC contracts.
• Knowledge of the UK transmission system is desirable but not essential.
• Can work in a busy, buoyant environment with lots of variety and change. You’ll need to be resilient, driven, and good at prioritising and managing your own time, particularly when the unexpected crops up.
• Good with people too - the strength of a project depends on excellent teamwork.
• Makes decisions based on the greater good and carefully considers the communities you are working in.
• Overnight travel will be required occasionally to visit our joint venture partners, suppliers or training for example.
• Ideally a Chartered Engineer or working towards this.
• Possesses or working towards a professional Project Management qualification.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At National Grid, we’re committed to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace for everyone. So if you’re excited about this role but your experience or qualifications don’t match the job description exactly, we encourage you to apply anyway. You might just be the right person for our growing business in this role or another one.

What You’ll Do

• You’ll be the leader in a team of project managers, taking accountability for the project and some of the decision making, reporting to the Senior Project Manager.
• As an experienced Project Manager, you will support and mentor the wider team to develop capability and ensure resilience, including undertaking additional duties as delegated by the Senior Project Manager.
• Working across the wider project team you will support with the development of key regulatory submissions.
• You’ll identify potential risks and opportunities within the project(s).
• Enabling project governance and control, you will track the performance and progress of projects.
• You will lead change management for the project(s).
• You’ll ensure project reporting is robust and fits the needs of key stakeholders.
• Driving active management of technical queries and issues, you’ll manage until timely conclusion.
• Some financial may be required. Procurement / contract management and supply chain engagement is regularly required.
• Ensure internal and contractor compliance with Health & Safety, CDM & Environmental legislation as well as adherence to National Grid SHES standards.
• Enact/Support the role of Client's Delegated Representative and where appropriate, Principal Designer or arrange for the provision of Principal Designer for each project as required under CDM Regulations.
• Support the Senior Project Managers in the engagement of OFGEM to seek appropriate level of funding.
• Providing information and composing briefing and regulatory documents to support project assessment.
• Provide regular project status reports giving accurate financial forecasting, SHESQ performance, milestone progress & risk management data.
• Act as/support the NEC/FIDIC Project Manager.
• Drive customer and stakeholder satisfaction through positive engagement working pro-actively to avoid issues.
• Supported by a matrix organisation manage third party issues, land, consents, grantors, public relations, and local community stakeholder relationships to preserve National Grid's reputation.

What You’ll Get

A competitive starting salary between £61,000 – £75,000 dependent on capability plus brand new hybrid or fully electric car for company and personal use. Additionally as Lead Project Manager you’ll be paid a non-performance annual sum of £4500 on top of your basic salary. This is broken down and paid with monthly salary. As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus based on personal and company performance and a competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%. You will also have access to a number of flexible benefits such as a share incentive plan, salary sacrifice car and technology schemes, support via employee assistance lines and matched charity giving to name a few.

About Us

National Grid Strategic Infrastructure has a key role to play in tackling climate change by accelerating our capacity to deliver clean electricity across the UK. We already operate the fastest decarbonising electricity grid in the world, with an ambition for zero carbon operation by 2025. And by 2035, we want to run 100% clean, green energy, all the time. Here at National Grid, we connect homes and businesses to power, making sure supply and demand match each other. We make sure the lights are on in schools, operating theatres, and sporting arenas; we’re thousands of people working on behalf of millions of people. Our investment in Strategic Infrastructure via the Great Grid Upgrade will mean more home grown power, greater energy security and a cleaner future. Whatever your role, wherever you work with us, you’ll help us hit stretching targets and achieve our far-reaching goal: to secure, clean energy that supports our world far into the future. Here, you will be at the heart of energy.

More Information

This role closes on June 6th at 23:59, however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary. Interviews will be held in Leeds or Drax on June 23rd or June 24th. We work towards the highest standards in everything we do, including how we support, value and develop our people. Our aim is to encourage and support employees to thrive and be the best they can be. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office. We're committed to building a workforce that represents the communities we serve, and a working environment in which each individual feels valued, respected, fairly treated, and able to reach their full potential.