Building a sustainable tomorrowThe AC Operations Director (Energy Networks England & Wales) is a senior leadership role reporting directly to the Business Unit Director for Energy Networks England & Wales. This role sits on the Energy Networks England & Wales Senior Leadership Team and plays a pivotal part in shaping and delivering the strategic direction of the business, supporting BAM UK & Ireland's divisional and segment purpose, vision, and objectives. The position will lead the operational delivery of all AC Transmission and Substation projects across England and Wales, ensuring safe, sustainable, and profitable performance while driving growth through strong client relationships, strategic alignment, and operational excellence. Working closely with the Regional Directors and Business Development teams, you will provide senior leadership and strategic direction across the business unit, achieving our safety, sustainability, operational, and financial goals through effective management of people, projects, supply chain partners, and clients, in line with our divisional strategy. You will focus on driving predictable profitability, operational discipline, and growth, ensuring the business continues to build strong partnerships with National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) and other strategic clients, whilst delivering critical infrastructure that supports the UK's energy transition and network resilience objectives. As a visible and inclusive leader, you will foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement, embedding BAM's values, strengthening collaboration across the business, and ensuring we continue to be recognised for excellence in safety, engineering, commissioning, and project delivery. Making PossibleAs AC Operations Director (Energy Networks England & Wales), you will be responsible for: Developing and executing the business unit strategy and budget to optimise operational performance, profitability, and project delivery across England and Wales. Leading the operational delivery of a portfolio of AC transmission infrastructure projects, including AIS and GIS substations, overhead line works, cable systems, network reinforcement, protection and control systems, and associated civil engineering works. Providing strategic leadership for all National Grid transmission projects, ensuring successful delivery against safety, quality, programme, and commercial objectives. Maintaining extensive knowledge of National Grid Electricity Transmission standards, specifications, governance requirements, outage planning processes, and commissioning procedures. Building and maintaining executive-level relationships with National Grid, key stakeholders, supply chain partners, and industry bodies to support growth and long-term strategic partnerships. Ensuring efficient integration between business development, pre-construction, engineering, procurement, and operational delivery teams. Driving operational excellence through robust project controls, risk management, governance, and performance management frameworks. Leading the successful management of transmission outages, energisation activities, and complex commissioning programmes, ensuring compliance with all client and regulatory requirements. Promoting innovation, digital delivery, modern construction techniques, and sustainable solutions across the transmission and substation portfolio. Supporting the wider divisional transformation agenda and ensuring alignment with BAM's strategic objectives and sustainability commitments. Providing visible leadership in health, safety, environment, and wellbeing performance, ensuring a relentless focus on Zero Harm principles. Candidates must demonstrate significant experience in the delivery of National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) projects and possess a comprehensive understanding of the UK Electricity Transmission sector, including regulatory frameworks, outage management, commissioning, energisation, and delivery of 132kV, 275kV and 400kV AC transmission infrastructure. A proven senior leader with extensive experience delivering major electricity transmission and substation projects within the UK energy sector. Significant operational leadership experience managing National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) frameworks, programmes, or major infrastructure projects. Deep technical understanding of AC transmission systems, including:132kV, 275kV and 400kV substationsAIS and GIS technologiesProtection and control systemsOverhead line infrastructureUnderground cable systemsCommissioning and energisation activitiesNetwork outage planning and deliveryStrong knowledge of National Grid technical specifications, policies, engineering standards and governance requirements. Demonstrable success in leading large multidisciplinary teams and complex project portfolios within highly regulated environments. Strong commercial and contractual acumen with experience delivering sustainable and profitable business performance. Proven ability to build trusted relationships with executive-level client stakeholders and strategic partners. Extensive experience of NEC contract management, risk mitigation, claims avoidance, and commercial governance. Track record of driving operational excellence, continuous improvement, and business transformation initiatives. Degree qualified (Engineering, Construction, Commercial or related discipline) or equivalent professional qualification. Key Success MeasuresSafe delivery of all projects with industry-leading health and safety performance. Achievement of operational and financial targets across the England & Wales AC portfolio. Strong client satisfaction and repeat business performance. Margin improvement and predictable project outcomes. Development and retention of high-performing teams. Successful work winning and growth of the England & Wales transmission business. Competitive salaryPerformance-related bonusCompany car/car allowanceA wide range of family-friendly policies8% matched pension contributionsPrivate healthcareLife assurance26 days holiday plus bank holidays2 wellbeing days1 volunteering dayPersonal and professional development opportunitiesAccess to industry-leading energy transition and transmission infrastructure programmesAbout BAMBuilding a sustainable tomorrow. It's how we engineer vital infrastructure and construct high-quality buildings as one of the largest construction companies in Europe. We're on an exciting journey to employ the best talent to join us regardless of social background, race, colour, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability or other characteristics. The application processFor more information about the vacancy and our projects, please contact Jonathan Schulte, Recruitment Manager, BAM UK & Ireland (Infrastructure), m: 07717 227890 / Email: jonathan.Business Assurance, Quality and SystemsEmployment type: Permanent
Operations / Business Development Manager (Permanent) in London employer: BAM UK & Ireland
BAM UK & Ireland is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises safety, quality, and employee well-being. With a strong focus on professional development, employees are encouraged to grow their skills in a supportive environment while enjoying competitive benefits such as a company car, comprehensive healthcare, and generous holiday allowances. Join us in leading innovative HV Substation projects and be part of a team that values collaboration and excellence.
