Job Summary
The Senior Project Manager (Energy - Transmission & Distribution) will lead Dragados UK & Ireland's business development, market engagement and pre-construction activities within the electricity transmission and distribution sectors across the UK and Ireland.
Reporting directly to the Business Development Director, the role will be responsible for identifying, developing and securing major opportunities across transmission networks, substations, overhead lines, underground cable systems, grid reinforcement programmes, renewable energy connections, battery storage infrastructure and wider energy transition projects.
The position combines strategic business development, client engagement, bid leadership and technical oversight, acting as Dragados' market lead for the T&D sector. The role will support the establishment and growth of Dragados' presence in the UK energy market, leveraging the Group's international experience in energy, utilities and major infrastructure delivery.
The successful candidate will develop relationships with key clients, industry stakeholders, consultants, partners and supply chain organisations whilst providing leadership throughout opportunity identification, pursuit planning, tendering and mobilisation phases.
The role requires a commercially focused infrastructure professional with significant experience in the UK electricity transmission and distribution market, a strong industry network, and a proven track record of winning and delivering major energy infrastructure projects.
Key Responsibilities
1. Business Development & Market Leadership
- Lead Dragados' business development activities within the UK and Ireland transmission and distribution markets.
- Develop and maintain strategic relationships with key clients including National Grid, SSEN Transmission, SP Energy Networks, National Grid Electricity Distribution, Northern Powergrid, UK Power Networks, Electricity North West and other major utility organisations.
- Identify and assess pipeline opportunities across transmission, distribution and energy transition programmes.
- Support the development and implementation of sector growth strategies aligned with Dragados UK & Ireland business objectives.
- Monitor market trends, regulatory developments, investment programmes and procurement pipelines.
- Identify potential partners, joint venture opportunities and strategic alliances to strengthen Dragados' market position.
- Represent Dragados at client meetings, industry forums, conferences and stakeholder engagement events.
- Support bid/no-bid decisions and contribute to business planning activities.
2. Opportunity Development & Bid Leadership
- Lead the development of winning strategies for major transmission and distribution opportunities.
- Coordinate multidisciplinary bid teams comprising engineering, commercial, planning, procurement, HSEQ and operations functions.
- Establish delivery methodologies, construction strategies and project execution plans for tender submissions.
- Lead technical and commercial reviews to ensure bids are competitive, compliant and deliverable.
- Develop value engineering solutions and innovative delivery approaches that improve project outcomes and competitiveness.
- Oversee risk and opportunity workshops throughout the bid lifecycle.
- Support contract negotiations and commercial discussions with clients and partners.
- Participate in client presentations, competitive dialogue meetings and tender interviews.
3. Technical Leadership
- Provide technical leadership for transmission and distribution infrastructure opportunities.
- Review project scopes, technical requirements and delivery constraints.
- Support constructability reviews and delivery planning during pre-construction phases.
- Ensure proposed solutions align with industry best practices, safety requirements and client expectations.
- Advise on project execution strategies for:
- Transmission substations
- Distribution substations
- Overhead line infrastructure
- Underground cable systems
- Grid reinforcement works
- Renewable energy connections
- Battery energy storage systems (BESS)
- Energy transition programmes
- Engage with consultants, designers and specialist suppliers to develop robust delivery solutions.
4. Client & Stakeholder Management
- Develop long-term relationships with clients and key industry stakeholders.
- Act as a senior representative of Dragados within the energy sector.
- Support collaborative working arrangements with clients, delivery partners and supply-chain organisations.
- Promote Dragados' technical capabilities, international experience and delivery credentials.
- Gather market intelligence and customer feedback to support future opportunities.
5. Operational Handover & Mobilisation
- Support the transition of successful bids into project delivery.
- Ensure effective transfer of bid assumptions, risk registers, programme commitments and technical strategies to project teams.
- Provide support during mobilisation and early project phases.
- Maintain continuity between business development, tendering and delivery activities.
6. Leadership & Business Growth
- Support the continued growth of Dragados' energy sector capability in the UK and Ireland.
- Mentor and develop junior members of the business development and pre-construction teams.
- Promote collaboration across regional and international Dragados energy teams.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and knowledge sharing across the business.
Technical Skills and Competencies
- Comprehensive knowledge of the UK electricity transmission and distribution sector.
- Strong understanding of National Grid and DNO investment programmes.
- Experience of major energy infrastructure procurement and delivery models.
- Excellent commercial and contractual awareness, including NEC forms of contract.
- Strong knowledge of project development, pre-construction and bid management processes.
- Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams in complex and competitive environments.
- Strong stakeholder engagement, negotiation and presentation skills.
- Understanding of regulatory, environmental and planning requirements applicable to energy infrastructure.
- Demonstrable ability to identify opportunities, develop client relationships and convert pursuits into successful project awards.
- Strong analytical, strategic and problem-solving capabilities.
Qualifications, Certifications and Experience
- Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management or related discipline.
- Experience within the electricity transmission, distribution or wider energy infrastructure sector.
- Significant experience in Business Development, Pre-Construction, Project Management or Major Projects leadership roles.
- Proven track record of securing and delivering large-scale energy infrastructure projects.
- Strong network across UK utility clients, consultants and supply chain organisations.
- Experience working on major transmission and distribution programmes within the UK.
- Membership of a recognised professional institution
- SMSTS certification
- CSCS card
Dragados Values:
- Excellence: Promoting innovation, development, training and continuous improvement to achieve the highest quality of project delivery.
- Integrity: Acting ethically and transparently. Demanding the best standards of integrity from its employees, suppliers and other stakeholders.
- Trust: Nurturing positive relationships at all levels of the organisation, with our clients and supply chain by developing strong and long-term relationships based on mutual trust.
- Sustainability: Commitment to sustainable development to make an efficient and ethically responsible contribution to society and the environment.
- Profitability: Ensuring our profitability as well as contributing value to the communities in which we operate as part of our sustainability agenda.
Dragados is committed to act based on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion principles. Equal opportunities, non-discrimination and respect for human rights are basic principles contained in the Dragados Code of Conduct that apply to all Dragados employees.
Project Director in London employer: Dragados UK & Ireland
At Dragados UK & Ireland, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that prioritises the health, safety, and wellbeing of our team members. Our collaborative work culture fosters professional growth through mentorship and continuous development opportunities, ensuring that you can thrive in your role as a Senior Health Safety and Wellbeing Manager. Located in the UK, we offer a dynamic environment where your contributions directly impact sustainable safety outcomes on major projects, making your work both meaningful and rewarding.
