Job Description
HV Transmission Senior Project Engineer
Leading Contractor | Energy Sector | Plymouth-based | Hybrid | Long‑term Contract | Outside IR35 | Competitive Rate | Grid Experience Essential
What You'll Be Doing
- Project Leadership & Delivery: Support project directors and senior managers in overall project delivery; take accountability for project success from initiation to close‑out; manage project planning, design coordination, construction delivery and commissioning; brief engineered solutions to working parties and ensure effective execution; oversee the entire project lifecycle including warranty and handover.
- Design & Technical Management: Lead value engineering and design optimisation; manage design teams and ensure all deliverables meet customer specifications; develop design programmes and coordinate timely delivery; support statutory liaison (planning, building control, utilities); manage change control and technical decision‑making.
- Team Leadership & Development: Care for and develop people delivering the works; promote high‑performance teams and build internal talent pipeline; communicate project expectations clearly and ensure accountability; create a positive safety culture and lead by example; support training and capability development.
- Commercial & Cost Control: Own budget and monitor expenditure against plan; control costs through efficient resourcing and re‑work minimisation; manage cash flow and resolve billing/payment issues; identify cost‑recovery opportunities; balance operational and commercial constraints in decision‑making; manage change orders and commercial variations.
- Safety & Compliance: Take responsibility for safety and welfare of public, employees and supply chain; conduct safety tours and promote observation and safety initiatives; lead accident and incident investigations; review and accept contractor RAMS; ensure compliance with H&S management systems; create and maintain positive safety culture.
- Monitoring & Reporting: Monitor compliance to customer requirements, objectives and constraints; report on time, cost, quality and safety performance; manage daily progress tracking and project records; prepare internal and external project reports; escalates issues and manage risk register.
- Procurement & Supply Chain: Manage subcontractors and monitor progress; ensure procurement plans align with project schedules; requisition equipment and materials; manage supplier relationships and contractual arrangements.
Essential Experience & Qualifications
- Grid substation project experience with a proven track record delivering HV transmission projects on Grid frameworks.
- HND or degree in engineering, management or construction discipline.
- Minimum 8‑10 years experience in complex project delivery environments.
- Demonstrated design management experience on infrastructure projects.
- Proven project delivery track record on major energy or infrastructure programmes.
- Strong commercial awareness, budget management, cost control and change management.
- Excellent leadership capability – comfortable managing and developing teams.
- Strong communication skills – engaging with clients, stakeholders and internal teams.
- Safety‑focused mindset, commitment to safe systems of work.
- Current driving licence.
- Desirable: experience with a variety of grid substation project types; professional body membership (APM or similar); CSCS and SMSTS or equivalent certifications; NGNSI4, NSI6 or NSI8 accreditation; understanding of standard forms of contracts (NEC, FIDIC); experience implementing safety systems of work.
Contract Details
- Outside IR35
- Competitive rate
- Plymouth‑based, hybrid working
- Long‑term contract
Why This Role
You will be based in Plymouth with two days per week in the office and flexible working for the remainder of your time. You’ll report to senior project management and take a key leadership role on HV transmission projects, managing design, construction, budgets and teams. This is hands‑on project leadership on strategically important energy infrastructure, with responsibility for technical and commercial decisions, team performance, client satisfaction and project profitability.
You’ll be working for a leading contractor on significant energy infrastructure programmes. Your grid experience and delivery track record are genuinely valued, and this role offers competitive rates, long‑term engagement on major energy projects, flexible working from Plymouth and genuine leadership opportunities on complex, high‑profile programmes.
