Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead substation engineering, ensuring safe and high-quality design solutions.
- Company: Join Freedom, a leading independent engineering firm with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, pension contributions, private medical insurance, and flexible benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the energy sector while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in substation design and a degree in Electrical Engineering.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with clear development paths and ongoing training.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 84000 £ per year.
As Head of Substation (Plant & P&C Design) you will lead the substation engineering function responsible for both electrical plant and Protection & Control (P&C) design across substations from distribution up to transmission voltages (typically 33kV–400kV). You will act as the technical authority and strategic lead for substation design, ensuring delivery of safe, compliant, high-quality engineering solutions that meet client requirements, regulatory standards, and industry best practice.
Responsibilities
- Shape technical strategy, develop design processes, manage multi-disciplinary teams, support business development, and engage with key external stakeholders including UK Transmission Operators (e.g., National Grid, SSEN), Distribution Network Operators, contractors, and clients.
- Lead and evolve the substation design function (both Plant and P&C disciplines), defining technical standards, best practices, and long-term capability goals.
- Champion safety-by-design, quality assurance, and compliance with UK/EU legislation and industry standards (ENA, BS, IEC).
- Align design resources with business strategy, project pipeline, and client commitments.
Technical Authority
- Oversee Primary (Plant) design, including specification, layout, and detailed engineering of switchgear, transformers, buswork, earthing, auxiliary supplies, and associated equipment.
- Direct Protection & Control design strategy, including protection philosophies, schemes, relay settings, interlocking, SCADA interfaces, logic, and communications systems.
- Approve design deliverables, ensuring technical integrity, constructability, and compliance with relevant utility technical requirements.
Project Delivery & Governance
- Provide technical governance on major substation projects from concept through FEED, detailed design, construction support, and commissioning.
- Drive quality, consistency, and risk mitigation across design work packages and oversee design assurance processes.
- Engage in tender preparation, bid support, estimating, and scope definition to secure new work.
People Leadership
- Build, coach, and mentor a high-performing team of engineers and technical specialists.
- Define career pathways, training plans, and performance objectives within the substation design function.
- Facilitate effective multidisciplinary collaboration with civil, structural, overhead line, cables, and project management teams.
Client & Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as a senior technical representative in meetings with clients, regulators, and partners.
- Liaise with external design houses, equipment vendors, contractors, and suppliers to optimise technical solutions and delivery outcomes.
- Manage feedback loops with clients to inform continuous improvement and foster strong commercial relationships.
What we’re looking for
- Proven senior experience in substation design leadership within the UK-Transmission & Distribution sector.
- Deep understanding of electrical plant engineering and Protection & Control systems for substation environments up to 400kV.
- Strong knowledge of UK/National Grid technical standards, grid codes, and regulatory frameworks.
- Experience with design tools and engineering software (e.g., AutoCAD, EPlan, ETAP/DIgSILENT, protection coordination tools).
Qualifications
- MEng / BEng Degree in Electrical Engineering
- Chartered Engineer (CEng) with IET (or working towards it) advantageous.
- Previous experience interfacing with UK Transmission Operators (e.g., National Grid ESO) and DNOs.
Why Join Us
- Pension with up to 8% employer contribution
- Private Medical Insurance
- Personal Wellbeing and Volunteer Days
- Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme (Hybrid/Electric Vehicle)
- Flexible benefits (e.g., Dental Insurance, Gym Memberships, Tax-Free Bikes)
- Ongoing Training & Development Programme
Next Steps & About Us
Next Steps: We’re on a journey to build a culture where everyone is included, treated fairly and with respect. We’ll outline the recruitment process ahead of time. If you require accommodations to participate in the application or interview process, please let us know and we will work with you to ensure your needs are met.
About Us: Freedom are part of the NG Bailey Group, one of the leading independent engineering and services businesses in the UK. Founded in 1921, with a turnover of £500m and 3000 employees. We work across building and infrastructure sectors, delivering innovative solutions with latest tools and technologies. Progression is valued with clearly defined development paths and ongoing support.
Head of Substation in Stowmarket employer: Freedom
Contact Detail:
Freedom Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Substation in Stowmarket
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. We want to show that we’re genuinely interested in their work, especially in substation design. Tailor your answers to reflect how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or mentors. We can help each other refine our responses and boost our confidence before facing the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows we appreciate the opportunity and keeps us fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Substation in Stowmarket
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head of Substation role. Highlight your leadership in substation design and any relevant projects you've managed to show us you're the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about substation engineering and how your experience aligns with our needs. Be sure to mention any key stakeholders you've worked with, like National Grid or DNOs.
Showcase Your Technical Expertise: We want to see your technical chops! Include details about your experience with electrical plant engineering and Protection & Control systems. Mention any design tools you’re proficient in, like AutoCAD or ETAP, to give us a clear picture of your capabilities.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at Freedom!
How to prepare for a job interview at Freedom
✨Know Your Technical Stuff
As the Head of Substation, you'll need to demonstrate a deep understanding of electrical plant engineering and Protection & Control systems. Brush up on UK technical standards and be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past projects.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
You'll be leading a team, so it's crucial to highlight your experience in building and mentoring high-performing teams. Prepare examples of how you've developed career pathways and training plans for your team members.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since client and stakeholder engagement is key, think of instances where you've successfully liaised with external design houses or regulators. Be ready to discuss how you managed feedback loops to improve project outcomes.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about challenges you've faced in substation design and how you ensured compliance with safety and quality standards while delivering projects.
