At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the power engineering function and shape London's transport network.
- Company: Transport for London, a key player in urban infrastructure.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and commitment to diversity.
- Other info: Join a forward-thinking team dedicated to innovation and sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on millions of Londoners' daily lives.
- Qualifications: Chartered Engineer status and extensive experience in complex infrastructure.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Reporting to the Head of Engineering Function – Operating Assets, this is a rare opportunity to shape the future of London’s transport network at the highest level. As Head of Profession Power, you will provide strategic and technical leadership for a high‑value, safety‑critical engineering discipline that underpins the capital’s transport system and infrastructure. You will be key in enabling the delivery of the Mayor’s Transport Strategy.
Acting as the recognised technical authority within your field, you will define engineering standards, guidelines and policy for London’s strategic energy network and associated equipment across London. You will influence enterprise‑wide strategy and ensure the integration of complex systems across a world‑class, multi‑modal transport network. This role is as much about people as it is about infrastructure. You will inspire and lead a high‑performing community of engineers, shaping capability through strategic workforce planning and fostering a culture of professional excellence, safety, and inclusion.
With significant influence across internal and external stakeholders, including national infrastructure bodies, cities worldwide, suppliers, industry partners and global transport organisations, you will position TfL at the forefront of engineering best practice and technical innovation. You will lead and be accountable for our power engineering function including the sub‑disciplines of network management, high‑voltage power, low‑voltage power and control and protection. You will support engineering outcomes, delivery of projects and our operational businesses. You will be part of delivering our carbon reduction and energy efficiency goals, and you will be delivering climate adaptation measures.
Operating at the heart of Transport for London’s Engineering & Asset Strategy Directorate, you will lead across the entire asset lifecycle—from long‑term planning through to delivery and continuous improvement—ensuring the network remains safe, sustainable and fit for the future. You will play a critical role in delivering the Mayor’s Transport Strategy and our Vision Zero Action Plan, driving innovation and efficiency, and embedding a “one network” mindset across engineering teams.
You will ensure compliance with the relevant legislation, internal standards, national and international guidelines and that internal regulatory responsibilities are appropriately discharged and that safe systems of work are in place. In conjunction with other teams, you will ensure the overall safety integrity of the power system including managing the interface to other national and local energy distribution networks. You will have specific expert knowledge of power assets, their design, installation and maintenance, as well as knowledge of interfacing across all adjacent assets/systems.
Expert knowledge regarding issues of inter‑operability with other transport systems components and type‑approval of safety‑critical assets is essential. You should also possess expert knowledge of relevant company, British, EU and international standards and their practical, pragmatic cost‑effective application. Showing personal and inspirational functional leadership, advocating modernisation and transformation to create a “can do” culture; you will move the business forward with all stakeholders, passionately demonstrating TfL’s vision and values.
You are an accomplished engineering leader with a track record of operating at scale within complex, regulated environments. You bring deep technical credibility combined with the ability to think strategically, enabling you to translate long‑term business objectives into actionable engineering strategies that deliver tangible outcomes for a major capital city. You are known for your ability to lead and unite diverse, multi‑disciplinary teams, creating a collaborative and high‑performing environment that drives results.
Your leadership style is inclusive and forward‑thinking, with a strong commitment to developing talent and embedding continuous learning across your function. Highly influential, you are comfortable engaging at executive level, shaping decision‑making, and building strong partnerships both internally and externally. You are equally adept at navigating complexity, analysing data, and making informed decisions that balance safety, performance, cost and innovation.
Above all, you are motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the daily lives of millions of Londoners by ensuring the resilience, reliability and sustainability of the city’s transport infrastructure.
A Chartered Engineer (or equivalent) with extensive experience in the specification, design, testing, assurance, commissioning, maintenance and operation of power systems, ideally a Fellow of the Institution of Power Engineers or the Institution of Engineering and Technology or similar.
Essential Criteria (must have):
- Chartered Engineer status (or equivalent) and recognised professional standing within your discipline
- Extensive experience leading engineering strategy and technical delivery within large‑scale, complex infrastructure environments
- Proven expertise in developing and implementing engineering standards and ensuring compliance with regulatory and safety requirements
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with experience engaging at senior executive and industry level
- Demonstrated leadership of multi‑disciplinary teams, including capability development, workforce planning and performance management
- Significant experience operating within asset management and full lifecycle environments, including major programmes and operational systems
- Deep knowledge of transport systems or comparable complex asset environments, including commercial, legal and procurement considerations
- Track record of driving innovation, continuous improvement and efficiency within engineering or technical functions
- Ability to operate effectively in highly complex, safety‑critical and regulated environments while managing risk and delivering outcomes
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We want to represent the city we serve, which will help us become a more innovative and efficient organisation. Our goal is to make our recruitment as inclusive as possible. We are a disability confident employer who guarantee an interview to any disabled candidate who meets all of the essential criteria.
Hybrid working within this role enables a balance of 50 per cent of time split between the office and home over a 4‑week period. Hybrid working arrangements can evolve subject to business requirements.
Head of Profession - Power employer: Future of London
Transport for London (TfL) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and inclusivity. With a strong commitment to employee growth, TfL provides opportunities for professional development while ensuring a healthy work-life balance through hybrid working arrangements. Employees enjoy generous benefits, including free travel on the TfL network, a final salary pension scheme, and a focus on equality, diversity, and inclusion, making it a rewarding place to build a meaningful career in the heart of London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Profession - Power
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Head of Profession - Power role you’re after at Future of London.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Future of London a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Future of London.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Head of Profession - Power at Future of London, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Profession - Power
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Head of Profession - Power, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Future of London a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Future of London specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Future of London
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Future of London, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Future of London want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.