At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative power engineering projects and mentor multidisciplinary teams.
- Company: Join HDR, a leader in sustainable energy solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of energy and power systems.
- Qualifications: 12+ years in electrical engineering with leadership experience.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on safety and sustainability.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
Join to apply for the UK Power Technical Lead role at HDR. At HDR, our employee‑owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world? We believe electricity powers modern life. As part of our Power sector, you’ll help shape how electricity is generated, transmitted and delivered as global energy demands grow. From massive data centres to modernising transmission systems, our industry‑recognised engineers and scientists have been at the forefront of grid transformation for more than a century. You’ll work side‑by‑side with these experts and contribute to reliable, resilient and sustainable power systems, helping communities thrive and industries expand.
About The Role
As Technical Director, you will provide strategic oversight, technical governance, and mentorship to multidisciplinary teams, ensuring our designs and solutions meet the highest industry standards for safety, performance, and sustainability.
About The You
We are seeking a highly experienced Technical Director with a proven background in power engineering, substations, and electrical infrastructure to lead our technical strategy and ensure excellence across all engineering projects. This is a key leadership position, driving innovation, technical quality, and project delivery across our power and energy portfolio.
Job Responsibilities
- Provide technical leadership and direction for all power engineering and substation projects.
- Define and implement engineering standards, processes, and best practices across the organisation.
- Lead design review, assurance, and validation for major high‑voltage and medium‑voltage substation projects.
- Support business development through technical input on bids, proposals, and client presentations.
- Act as a technical authority for regulatory compliance, safety standards, and grid connection requirements.
- Mentor and develop engineers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation.
- Collaborate with project managers and discipline leads to ensure on‑time, on‑budget delivery.
- Engage with clients, stakeholders, and industry bodies to maintain technical credibility and influence industry direction.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering.
- Chartered Engineer (CEng).
- Minimum of 12 years’ experience in electrical engineering design, with significant exposure to high‑voltage switchyard and substation projects up to 765kV.
- Deep understanding of electrical, civil, and structural aspects of substation design and broad familiarity with IEC, IEEE, ANSI, and other relevant standards.
- Proven record in leading large, multidisciplinary design teams, managing multi‑million‑pound projects or frameworks from concept to completion.
- Strong commercial acumen with experience in budget setting, financial management, risk assessment, and contract negotiation.
- Demonstrated success in client relationship management, business development, and securing new work through tenders, frameworks, or strategic partnerships.
- Recognised as a technical authority in one or more specialist areas (e.g., HV protection, power system studies, grid connection, or earthing).
- Proficient in Power System Studies software (e.g., DigSILENT, IPSA, ETAP) and capable of providing high‑level guidance to technical teams.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and influencing skills, with the ability to inspire high performance and foster a collaborative culture across teams and disciplines.
- Commitment to upholding safety, sustainability, and quality standards in all aspects of design and delivery.
Primary Location United Kingdom – Scotland – Glasgow
Other Locations United Kingdom – England – Manchester
Industry Power
Schedule Full‑time
Employee Status Regular
Business Class Substation Engineering
Job Posting Nov 6, 2025
At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.
UK Power Technical Lead in Manchester employer: HDR
Contact Detail:
HDR Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land UK Power Technical Lead in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Show them you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute to their mission of creating sustainable power systems.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it aligns with the role of Technical Director. Highlight your leadership skills and technical expertise in power engineering to stand out.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace UK Power Technical Lead in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the UK Power Technical Lead role. Highlight your experience in power engineering and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about power engineering and how you can contribute to our mission at HDR. Be authentic and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this is a leadership role, make sure to highlight your experience in mentoring and leading teams. We love seeing examples of how you've driven innovation and excellence in past projects.
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 you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at HDR
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge, especially around high-voltage and medium-voltage substation projects. Be ready to discuss specific engineering standards like IEC and IEEE, as well as your experience with Power System Studies software. This will show that you're not just a leader but also a technical authority.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led multidisciplinary teams in the past. Highlight your ability to mentor engineers and foster a culture of continuous learning. This is crucial for a Technical Director role, so be ready to discuss how you've inspired high performance in your teams.
✨Engage with Real Scenarios
Think of real-life challenges you've faced in previous projects and how you overcame them. This could include managing budgets, ensuring safety standards, or navigating regulatory compliance. Sharing these experiences will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and commercial acumen.
✨Connect with Their Values
Research HDR's commitment to inclusion and sustainability. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission of creating reliable and resilient power systems. This will show that you're not just looking for a job, but a place where you can make a meaningful impact.