Lead Engineer - Civils

Lead Engineer - Civils

Full-Time 60800 - 76000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead civil engineering projects from concept to completion, ensuring compliance and innovation.
  • Company: Join SP Energy Networks, a leader in renewable energy and infrastructure.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and unique perks like tech vouchers and health benefits.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with strong commitment to employee development.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on the UK's Net Zero goals while advancing your career.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Civil Engineering and experience in electrical network transmission projects required.

The predicted salary is between 60800 - 76000 £ per year.

Edinburgh Park

Salary from £60,800 to £76,000 per annum plus excellent benefits

Flexible Hybrid Working

Closing Date: 10 June 2026

Help us create a better future, quicker.

SP Energy Networks (SPEN) will be delivering over £10 bn of investment in the GB electricity grid over the next 5 years, contributing to the UK’s target of Net Zero. A major part of this is delivery of the western Link 2 HVDC link in Joint Venture with National Grid.

SPEN are currently recruiting a Lead Engineer (Civils) to join the Western Link 2 (WL2) project team to oversee the Engineering Design function for Civils. The postholder will be responsible for developing and delivering Civil and Structural engineering solutions, from feasibility to detailed engineering design of WL2 and leading the Civil Engineering assessment of the contract bids for the Western Link 2 and other portfolio of projects and across all relevant network interfaces.

Within this role, the Lead Engineer manages projects of greater value and complexity, coaching and mentoring peers developing less experienced staff within the dept or project team. This will include promoting innovation, offering effective technical support/advice, coaching and input throughout the lifecycle of a portfolio of other projects.

What you’ll be doing:

  • Manages and responsible for civil engineering scope of works from concept to completion, providing technical direction, coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring compliance with engineering standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Responsible for the development of pre-contract design and delivery of project by leading the technical aspects of civil and structural engineering design works e.g. access roads, concrete foundations, piling, retaining structures, steelwork and buildings etc.
  • Perform all duties with and promote internally and externally a strong emphasis on health, safety, quality and environmental compliance, sustainability and continuous improvement.
  • Responsible for providing technical assessment, and review of the tender submissions, and detailed designs and reporting recommendations to Engineering Section Head.
  • Review and approve engineering documentation, feasibility and compliance with client requirements.
  • Recommend and review construction techniques, sequence of works and input to construction programme of works where required in relation to civil/structural works.
  • Identify review and/or support industry leading or innovative solutions to reduce whole life carbon.
  • Ensure civil engineering designs and specifications are developed in accordance with current legislation, policies, operational requirements, PAS 2080 and BS8001 philosophy.
  • Lead the technical resolution of site or construction issues, analyse common faults and prevent re-occurrence.
  • Represent SPT nationally and internationally on working groups, seminars and industry forums or similar and be seen as a specialist/expert within the field of Transmission HVDC Civil Engineering.
  • Act as the key technical interface with EPC and OEM contractors.
  • Support Engineering Section Heads in the development of national and international standards or other regulatory matters related to civil or structural engineering to reflect the requirements of SPT and clients.

What you’ll bring:

  • Preferably a Chartered Engineer or working towards.
  • Degree qualified in Civil Engineering discipline.
  • Proven significant experience and knowledge in a responsible position in civil or structural engineering design works for electrical network transmission projects.
  • Good inter-personal and communication skills and the ability to form effective working relationships with other individuals, departments and businesses.
  • Ability to implement, apply and promote CDM and Health & Safety best practice in a design environment.
  • Working knowledge or previous experience in use of multi discipline BIM.
  • The ability to plan and engineer conflicting requirements and meet challenging deadlines.
  • To provide on-site technical solutions to unforeseen engineering problems that mitigate program slippage.
  • Proven experience/expert knowledge in civil or structural design for the construction of electrical transmission networks at voltages up to 400 kV including HVDC substations.
  • Working knowledge of HSEQ and sustainability associated with civil engineering design and construction.

What’s in it for you:

As well as a competitive salary which is reviewed annually, you can also enjoy a number of other benefits. With our pension scheme, we’ll double match your contribution up to a company contribution of 10%.

At ScottishPower, we believe it’s the little things we do in life that make a big difference. From helping you look after your family’s wellbeing, save for your future and take personal steps for climate action – our benefits are designed to help you do just that - so that you have everything you need to take care of your world – today and tomorrow. That’s why our benefits include:

  • 36 days annual leave
  • Holiday Purchase – perfect your work/life balance with extra annual leave
  • Share Schemes
  • Payroll Giving and Charity Matched Funding
  • Technology Vouchers – save more and spread the cost of your technology purchases
  • Electric Vehicle Schemes – to help you transition to green/clean driving
  • Cycle to Work scheme and Public Transport Season Ticket Loans
  • Healthcare benefit options including Dental Insurance, Private Medical Insurance, Health Cash Plan and annual Health Assessments
  • Life Assurance (4x salary)
  • Access to Savesmart financial wellbeing support
  • Plus shopping, leisure, restaurant and gym discounts, and unique employee deals on travel insurance and more

Why SP Energy Networks:

SP Energy Networks is part of the Iberdrola Group, one of the world’s largest integrated utility companies and a world leader in wind energy. We keep electricity flowing to homes and businesses through Central and Southern Scotland, North Wales and in the North West of England. We operate over 4000km of cables and lines that make-up the transmission network – connecting infrastructure like wind farms into the electricity system. It’s a role that puts us right at the heart of Scotland’s ambition to be Net Zero by 2044. And we’re taking it very seriously. We’re investing >£5.5 billion into our transmission network, directly supporting the rapid growth needed in renewable energy.

With diverse opportunities across our businesses and a commitment to invest in our own internal talent, ScottishPower can offer people real career opportunities that meet personal and professional goals, in a global organisation.

Inclusion, diversity, and a social purpose are at the heart of everything we do. Together with our values, they bring us together into a stronger, more sustainable business with direct links to the communities we serve. It takes all kinds of people to build a large-scale business like ours, so whatever your background, you’ll fit right in.

We are committed to providing reasonable support or adjustments in our recruiting processes for candidates with disabilities, long term conditions, mental health conditions, or who are neurodivergent or require pregnancy-related support. If you need support, please reach out to careers@scottishpower.com.

Mobility: Please note that any applicant who is not a citizen of the country of the vacancy will be subject to compliance with the applicable immigration requirements to legally work in that country. If/when required, the Company will support the employee with the necessary Immigration requirements.

IMPORTANT: Advert will close at 23:59 GMT the day before Job Posting End Date below June-11-2026.

Lead Engineer - Civils employer: Iberdrola Group

At SP Energy Networks, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous annual leave, flexible hybrid working, and a strong commitment to employee wellbeing. Our inclusive work culture fosters innovation and collaboration, providing ample opportunities for professional growth within a global organisation dedicated to achieving Net Zero by 2044. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the future of energy while enjoying unique advantages such as technology vouchers and electric vehicle schemes, all set in the vibrant city of Edinburgh.

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Contact Details:

Iberdrola Group Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Lead Engineer - Civils

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 not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for their work, especially in civil engineering and sustainability.

Tip Number 3

Practice your technical skills and be ready to discuss your past projects. Be specific about your contributions and how they relate to the role of Lead Engineer – Civils. Confidence is key!

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, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at SP Energy Networks.

We think you need these skills to ace Lead Engineer - Civils

Civil Engineering Design
Structural Engineering
Project Management
Health and Safety Compliance
BIM (Building Information Modelling)
Technical Problem Solving
Tender Assessment

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Engineer role. Highlight your experience in civil and structural engineering, especially related to electrical network transmission projects. 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 this role and how you can contribute to our mission at SP Energy Networks. Be sure to mention any relevant projects you've worked on.

Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your technical expertise, especially in areas like BIM and health & safety best practices. We’re keen to see how you’ve applied these skills in real-world scenarios, so give us some examples!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!

How to prepare for a job interview at Iberdrola Group

Know Your Engineering Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your civil and structural engineering principles, especially those related to electrical network transmission projects. Be ready to discuss specific design works you've been involved in, like access roads or concrete foundations, and how they relate to the role.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Lead Engineer, you'll be managing projects and mentoring others. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or coached less experienced staff. Highlight any innovative solutions you've implemented that improved project outcomes.

Understand Health and Safety Regulations

Familiarise yourself with CDM regulations and health & safety best practices in a design environment. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied these in past projects and how you would ensure compliance in your future work.

Communicate Effectively

Strong interpersonal skills are key for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Think about how you can build effective working relationships with multidisciplinary teams and external contractors, as this will be crucial in your role.