Design Lead - Protection & Control

At SP Energy Networks our focus is on harnessing technology and innovation to create the networks of the future. Our team is building a dynamic network to meet the changing demands for electricity and increasingly, renewable electricity – safely, securely and sustainably in the communities we serve.

What you’ll be doing

• Reporting to the Protection and Control Section Head, you’ll lead a team of professional design engineers to deliver innovative engineering solutions for transmission networks (132kV and above). From feasibility studies to detailed designs, you’ll ensure projects meet technical, safety and operational standards throughout their lifecycle.
• Lead and manage a team of Design and Senior Design Engineers.
• Review and assess engineering documentation for feasibility, compliance and budget accuracy.
• Develop detailed specifications and designs for Substation Protection and Control systems.
• Oversee tender evaluations and provide clear recommendations to clients.
• Define apparatus requirements for System Construction Authorisation (SCA), Project Technical Specifications and BETTA documentation.
• Coordinate and review protection and control drawings and specifications for construction and procurement.
• Ensure all designs comply with legislation, policies and operational requirements.
• Provide expert technical support to Project Development and Delivery teams.
• Delegate technical resolution of site and construction issues.
• Lead technical assessments of protection and control equipment tenders.
• Identify training needs for new products and support development of technical, operational and safety packages.
• Contribute to national and international standards development and regulatory matters.
• Attend meetings and deputise for the Section Head when required.

What you’ll bring

• Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent experience; Chartered Engineer status preferred.
• Proven leadership and people management skills.
• Strong influencing and stakeholder management abilities.
• Experience in designing electrical infrastructure projects.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Knowledge of Transmission Operator Networks’ health, safety and technical compliance requirements.
• Broad understanding of Electrical Network Owners/Operators and their markets.
• Proven expertise in Protection, Substation and Network Control, Automation, Telecommunications and Metering.
• Familiarity with CDM regulations and Designer risk assessments.
• Chartered Electrical Engineer (desirable).

Minimum requirements

• Engineering qualification (BSc/BEng) and/or postgraduate qualification (MBA, MSc) or equivalent experience.
• Experience in electrical infrastructure design.
• Experience in Protection and Control Engineering from 33kV to 400kV.

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.

• 36 days annual leave
• Holiday purchase – perfect your work/life balance with extra annual leave
• Share Incentive Plan and Sharesave Scheme
• Payroll giving and charity matched funding
• Technology Vouchers – save more and spread the cost of your technology purchases
• Count us in – pledge to reduce carbon emissions and help fight climate change
• Electric Vehicle Schemes – to help you transition to green/clean driving
• Cycle to Work scheme and public transport season ticket loans
• Options to purchase 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.