Associate Director – Substations (Primary Design) - UK Grid Network
Associate Director – Substations (Primary Design) - UK Grid Network

Associate Director – Substations (Primary Design) - UK Grid Network

Leeds Full-Time 72000 - 108000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead high-profile projects in HV substation design and ensure quality across multiple workstreams.
  • Company: Join Jacobs, a leader in the Power & Energy sector with a focus on innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, medical cover, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on the UK's energy future while developing your leadership skills.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Electrical Engineering and extensive HV substation engineering experience required.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to inclusion and collaboration.

The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.

Jacobs is seeking an Associate Director – Substations (Primary Design) to support a range of high-profile projects across our Power & Energy portfolio, including high voltage AIS and GIS Substations, transmission system assets, HVDC interconnectors, and energy storage systems. This role supports the UK Grid Network and requires leadership across FEED and detailed design workstreams for National Grid and DNO clients.

Responsibilities

  • Provide leadership on FEED and detailed design workstreams for National Grid and DNO clients
  • Oversee quality assurance, resource planning, and capability development across multiple projects
  • Lead technical reviews of HV plant aspects including layouts, earthing design and reports, mechanical interlocking, HV busbar calculations, and equipment specifications
  • Coordinate with back-office engineers, sub-contractors, and suppliers to ensure seamless delivery
  • Manage and contribute to tender packages, including technical and commercial submissions
  • Chair design and hazard review meetings and ensure technical assurance of HV plant design
  • Attend site visits, FAT and SAT as required
  • Mentor senior engineers and contribute to succession planning and capability growth
  • Maintain and grow client relationships, supporting strategic business development and market positioning
  • Represent Jacobs in industry forums and contribute to shaping technical standards and best practices

Qualifications

  • Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent
  • Extensive experience in HV substation engineering (132kV–400kV), including AIS/GIS and HVDC systems
  • Proven leadership in delivering complex, multi-disciplinary infrastructure projects
  • Strong understanding of UK transmission and distribution standards and client expectations
  • Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and team leadership skills
  • Strategic thinking with commercial acumen and a track record of business development

Why Jacobs?

Jacobs offers a competitive package, benefits for UK employees including medical cover and digital GP service, family-friendly benefits, professional development support, and a focus on wellbeing and inclusion. We support flexible working arrangements and hybrid models where suitable. We are committed to inclusion and belonging, and we partner with relevant networks and programs to attract diverse talent. We value collaboration and in-person interactions where they best serve client delivery.

Associate Director – Substations (Primary Design) - UK Grid Network employer: Jacobs

Jacobs is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters professional growth and collaboration within the Power & Energy sector. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, flexible working arrangements, and a focus on inclusion, Jacobs provides its team with the resources and support needed to excel in high-profile projects while nurturing their career development. Join us in shaping the future of energy infrastructure in the UK, where your expertise will be valued and your contributions will make a meaningful impact.
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Contact Detail:

Jacobs Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Associate Director – Substations (Primary Design) - UK Grid Network

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks 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 role.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its projects. We want to see you shine, so practice your answers to common questions and think about how your experience aligns with their needs in HV substation engineering.

Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership skills! When chatting with potential employers, highlight your experience in managing teams and projects. We love to see candidates who can lead technical reviews and mentor others.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals who are passionate about power and energy projects.

We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director – Substations (Primary Design) - UK Grid Network

Leadership
Quality Assurance
Resource Planning
Capability Development
Technical Review
HV Plant Design
Mechanical Interlocking
HV Busbar Calculations
Tender Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Strategic Thinking
Commercial Acumen
Client Relationship Management
Mentoring

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Associate Director role. Highlight your experience with HV substations, leadership in design workstreams, and any relevant projects you've led. 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 the role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your understanding of UK transmission standards and your strategic thinking abilities.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading teams and projects, make sure to highlight your leadership experiences. Share examples of how you've mentored others or managed complex projects. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and guide their teams!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of success. It’s straightforward and ensures your application goes directly to us. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Jacobs

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of HV substation engineering, especially AIS/GIS and HVDC systems. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on and how they relate to the role at Jacobs.

Show Leadership Skills

Since this role involves leading design workstreams, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Highlight your experience in mentoring engineers and managing complex projects.

Understand the Client's Needs

Familiarise yourself with National Grid and DNO client expectations. During the interview, demonstrate your understanding of their standards and how you can contribute to meeting their requirements.

Engage and Communicate

Strong communication is key! Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Be ready to engage with the interviewers, ask insightful questions, and show your enthusiasm for the role and the company.

Associate Director – Substations (Primary Design) - UK Grid Network
Jacobs
Location: Leeds

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J
  • Associate Director – Substations (Primary Design) - UK Grid Network

    Leeds
    Full-Time
    72000 - 108000 £ / year (est.)
  • J

    Jacobs

    10000+
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