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

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

Birmingham Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead innovative design projects for high-voltage substations and energy systems.
  • Company: Join Jacobs, a leader in global energy transition and infrastructure.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, health cover, flexible working, and family-friendly perks.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of energy while developing your career.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Electrical Engineering and experience in HV substation engineering required.
  • Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for mentorship and professional growth.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

At Jacobs, we are challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission‐critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery, and cutting‐edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact: Jacobs is playing a leading role in the global energy transition. As our UK and Continental Europe team continues to expand, we are seeking an Associate Director – Substations (Primary Design) to support a range of high‐profile projects across our Power & Energy portfolio. This includes high‐voltage AIS and GIS Substations, transmission system assets, HVDC interconnectors, and energy storage systems.

Key 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.
Required Qualifications
  • Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
  • Extensive experience in HV substation engineering (132 kV–400 kV), 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? People are Jacobs' greatest asset, and we offer a competitive package to retain and attract the best talent. UK employees receive free single medical cover and a digital GP service; family‐friendly benefits such as enhanced parental leave pay, free membership of employee assistance and parental programmes, and reimbursement for professional development.

Work‐life balance and flexibility are a key focus area. We discuss hybrid, part‐time and flexible working hours, patterns and locations suitable for you and our business.

We are a disability‐confident employer and will interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria. If you require support or reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process, please contact the Careers Support team.

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

At Jacobs, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our Birmingham location provides employees with access to cutting-edge projects in the energy sector, alongside comprehensive benefits such as free medical cover, family-friendly policies, and opportunities for professional development. We are committed to supporting our team’s growth and well-being, ensuring a fulfilling career path in a company that values diversity and inclusion.
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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! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. We want you to show genuine interest in Jacobs and the role of Associate Director – Substations. Tailor your answers to reflect how your experience aligns with their mission.

Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. We can’t stress enough how important it is to articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently when discussing your extensive HV substation engineering experience.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the position and keeps you fresh in their minds. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!

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
Knowledge of UK Transmission and Distribution Standards

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Associate Director role. Highlight your leadership in HV substation engineering and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about the energy sector and how your background aligns with our goals at Jacobs. Be sure to mention any experience with high-voltage systems or project management.

Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use metrics where possible to demonstrate your impact in previous roles, especially in delivering complex infrastructure projects. We love seeing results!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Let’s make this happen together!

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.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As an Associate Director, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've led teams, managed complex projects, and mentored junior engineers. This will show that you're not just technically proficient but also a great leader.

Understand the Company Culture

Familiarise yourself with Jacobs' values and mission. They focus on solving critical problems and fostering a supportive work environment. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goals.

Prepare Questions

Have a list of insightful questions ready for your interviewers. Ask about their current projects, team dynamics, or how they approach innovation in the energy sector. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.

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

    Birmingham
    Full-Time
    43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.)
  • J

    Jacobs

    10000+
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