Director - Civil Engineering (Transmission & Distribution) in Manchester

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About the role

At Jacobs, we’re 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 a Director – Civils to provide strategic leadership across frontend engineering design (FEED) and detailed civil/structural design for high‑voltage (HV) AIS/GIS substations (132–400 kV), HVDC converter stations, overhead line (OHL) interfaces and underground cable projects. You will shape technical assurance, delivery excellence and market growth in the Transmission & Distribution (T&D) sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and execute the strategic roadmap for civil engineering within T&D, aligning with Jacobs’ global energy transition objectives.
• Lead a 40‑strong engineering team, setting vision, priorities, and performance standards; ensure succession planning and capability growth.
• Influence business strategy, market positioning, and client engagement at wider and senior leadership level.
• Act as Jacobs’ Civil Engineering Technical Authority for T&D, ensuring compliance with Eurocodes and DNO standards.
• Oversee design assurance across all projects, embedding Safety in Design (CDM 2015) and best practice in risk management.
• Drive resource optimisation, programme delivery, and commercial performance across multiple high‑value projects.
• Champion digital transformation through BIM/CDE workflows and advanced civil design tools (Civil 3D, Revit, MicroStation, Tekla).
• Build and maintain strategic client relationships with National Grid, DNOs, and major developers.
• Represent Jacobs in industry forums, standards committees, and thought leadership platforms; shape future civil engineering standards for T&D.
• Lead major bids, negotiate commercial terms, and secure strategic frameworks.
• Identify and develop new market opportunities, supporting Jacobs’ growth in UK and Continental Europe.

Here’s what you’ll need

• A degree in Civil Engineering or another relevant engineering discipline.
• Chartered Engineer status with a relevant institution.
• Proven track record of leading large engineering teams (40+) in civil/structural design for HV substations, HVDC converter stations, OHL foundations, and cable route civils.
• Executive‑level experience in business strategy, client engagement, and market development within UK T&D.
• Mastery of UK utility civil standards and ability to influence industry best practice.
• Strong commercial acumen and ability to deliver multi‑million‑pound programmes under pressure.
• LCDAE/PD (TP137) and/or TP141 authorisation.

Why Jacobs?

People are Jacobs’ greatest asset, and we offer a competitive package to retain and attract the best talent. In addition to the benefits you’d expect, UK employees also receive free single medical cover and digital GP service, family‑friendly benefits such as enhanced parental leave pay and free membership of employee assistance and parental programmes, plus reimbursement towards relevant professional development and memberships.

We also give back to our communities through our Collectively programme which incorporates matched‑funding, paid volunteering time and charitable donations. Joining Jacobs not only connects you locally but globally. Our values stand on a foundation of safety, integrity, inclusion and belonging. We put people at the heart of our business, and we truly believe that by supporting one another through our culture of caring we all succeed.

We value positive mental health and a sense of belonging for all employees. With safety and flexibility always top of mind, we’ve gone beyond traditional ways of working so you have the support, means and space to maximise your potential. You’ll uncover flexible working arrangements, benefits, and opportunities, from well‑being benefits to our global giving and volunteering programme, to exploring new and inventive ways to help our clients make the world a better place.

No matter what drives you, you’ll discover how you can cultivate, nurture, and achieve your goals – all at a single global company.

We aim to embed inclusion and belonging in everything we do. We know that if we are inclusive we’re more connected and creative. We accept people for who they are, and we champion the richness of different perspectives, lived experiences and backgrounds in the workplace, as a source of learning and innovation.

We are committed to building vibrant communities within Jacobs, including through our Jacobs Employee Networks, Communities of Practice and our Find Your Community initiatives, allowing every employee to find connection, purpose and belonging.

Jacobs partners with VERCIDA to help us attract and retain talent from a wide range of backgrounds.

As a disability confident employer we will interview disabled candidates who best meet the criteria. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role.

Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example you require the application form in a different format) please contact the team via Careers Support.