At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of high-voltage substations and ensure innovative energy solutions.
- Company: Join Laing O'Rourke, a key player in the UK's energy transformation.
- Benefits: Flexible working across multiple locations and a collaborative culture.
- Other info: Inclusive recruitment process with support for all applicants.
- Why this job: Be part of a significant programme shaping the future of low-carbon energy.
- Qualifications: Experience in HV substation design and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Locations: Birmingham office / Chesterfield site / Stafford OEM
Join Laing O'Rourke on the Great Grid Upgrade – a nationally significant programme modernising the UK's electricity transmission network and enabling a low‑carbon future. We are seeking an Electrical Design Manager with a strong Protection & Control specialism and high‑voltage substation experience (132–400kV). This role plays a pivotal part in shaping and assuring P&C design across complex HV infrastructure projects, working closely with National Grid and delivery partners. The role is intentionally split across our Birmingham, Chesterfield and Stafford offices, offering flexibility, variety and close collaboration with substation delivery teams across the region.
What You'll Be Responsible For
- Technical leadership of Protection & Control design on major HV substation projects (AIS & GIS)
- Managing and assuring P&C schemes including:
- Protection philosophies and setting calculations
- Intertripping, busbar, transformer and feeder protection
- Control systems, SCADA, telecoms and interface coordination
- Leading design integration across primary, secondary and multidisciplinary teams
- Supporting assurance, compliance and collaboration with the client, ICPs and OEMs
- Driving quality, safety and buildability throughout the design lifecycle
What you’ll bring
- Strong experience in HV substation P&C design (132–400kV)
- Background in electrical or power systems engineering
- Proven ability to lead, coordinate and technically challenge P&C designs
- Confidence working across multiple locations and stakeholder groups
- A passion for delivering safe, innovative and sustainable energy infrastructure
Why join Laing O'Rourke?
- Work on one of the UK's most important energy transformation programmes
- Use leading digital engineering tools and modern construction methods
- Be part of an inclusive, collaborative culture where technical expertise is valued
- Enjoy variety through a multi‑office role that keeps you connected to delivery teams
Ready to shape the future of the grid? Play a key role in delivering resilient, low‑carbon power infrastructure for the UK.
Accessibility & Inclusion
As part of the Disability Confident scheme, we offer an Offer an Interview scheme for applicants who meet the essential criteria. Please let us know if you'd like to opt in or require any adjustments during the recruitment process. We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to all. If you need the application form in an alternative format or would like to know more, please email resourcingteam@laingorourke.com.
Electrical Design Manager - Protection & Control - Substations in Stafford employer: Laing O'Rourke
Laing O'Rourke is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work on the UK's Great Grid Upgrade, a vital initiative for a sustainable energy future. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and inclusivity, employees benefit from a dynamic work culture that values technical expertise and provides access to leading digital engineering tools. The flexibility of working across multiple locations in Birmingham, Chesterfield, and Stafford ensures a varied and engaging experience, fostering professional growth and innovation in high-voltage substation design.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Electrical Design Manager - Protection & Control - Substations in Stafford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work at Laing O'Rourke or similar companies. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge related to Protection & Control design. Be ready to discuss your experience with HV substations and how you can contribute to the Great Grid Upgrade.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for sustainable energy! During interviews, share your thoughts on innovative solutions for low-carbon infrastructure. This will demonstrate that you’re not just qualified, but also genuinely invested in the future of energy.
✨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 serious about joining the team at Laing O'Rourke.
We think you need these skills to ace Electrical Design Manager - Protection & Control - Substations in Stafford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience in HV substation P&C design. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects and achievements!
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 skills can contribute to our mission of modernising the UK's electricity transmission network.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to mention your technical expertise in protection philosophies, control systems, and SCADA. We’re looking for someone who can lead and assure P&C designs, so make sure we see that in your application!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Laing O'Rourke
✨Know Your HV Substation Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of high-voltage substation design, especially in Protection & Control. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, focusing on your role in managing and assuring P&C schemes. This will show your technical leadership and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working across multiple locations and with various stakeholders, prepare examples that highlight your ability to collaborate effectively. Think about times when you coordinated with multidisciplinary teams or engaged with clients and delivery partners to drive project success.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Be prepared to discuss challenges you've faced in previous projects, particularly around protection philosophies or control systems. Highlight how you approached these issues and what innovative solutions you implemented, showcasing your passion for delivering safe and sustainable energy infrastructure.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Digital Engineering Tools
Laing O'Rourke values modern construction methods and digital engineering tools. Research the tools commonly used in HV substation projects and be ready to discuss your experience with them. This will demonstrate your adaptability and readiness to contribute to their innovative approach.
