Primary Network Design Team Manager

We’re National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED), the owner and operator behind the electricity distribution systems for the Midlands, the Southwest of England and South Wales. Serving communities of more than 8 million people, our expert teams deliver heat, light and power for homes and businesses. National Grid employs over 29,000 people worldwide. We are building an inclusive workplace, a place to actively celebrate the cultures, personalities and preferences of our colleagues – who in turn help to build the success of our business and reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Our vision is to be at the heart of a clean, fair and affordable energy future and we are doing this in a fast-moving industry with an increasing focus on tackling climate change, exploring new energy sources that are renewable, low carbon, and improve efficiency to meet demand.

An exciting opportunity is available for a Primary Network Design Team Manager to join our team in the East Midlands, based at Castle Donington. Reporting to the Primary Network Design Manager, you will lead, develop, and inspire a multi-disciplinary team responsible for the end-to-end delivery of all connections to the East Midlands Primary Network (132kV, 33kV and 25kV). The team is also responsible for the network design of the primary network encompassing new connections, network reinforcement and asset replacement, and provision of technical support to 11kV Planning Engineers and other NGED teams. Your team will play a critical role in shaping the primary network through key outputs such as connection offers, power system analysis, technical reports, capital sanction documentation, and wider engineering support across the business.

As a key member of the Primary Network Design (PND) management team, you will work collaboratively across the organisation, engaging closely with Engineering Design, DSO, Network Services, Projects, and Consents & Wayleaves to ensure aligned, efficient, and innovative delivery.

Main Responsibilities:

• Lead the Primary Network Design team, providing clear direction so that priorities, objectives and accountabilities are understood and aligned to wider business goals.
• Create a trusted, inclusive and psychologically safe team environment where everyone feels valued, respected and able to contribute.
• Coach, support and develop team members to achieve their full potential, including professional development.
• Demonstrate visible safety leadership and promote a strong safety culture that puts safety, customers and colleagues first.
• Manage new connections to the primary network, maintaining high standards of customer service, technical quality and delivery performance.
• Lead the management of the connections and reinforcement work programme, ensuring effective workload planning, resource management and performance delivery.
• Support business, regulatory and network transformation initiatives, including flexibility services, ANM rollout and future Regulatory requirements.
• Engage and collaborate with stakeholders across the business, including Engineering Design, DSO, Regional Field Operations teams, Major Projects, Consents & Wayleaves, Policy and Control, as well as external customers and partners.
• Ensure compliance with power quality, earthing and other relevant regulations, standards, policies and procedures.
• Drive continuous improvement, innovation and efficient use of resources to improve customer and business outcomes.
• Represent NGED on national working groups and with NGET/NGESO, building strong relationships and commitment to change across the business.

The Ideal Candidate:

We are looking for a highly motivated and delivery-focused individual with a strong understanding of the principles and challenges associated with EHV and 132kV network design. You will demonstrate the ability to take ownership of your work, consistently achieving high-quality results, even under pressure. You will possess excellent organisational and decision-making skills, with the confidence to respond effectively in demanding situations while maintaining rigorous standards of safety and quality. A natural leader, you will be eager to support and develop others, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment. Strong communication skills are essential, enabling you to engage effectively with a range of stakeholders. A degree in a relevant discipline is desirable, along with a commitment to professional development—ideally working towards Chartership with the IET.

As a people leader within NGED, you will be expected to role model the Manager Essentials by creating belonging, setting direction, driving change, delivering results and developing others. You will also be expected to live NGED’s Values by putting safety, customers and colleagues first, encouraging innovation and continuous improvement, and taking ownership to deliver outcomes with purpose, passion and accountability. Applicants should hold a full UK driving licence.

About The Company:

Joining the UK’s leading electricity distribution business means plenty of career opportunities and well-deserved recognition. We reward hard work and encourage ambition. So, as well as a competitive salary, you will also benefit from:

• 26 days paid leave plus 8 bank holidays, up to 28 days with continuous service
• Competitive contributory pension scheme (we double match your contributions up to a maximum of 12%)
• Annual Share Save plan
• Contributory private healthcare scheme for you and your family
• Support via our Employee Assistance Programme, including musculoskeletal and physiotherapy services
• Free on-site parking at all our main sites

Things you need to know:

National Grid Electricity Distribution is committed to safeguarding the interests of the Company, colleagues and customers. This role is subject to a satisfactory Barring Service (DBS) check. Depending on the role, different levels of screening and vetting are required. Some roles require a triannual check. As an equal opportunities employer who is committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, we celebrate individual difference and are actively bringing in more employees from diverse backgrounds to build on our inclusive culture. Please note that in most cases, National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points-based immigration system. As such, applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future under the UK points-based immigration system. However, in exceptional circumstances where there is a clear and demonstrable need for specialist skills that cannot be sourced from the local labour market, National Grid may consider offering sponsorship. All applications are welcome from candidates who meet these requirements, regardless of race, nationality, or ethnic origin. Recruitment correspondence is usually sent by email, please check your email account including spam/junk folders regularly after the closing date.