At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise the operation of electricity transmission substations across East Kent.
- Company: Join National Grid, a leader in sustainable energy solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company car, bonus opportunities, and generous pension contributions.
- Other info: Live within 45 minutes of Sellindge, Kent for a balanced work-life experience.
- Why this job: Shape the future of energy while leading a dynamic team in a flexible work environment.
- Qualifications: HNC/Level 4 in Engineering, proven leadership, and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 76000 - 85000 £ per year.
How do you ensure the safety and development of your team to meet business requirements?
Are you ready to take on a senior role helping to shape the electricity transmission network for local communities and the next generation?
As part of the Great Grid Upgrade, we’re modernising an electricity system that has served the country for more than 60 years — making it stronger, cleaner, and more resilient for the future.
As an Operations Manager - Substations, you will be responsible for the safe, efficient and resilient operation of electricity transmission substations across 4 operational sites in the East Kent area.
Leading 9 direct reports and a wider team of circa 35 FTE, you will bring visible, confident and experienced people leadership to a dispersed operational workforce, creating the conditions for high performance, continuous improvement and a strong safety culture.
This is a key role in ensuring optimal asset performance, regulatory compliance and lifecycle management across a complex, nationally significant environment.
You will lead technical teams, coordinate cross-functional projects, oversee preventative maintenance and fault response, and support major capital works that will help deliver a reliable electricity transmission network 24/7.
Your ability to bring people together, manage a variety of personalities and backgrounds, and communicate clearly across teams, stakeholders and sites will be essential.
We are looking for a leader who can bring new energy and a new voice to the operation — someone who is visible on site, able to build trust quickly, and committed to performance through coaching, accountability and continuous improvement.
We offer a dynamic and flexible working environment where hybrid working is embedded in our culture, with a mix of site and home working to support a healthy work-life balance.
To support the operational needs of this role, you will live within 45 minutes commute of Sellindge, Kent.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience
- A minimum HNC/Level 4 qualification in Engineering, preferably electrical.
- Proven Safety Leadership.
- Significant operational people leadership experience - direct reports, including leading dispersed teams.
- Managing costs, performance and commerciality.
- Excellent communication skills, with the confidence to engage clearly across teams, sites and stakeholders.
- A current full driving licence which allows you to drive in the UK is essential.
- You will live within 45 minutes commute of Sellindge, Kent.
- Experience in Electricity Transmission or Distribution, Maintenance and/or Construction operations.
- NEBOSH (or willing to work towards).
- Pay and Benefits
- £76,000–£85,000 salary, + company car + 30% bonus opportunity.
- 28 days annual leave + contribution pension totalling up to 18%
- Safety, Health, Environment and Resilience
- Safety, Health, Environment and Resilience
National Grid operates in both the UK and US, with a broad portfolio of energy businesses dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and sustainable power.
From electricity and gas transmission to advancing clean energy and modernising grids, our work covers every aspect of the energy system.
Our energy flows through absolutely everything we do
Life here at National Grid is more than just our purpose or our values, it’s everything we put into everything we do.
It’s our commitment to diversity and inclusion; how we help our employees learn and grow; and how we partner with and support the communities where we live and work.
It’s all this, and so much more.
We leverage our collective strengths to do meaningful BIG work so that we can be at the heart of a fair and affordable energy future.
Your salary is reviewed each year against the market for your role, skills, knowledge and experience.
- Incentive
- Annual performance plan or bonus (depending on your role) rewards your contribution to our success each year.
- Retirement
- Generous pension plan with company contributions up to 12%.
- Private medical insurance for self and family.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Operations Manager - Substations in Ashford employer: National Grid plc
National Grid plc is an exceptional employer located in the heart of Warwick, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As a Transformation Portfolio Analyst, you will have access to extensive employee growth opportunities, including professional development and training in cutting-edge tools like Power BI and Excel. Join us to be part of a team that values your insights and contributions towards shaping the future of the UK's critical infrastructure.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager - Substations in Ashford
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Operations Manager - Substations role you’re after at National Grid plc.
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✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at National Grid plc.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
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We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager - Substations in Ashford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Operations Manager - Substations, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at National Grid plc a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to National Grid plc specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Grid plc
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with National Grid plc, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like National Grid plc want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
