Project Development Lead

This is the time for action– we need to move at pace and reform our energy system – to deliver energy security, to tackle climate change and to protect our people. As we build the projects that will make the energy transition happen, we’re looking for brilliant Project Development Leads and Project Development Engineers in our Electricity Transmission (ET) business unit to join us on our journey to develop the electricity network of the future. You'll join ET to lead the early-stage development of one, or multiple, large-scale projects that will help to make Net Zero happen; you’ll not only support the technical challenges of today but also be at the forefront of developing the network that will help to decarbonise a nation and help to leave our planet in a state where future generations can thrive.

National Grid continues to offer hybrid working from office and home and are open to full time and part time applicants, as well as flexible working arrangements. Currently our team members gather at Warwick around once per week, with flexibility for those colleagues further away.

About You

What we do isn’t just important – it’s essential. That’s why we look to recruit experts in their field. In this case, we’re looking for individuals who are/have:

• Naturally inquisitive, calm under pressure, can work with ambiguity and comfortable bridging the gap between technical and non-technical colleagues and collating their input into a single team mission.
• Great clarity of perspective and can simplify things where others can’t.
• Can create solid networks with a variety of stakeholders and keep them informed and up to date.
• Excellent writing and communication skills and want to work as part of a team.
• Experience of the energy sector and of early-stage project development and optioneering is desirable but not essential.
• For the Project Development Engineer role an electrical or mechanical engineering background is essential.
• For the Project Development Lead role background in project initiation and development is essential along with demonstrated ability to apply whole systems thinking to complex projects.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At National Grid, we’re committed to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace for everyone. So if you’re excited about this role but your experience or qualifications don’t match the job description exactly, we encourage you to apply anyway. You might just be the right person for our growing business in this role or another one.

What You'll Do

For both roles our hiring manager have indicated 7 core duties including:

• Fostering a collaborative environment with stakeholders through excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, with the ability and confidence to communicate and build relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Generate meaningful and accurate reports that capture all relevant project information, including the project need, scope, cost, delivery approach, key decisions, risks and assumptions.
• Translate complex issues into language that can be easily understood by those without a technical background.
• Experience in analysing interdependencies and synthesising multiple inputs to create clear recommendations.
• Engagement with digital teams to identify and use available technologies to improve the accuracy and efficiency of project development.
• Ensure all required project documentation is produced, and governance maintained whilst also demonstrating the implementation of lessons learned and best practice.
• Lead external consultants (or internal specialists) through specialist activities such as environmental constraint mapping, technical design and schematics, and more detailed cost and schedule estimation (QCRA and QSRA) for your project(s).

For the Project Development Lead role our hiring manager indicated an additional 4 core duties including:

• Leading the early-stage development of one or multiple large-scale projects from initial concept through to assessing and identifying a preferred strategic option; looking into digital development of options, route corridors, system access, project and regional interdependencies and more.
• Identify and collaborate with specialists across the business to ensure all relevant information is gathered and assessed to support the strategic option selection process.
• Managing the progress of the project(s) adhering to all relevant internal and external policies and regulations ensuring projects are managed to cost, quality and time whilst employing robust risk management processes.
• Be responsible for the development of the project(s) investment case.

For the Project Development Engineer role our hiring manager indicated an additional 4 core duties including:

• Leading specialist delivery capabilities e.g. overhead line or cable design, substation design etc. which can progress the development of your project(s) through governance and into delivery teams.
• Engaging with specialists within the business to provide technical assurance for your project(s), understand network needs and ensure the proposed project scope meets those requirements.
• Managing the technical scope of the project(s) adhering to all relevant internal procedures and best practices.
• Work with the ET innovation team to bring design and asset innovation into our projects.

What You'll Get

Project Development Lead - A competitive starting salary of £50,000 - £60,000 dependant on capability. Project Development Engineer – A competitive starting salary of £58,000 - £68,000 plus a non-performance market supplement of £3000. As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus based on personal and company performance and a competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%. You will also have access to a number of flexible benefits such as a share incentive plan, salary sacrifice car and technology schemes, support via employee assistance lines and matched charity giving to name a few.

About Us

Here at National Grid, we connect homes and businesses to power, making sure supply and demand match each other. We make sure the lights are on in schools, operating theatres, and sporting arenas; we’re thousands of people working on behalf of millions of people. Our investment will mean more home grown power, greater energy security and a cleaner future. Whatever your role, wherever you work with us, you’ll help us hit stretching targets and achieve our far-reaching goal: to secure, clean energy that supports our world far into the future. Here, you will be at the heart of energy.

More Information

This role closes on May 10th, however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary. For our Project Management roles in 2026 the interest has been significant resulting in early closures. Therefore please do not delay until the advert close date. We work towards the highest standards in everything we do, including how we support, value and develop our people. Our aim is to encourage and support employees to thrive and be the best they can be. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office. We're committed to building a workforce that represents the communities we serve, and a working environment in which each individual feels valued, respected, fairly treated, and able to reach their full potential.

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 clean, 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.