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.
Desirable
- 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%
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Operations Manager - Substations in Ashford employer: National Grid
At National Grid, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. With competitive salaries, generous bonuses, and a robust pension scheme, we ensure our employees are well rewarded for their contributions. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion, along with flexible working arrangements, empowers our team members to thrive both personally and professionally in the heart of the UK's energy sector.
