At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major energy infrastructure projects, ensuring timely and quality delivery.
- Company: Northern Powergrid powers 3.9 million homes across the North East and Yorkshire.
- Benefits: Enjoy a bonus up to 20%, double-matched pension, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and involvement in innovative energy solutions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of energy while leading a high-performing team.
- Qualifications: HNC in a STEM field and experience in large-scale infrastructure project leadership required.
The predicted salary is between 68000 - 76000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced leader in infrastructure delivery, with a track record of driving major capital projects? Do you have the vision and operational knowledge to shape the future of energy networks in the UK? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you.
We are looking for a senior leader to head up our Major Projects team at Northern Powergrid. This role is your opportunity to take charge of delivering our most significant infrastructure investments—powering 3.9 million homes and businesses across the Northeast, Yorkshire, and northern Lincolnshire.
You will lead a high-performing function delivering a £150 million annual programme of complex capital projects. From strategic grid reinforcements to substation upgrades, you will ensure our network is ready for a net zero future.
If you're ready to take the lead on projects that matter, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now to make your mark on the future of energy.
Closing date: 16 June 2025
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Leadership: Provide visible, accountable leadership of the Major Projects function, ensuring all activity is aligned with business plan commitments and operational priorities.
- Portfolio Delivery: Drive the end-to-end delivery of all major project activity, embedding consistent governance and control to ensure performance is achieved across time, cost, and quality.
- Pipeline & Planning: Maintain a forward-looking, executable pipeline of work supported by robust project scoping and contracting strategies that enable delivery confidence and value for money.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Act as the senior representative for Northern Powergrid Major Projects — building influential, productive relationships with key external stakeholders, customers, contractors, and regulatory partners.
- Organisational Capability: Shape the future of the Major Projects function through strategic workforce planning, capability development, and succession management.
- Transformation & Improvement: Lead the transition to a new Target Operating Model, embedding continuous improvement and modern delivery practices that enhance safety, efficiency, and resilience.
- Commercial Accountability: Ensure major contracts and partner relationships are managed to maximise value, control risk, and drive sustainable performance over the long term.
The Company: At Northern Powergrid, we power 3.9 million homes and businesses across the North East, Yorkshire, and northern Lincolnshire. Our Power of 10 approach ensures we work as one team, solving challenges and delivering results for our customers.
The Benefits:
- Bonus of up to 20%
- Enrolment into our double-matched pension scheme
- 25 days holiday (rising with service)
- Car allowance/company car scheme
- Payment of professional fees
- Excellent opportunities for career growth
- Medical and dental cover
The Person:
- HNC qualification or above in a STEM discipline
- Demonstrated experience leading large-scale infrastructure projects or portfolios
- Be a confident, hands-on leader of capital delivery — as comfortable in the boardroom as you are on-site — with a proven ability to lead complex portfolios in regulated, customer-focused environments.
- You will bring the credibility, presence and commercial edge to influence senior stakeholders and the operational discipline to consistently deliver high-impact results.
Head of Energy Infrastructure Projects (Tyne And Wear) in Sunderland employer: Northern Powergrid
At Northern Powergrid, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide excellent career advancement opportunities, alongside a competitive benefits package including a bonus scheme, generous holiday allowance, and comprehensive health cover. Join us in Tyne and Wear to lead transformative energy projects that power millions, while enjoying the support of a dedicated team focused on making a meaningful impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Energy Infrastructure Projects (Tyne And Wear) in Sunderland
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the energy infrastructure sector. Attend industry events, webinars, and conferences to meet potential colleagues and stakeholders. Building these connections can provide valuable insights and may lead to referrals for the Head of Energy Infrastructure Projects role.
✨Tip Number 2
Research Northern Powergrid's recent projects and initiatives. Understanding their current challenges and successes will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company and its mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experiences in managing large-scale projects. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven successful outcomes in similar roles, as this will showcase your capability to lead the Major Projects team effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the regulatory landscape affecting energy infrastructure in the UK. Being knowledgeable about compliance and regulatory requirements will position you as a strong candidate who understands the complexities of the role and can navigate them successfully.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Energy Infrastructure Projects (Tyne And Wear) in Sunderland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience in leading large-scale infrastructure projects. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage complex portfolios and deliver results in regulated environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your vision for energy networks and how your leadership style aligns with the goals of Northern Powergrid. Mention your strategic leadership skills and your experience in stakeholder engagement.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications:Ensure you clearly state your HNC qualification or above in a STEM discipline. This is crucial for demonstrating your technical knowledge and suitability for the role.
Showcase Your Achievements:In your application, include quantifiable achievements from your previous roles, such as successful project completions, budget management, or improvements in efficiency. This will help illustrate your capability to drive major capital projects.
How to prepare for a job interview at Northern Powergrid
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a candidate for the Head of Energy Infrastructure Projects, it's crucial to highlight your previous leadership roles. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led large-scale infrastructure projects, focusing on your strategic decision-making and team management skills.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Engagement Skills
This role requires building influential relationships with various stakeholders. Be ready to discuss your experience in engaging with external partners, customers, and regulatory bodies. Share examples of how you've navigated complex stakeholder environments to achieve project goals.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Given the technical nature of this position, brush up on your knowledge of energy infrastructure and capital delivery processes. Expect questions about project scoping, governance, and risk management, and be prepared to discuss how you would apply these concepts in real-world scenarios.
✨Align with Company Values
Northern Powergrid values teamwork and customer focus. Research their 'Power of 10' approach and think about how your personal values align with theirs. Be ready to articulate how you can contribute to their mission of delivering results for customers while leading major projects.