HV Project Engineer in Manchester

We're recruiting a Senior Project Engineer to lead HV Transmission and distribution projects from initiation through to handover. You'll work alongside project directors and senior managers, owning overall accountability for successful delivery across planning, design, construction and commissioning.

Contract Details: Outside IR35 | Competitive rate | Manchester-based | 2 days per week in office, remaining days flexible | Long-term contract

MUST HAVE: National Grid experience. This is a senior role for a project professional with proven track record delivering HV transmission projects on National Grid frameworks. You'll provide technical and commercial leadership, manage teams, oversee design delivery, control costs and budgets, and ensure compliance with client requirements and safety standards.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Project Leadership & Delivery: Support project directors and senior managers in overall project delivery. Take accountability for project success from initiation through to close-out. Manage project planning, design coordination, construction delivery and commissioning. Brief out engineered solutions to working parties and ensure effective execution. Oversee the entire project lifecycle including warranty and handover.
• Design & Technical Management: Lead value engineering and design optimisation. Manage design teams and ensure all deliverables meet customer specifications. Develop design programmes and coordinate timely delivery. Support statutory liaison (planning, building control, utilities). Manage change control and technical decision-making.
• Team Leadership & Development: Care for and develop people delivering the works. Promote high-performing teams and build internal talent pipeline. Communicate project expectations clearly and ensure accountability. Create positive safety culture and lead by example. Support training and capability development.
• Commercial & Cost Control: Own budget and monitor expenditure against plan. Control costs through efficient resourcing and re-work minimisation. Manage cash flow and resolve billing/payment issues. Identify cost recovery opportunities. Balance operational and commercial constraints in decision-making. Manage change orders and commercial variations.
• Safety & Compliance: Take responsibility for safety and welfare of public, employees and supply chain. Conduct safety tours and promote observation and safety initiatives. Lead accident and incident investigations. Review and accept contractor RAMS. Ensure compliance with H&S management systems. Create and maintain positive safety culture.
• Monitoring & Reporting: Monitor compliance to customer requirements, objectives and constraints. Report on time, cost, quality and safety performance. Manage daily progress tracking and project records. Prepare internal and external project reports. Escalate issues and manage risk registers.
• Procurement & Supply Chain: Manage subcontractors and monitor progress. Ensure procurement plans align with project schedules. Requisition equipment and materials. Manage supplier relationships and contractual arrangements.

About You:

• Essential Experience & Qualifications: MUST HAVE: National Grid substation project experience - proven track record delivering HV transmission projects on National Grid frameworks. HND or Degree in Engineering, Management or Construction discipline. Minimum 8-10 years' experience in complex project delivery environments. Demonstrated design management experience on infrastructure projects. Proven project delivery track record on major energy or infrastructure programmes. Strong commercial awareness - budget management, cost control, change management. Excellent leadership capability - comfortable managing and developing teams. Strong communication skills - engaging with clients, stakeholders and internal teams. Safety-focused mindset - demonstrates commitment to safe systems of work. Current driving licence.
• Desirable: Experience on variety of National Grid substation project types. Professional management body membership (APM or similar). CSCS and SMSTS or equivalent certifications. NG NSI 4, NSI 6 or NSI 8 accreditation. Understanding of standard forms of contracts (NEC, FIDIC). Experience implementing safe systems of work.

The Role in Practice: You'll be based in Manchester with 2 days per week in office and flexible working for remaining time. You'll report to senior project management and take a key leadership role on HV transmission projects, managing design, construction, budgets and teams. This is hands-on project leadership on strategically important energy infrastructure. You'll be responsible for technical and commercial decisions, team performance, client satisfaction and project profitability. Your experience with National Grid requirements and proven track record on transmission projects will directly determine how effectively you deliver.

Why This Role: You'll be working for a leading contractor on significant energy infrastructure programmes. This is senior project engineering where your National Grid experience and delivery track record are genuinely valued. You'll be working on strategically important transmission and distribution projects with scope for progression and responsibility. The role offers competitive rates, long-term engagement on major energy projects, flexible working from Manchester, and genuine leadership opportunities on complex, high-profile programmes.