Lead Engineer - Civils

SP Energy Networks (SPEN) is delivering over £10bn of investment in the GB electricity grid over the next 5 years, contributing to the UK’s Net Zero target. A major part of this is the delivery of the Western Link 2 HVDC link in joint venture with National Grid.

We are recruiting a Lead Engineer (Civils) to join the Western Link 2 (WL2) project team to oversee the Engineering Design function for Civils. The postholder will develop and deliver Civil and Structural engineering solutions, from feasibility to detailed engineering design of WL2 and lead the Civil Engineering assessment of contract bids for the Western Link 2 and other portfolio projects across all relevant network interfaces.

What you’ll be doing

• Lead, manage and deliver the civil engineering scope from concept to completion, providing technical direction and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, ensuring compliance with engineering standards and regulatory requirements.
• Develop pre‑contract design and deliver projects by leading the technical aspects of civil and structural engineering design works (e.g. access roads, concrete foundations, piling, retaining structures, steelwork, buildings, etc.).
• Promote a strong emphasis on health, safety, quality and environmental compliance, sustainability and continuous improvement.
• Provide technical assessment and review of tender submissions, detailed designs and report recommendations to the Engineering Section Head.
• Review and approve engineering documentation, feasibility and compliance with client requirements.
• Recommend construction techniques, sequence of works and input to the construction programme where required.
• Identify and support industry‑leading or innovative solutions to reduce whole‑life carbon.
• Ensure civil engineering designs and specifications are developed in accordance with current legislation, policies, operational requirements, PAS2080 and BS8001 philosophy.
• Lead technical resolution of site or construction issues, analyse common faults and prevent re‑occurrence.
• Represent SPEN nationally and internationally on working groups, seminars and industry forums as a specialist/expert in Transmission HVDC Civil Engineering.
• Act as the key technical interface with EPC and OEM contractors.
• Support Engineering Section Heads in developing national and international standards or other regulatory matters related to civil or structural engineering to reflect the requirements of SPEN and clients.

What you’ll bring

• Preferably a Chartered Engineer or working towards one.
• Degree qualified in Civil Engineering or related discipline.
• Proven significant experience and knowledge in a responsible position in civil or structural engineering design works for electrical network transmission projects.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to build effective working relationships with other individuals, departments and businesses.
• Ability to implement, apply and promote CDM and Health & Safety best practice in a design environment.
• Working knowledge or previous experience in use of multi‑discipline BIM.
• Ability to plan and engineer conflicting requirements and meet challenging deadlines.
• Provide on‑site technical solutions to unforeseen engineering problems that mitigate programme slippage.
• Proven experience/expert knowledge in civil or structural design for the construction of electrical transmission networks at voltages up to 400kV including HVDC substations.
• Working knowledge of HSEQ and sustainability associated with civil engineering design and construction.

What’s in it for you

In addition to a competitive salary reviewed annually, enjoy generous benefits, including: 36 days annual leave, holiday purchase (extra annual leave), share schemes, payroll giving and charity matched funding, technology vouchers, electric vehicle schemes, cycle to work scheme and public transport season ticket loans, healthcare benefit options (dental, private medical, health cash plan, annual health assessments), life assurance (4x salary), financial wellbeing support, and assorted shopping, leisure, restaurant and gym discounts.

Equal Opportunity and EEO Statement

SPEN is committed to providing reasonable support or adjustments in our recruiting processes for candidates with disabilities, long‑term conditions, mental health conditions, or who are neurodivergent or require pregnancy‑related support. If you need support, please reach out to careers@scottishpower.com.