At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Overhead Line design team and ensure high-quality engineering solutions.
- Company: Join WSP, a global leader in engineering and professional services.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, health support, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse community dedicated to positive change.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on landmark projects while shaping your unique career.
- Qualifications: Senior-level experience in OHL design and leadership required.
The predicted salary is between 47250 - 57750 £ per year.
What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.
A little more about your role... As the Technical Lead of the Overhead Line (OHL) design team, you will lead the engineering activities and are responsible for technical support and design across Transmission portfolio. You will act as the technical authority for OHL design, ensuring safe, compliant, and high‑quality engineering solutions aligned with client requirements, regulatory standards and industry best practice. The role combines technical leadership, strategic direction, team development, and engagement with key stakeholders across UK&I Transmission Operators.
A core requirement of the role is to ensure the organisation has the right capability, capacity, governance and quality controls in place to deliver complex cable transmission projects to program to budget and standards.
- Strategic Leadership
- Lead and develop the OHL design function.
- Define technical standards, best practices and long‑term capability requirements.
- Promote safety‑by‑design, quality assurance and compliance with UK/EU legislation and industry standards (ENA, BS, IEC).
- Align design resources with business strategy and project demand.
- Support resource planning and recruitment.
- Technical Authority
- Set direction for OHL design including Basic & Detailed design packages.
- Approve design deliverables to ensure technical integrity, constructability, and compliance with utility standards.
- Project Delivery & Governance
- Provide technical oversight across all project phases: concept, FEED, detailed design, construction and commissioning.
- Drive consistency, quality and risk management across design packages.
- Support tendering activities including bid preparation, estimating and scope definition.
- People Leadership
- Build, lead and mentor a high‑performing team of engineers and technical specialists.
- Define career pathways, training programmes, standardisation of design activities, and performance expectations.
- Enable effective collaboration with HV Plant, Civil, HV Cable, P&C, DNO and project management teams.
- Client & Stakeholder Engagement
- Represent the organisation as a senior technical authority in client, regulator and partner meetings.
- Work with external design houses, suppliers and contractors to optimise technical solutions.
- Manage client feedback to support continuous improvement and strong commercial relationships.
- Senior‑level experience in OHL design & leadership within the UK Transmission sectors.
- Strong expertise in OHL engineering transmission and / or distribution line design – Particularly from 132 - 400kV.
- Strong expertise in PLS CADD and Tower design software, exposure to Auto CAD and drawing packages.
- In‑depth understanding of UK utility technical standards, grid codes and regulatory frameworks.
- Minimum BEng in Electrical Engineering.
- Chartered Engineer (CEng, IET) or working towards chartership.
- Experience working with UK Transmission Operators.
- OHL CDAE/LCDAE in UK National Grid Projects.
- BP141 Authorisation in OHL.
- Understanding / Experience in EirGrid, SSE requirements / Projects.
- Work-life balance
- Inclusivity & Belonging
- Health & Wellbeing
- Flex your time
- Your development
What we will be looking for you to demonstrate…
Qualifications
Preferences:
Don’t quite meet all the criteria? Apply, and we can see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities within the team.
Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all. Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.
With us, you can. Apply today.
We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 11,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?
At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community. Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.
We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote a culture of inclusivity.
We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme. Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.
To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day. We also provide part-time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.
We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.
#WeAreWSP Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.
Full time Posting Date: 2026-07-03
Overhead Line Technical Lead (Energy) employer: WSP Group
At WSP, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that values innovation, inclusivity, and personal growth. As the Overhead Line Technical Lead, you will not only lead a talented team but also enjoy a flexible hybrid working policy, comprehensive health and wellbeing support, and numerous opportunities for professional development. Join us in making a positive impact on communities while shaping a rewarding career in a collaborative environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Overhead Line Technical Lead (Energy)
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Overhead Line Technical Lead (Energy) role you’re after at WSP Group.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at WSP Group a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at WSP Group.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Overhead Line Technical Lead (Energy) at WSP Group, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Overhead Line Technical Lead (Energy)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Overhead Line Technical Lead (Energy), it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at WSP Group a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to WSP Group specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at WSP Group
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with WSP Group, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like WSP Group want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
