Senior Associate Director – Substations (Primary Design) – UK Grid Network
Jacobs Birmingham, England, United Kingdom
At Jacobs, we are challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission‑critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting‑edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.
Your impact
Jacobs is playing a leading role in the global energy transition. As our UK and Continental Europe team continues to expand, we are seeking a Senior Associate Director – Substations (Primary Design) to support a range of high‑profile projects across our Power & Energy portfolio. This includes high voltage AIS and GIS Substations, transmission system assets, HVDC interconnectors, and energy storage systems.
Key Responsibilities
Provide strategic leadership on FEED and detailed design workstreams for National Grid and DNO clients
Oversee quality assurance, resource planning, and capability development across multiple projects
Lead technical reviews of HV plant aspects including layouts, earthing design and reports, mechanical interlocking, HV busbar calculations, and equipment specifications
Coordinate with back‑office engineers, sub‑contractors, and suppliers to ensure seamless delivery
Manage and contribute to tender packages, including technical and commercial submissions
Chair design and hazard review meetings and ensure technical assurance of HV plant design
Attend site visits, FAT and SAT as required
Mentor senior engineers and contribute to succession planning and capability growth
Maintain and grow client relationships, supporting strategic business development and market positioning
Represent Jacobs in industry forums and contribute to shaping technical standards and best practices
Qualifications
Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent
LCDAE/PD (TP137) and/or TP141 authorisation ideally
Extensive experience in HV substation engineering (132kV–400kV), including AIS/GIS and HVDC systems
Proven leadership in delivering complex, multi‑disciplinary infrastructure projects
Strong understanding of UK transmission and distribution standards and client expectations
Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and team leadership skills
Strategic thinking with commercial acumen and a track record of business development
Benefits
People are Jacobs’ greatest asset, and we offer a competitive package to retain and attract the best talent. In addition to the benefits you’d expect, UK employees also receive free single medical cover and digital GP service, family‑friendly benefits such as enhanced parental leave pay and free membership of employee assistance and parental programmes, plus reimbursement toward relevant professional development and memberships. We also give back to our communities through our Collectively program which incorporates matched‑funding, paid volunteering time and charitable donations.
Work‑life balance and flexibility is a key focus area for Jacobs. We’re happy to discuss hybrid, part‑time and flexible working hours, patterns and locations to suit you and our business.
Jacobs partners with VERCIDA to help us attract and retain talent from a wide range of backgrounds. As a disability confident employer, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a vacancy.
Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.
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