Overview
Director – Substations (Primary Design) - UK Grid Network. 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 Director – Substations (Primary Design) to support a range of high-profile projects across our Power & Energy portfolio, including high voltage AIS and GIS Substations, transmission system assets, HVDC interconnectors, and energy storage systems.
Responsibilities
* Define and lead the strategic direction of Jacobs’ Substation Primary capability across the UK and Europe
* Provide executive leadership on FEED and detailed design workstreams for National Grid and DNO clients
* Ensure quality assurance, technical governance, and delivery excellence across all substation projects
* Lead recruitment, onboarding, and development of engineering talent to support growth and delivery
* Drive team billability, utilisation, and performance metrics aligned with business objectives
* Oversee resource planning and ensure adequate training and capability development
* Lead and support major bids, including technical strategy, resource alignment, and client engagement
* Review and approve HV plant aspects including layouts, earthing, interlocking, busbar calculations, and specifications
* Chair high-level design reviews, hazard reviews, and technical assurance meetings
* Attend site visits, FAT and SAT as required
* Represent Jacobs in industry bodies and forums, influencing standards and best practices
* Maintain and grow strategic client relationships, supporting business development and market positioning
Qualifications
* Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent
* LCDAE/PD (TP137) and TP141 authorisation
* Recognised authority in HV substation engineering (132kV–400kV), including AIS/GIS and HVDC systems
* Proven leadership across large-scale infrastructure programmes and multidisciplinary teams
* Strong commercial acumen with experience in bid strategy and client engagement
* Demonstrated success in team growth, recruitment, and capability development
* Excellent communication, strategic thinking, and stakeholder management skills
* Ability to influence technical standards and contribute to industry innovation
Why Jacobs?
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 towards 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.
We aim to embed inclusion and belonging in everything we do. We know that if we are inclusive, we’re more connected and creative. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role. We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations to deliver their best work. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process, please contact our Careers Support team.
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