Lead Policy Engineer (Earthing & Protection Application)
We are looking for a highly experienced and motivated Lead Policy Engineer (Earthing & Protection Application) to join our Engineering Policy Team at National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED). As the lead Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Earthing & Protection, you will lead the development and governance of company standards and policies, liaise with internal and external stakeholders, and represent the business in national and international working groups. This role requires deep technical expertise, strategic thinking, and strong communication skills to influence and shape Engineering Policy across the organisation and the wider industry.
Reporting to the Engineering Policy Manager you will provide technical authority and leadership for Earthing & Protection as part of industry technical panels and global tendering processes, approving design deviations with consideration of commercial, operational and safety factors under tight timeframes. Our preferred locations are Tipton, Castle Donington or Bristol, but we welcome applicants from across the licence area of West Midlands, East Midlands, South West and Wales. The role is hybrid: approximately 2 days a week in office, with flexibility as required for business need.
Main Responsibilities
* Approve the development, maintenance and review of policy materials that disseminate policy changes and updates.
* Provide up‑to‑date knowledge of International and UK specific policies.
* Develop new equipment and installation/maintenance techniques, chase value and bring improvements in safety, efficiency or lifetime cost.
* Support the Procurement Team in global tendering processes.
* Represent the company on national and international committees, leading responses to external consultations related to Earthing & Protection.
* Maintain subject matter expertise including up‑to‑date knowledge on NGED policy, Earthing, battery systems and protection.
* Support failure investigations and root cause analysis relating to Earthing & Protection equipment.
* Contribute to the development, maintenance and review of other Company Policies.
* Contribute to the company’s Asset Risk modelling and strategic planning through expert input on risks associated with Earthing & Protection systems.
* Conduct reviews of existing policy and standard techniques based on feedback from Policy Application Specialists, dissemination sessions and business queries.
* Provide clear guidance on Earthing, battery system and protection design queries.
* Deliver results on time, to required quality standards and to budget, supporting company goals.
* Provide subject matter expertise for R&D and Innovation work/forums relating to Earthing & Protection.
Ideal Candidate
* A degree in Electrical Engineering or a relevant STEM discipline.
* Chartered Engineer (CEng) or openness to work toward chartered status with the Institution of Engineering Technology or equivalent.
* Significant experience in protection and/or earthing systems, preferably within a DNO environment; understanding of legacy network protection desirable.
* Experience in Asset Risk Management desirable.
* Ability to drive continuous improvement in safety, efficiency, environment, asset value and network performance.
* Strategic influence at all levels of the organisation, across the group and externally relating to Earthing & Protection.
* Strong business case communication to gain buy‑in for significant change.
* Team cohesion, coaching and development skills.
* Ability to interpret and explain complex technical matters to varied audiences.
* Analytical approach to complex technical topics.
* Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.
* A valid driving licence.
Evidence of qualifications will be required prior to appointment.
National Grid Electricity Distribution is committed to safeguarding the interests of the Company, colleagues and customers. This role is subject to a satisfactory Barring Service (DBS) check and depending on the role different levels of screening and vetting are required. Some roles require a tri‑annual check.
About Us
We’re National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED), the owner and operator behind the electricity distribution systems for the Midlands, the Southwest of England and South Wales. Serving communities of more than 8 million people, our expert teams deliver heat, light and power for homes and businesses.
National Grid employs over 29,000 people worldwide. We are building an inclusive workplace, a place to actively celebrate the cultures, personalities and preferences of our colleagues – who in turn help to build the success of our business and reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Our vision is to be at the heart of a clean, fair and affordable energy future and we are doing this in a fast‑moving industry with an increasing focus on tackling climate change, exploring new energy sources that are renewable, low carbon, and improving efficiency to meet demand.
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