Director – Substations (Primary Design) - UK Grid Network
Jacobs Manchester, England, United Kingdom
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Talent Acquisition Partner at Jacobs | People & Places Solutions | Energy & Power
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 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
* 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
What you'll need
* 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. UK employees receive free single medical cover and digital GP service, plus 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 support community contributions through our Collectively program with matched-funding, paid volunteering time and charitable donations.
Work-life balance and flexibility is a key focus area. We’re open to hybrid, part-time and flexible working hours, patterns and locations to suit you and our business.
Join Jacobs not only locally but globally. Our values are safety, integrity, inclusion and belonging. We put people at the heart of our business and support one another through our culture of caring. We value mental health and a sense of belonging for all employees. We offer flexible working arrangements, well-being benefits, and opportunities to support clients in making the world a better place.
We are committed to inclusion and belonging. We welcome applications from disabled candidates and those seeking flexible working. We encourage applicants who may not meet all listed requirements to apply. We offer hybrid working and reasonable adjustments in the recruitment process. If you need the application form in a different format, please contact Careers Support.
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