Head of Substations

Head of Substations

Our client, a key player in the energy sector, is currently seeking a Head of Substations - P&C Design to join their team. This permanent role offers the opportunity to lead engineering functions in a dynamic and challenging environment.

Key Responsibilities: Strategic Leadership

• Lead and develop the substation design function across Plant and P&C disciplines.
• 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.
• Responsibility for resource planning and recruitment.

Technical Authority

• Oversee Primary Plant design including specifications, layouts and detailed engineering for switchgear, transformers, earthing, auxiliaries and associated equipment.
• Set direction for P&C design including protection philosophies, schemes, interlocking, SCADA and communication systems.
• 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 and performance expectations.
• Enable effective collaboration with civil, structural, OHL, cable 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.

Job Requirements:

• Senior-level experience in substation design leadership within the UK Transmission & Distribution sector.
• Strong expertise in electrical plant engineering and P&C systems up to 400kV.
• In-depth understanding of UK utility technical standards, grid codes and regulatory frameworks.
• BEng/MEng in Electrical Engineering.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng, IET) or working towards chartership.
• Experience working with UK Transmission Operators and DNOs.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary
• Access to global scale projects and collaboration with industry experts
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Supportive and inclusive work environment
• Comprehensive employee benefits package

If you are an experienced Head of Substations specialising in P&C design, looking for a new challenge, we would love to hear from you.
Apply now to join our client's team and make a significant impact in the energy sector.