Head of Transmission & Distribution

Summary of the position:
The Head of Transmission & Distribution is a senior leadership role responsible for providing strategic, technical, and operational leadership across the organisation's T&D engineering function.
The role will lead engineering capability across Transmission, Distribution, Overhead Lines (OHL), substations, cables, and associated design and project delivery activities. The position will be responsible for engineering governance, technical quality, resource planning, team development, project delivery, and continuous improvement.
Working closely with senior leadership, clients, project teams, and engineering disciplines, the Head of T&D will support successful project delivery while contributing to client relationships, business development, technical proposals, and the long-term growth of the T&D function.
Requirements
Key accountabilities:
Provide strategic leadership and direction for the Transmission & Distribution engineering function.
Lead and develop multidisciplinary engineering and design teams across T&D, OHL, substations, cables, and related engineering functions
Establish and maintain engineering standards, technical governance, design assurance, and quality processes
Provide senior technical oversight across projects from concept and design through construction and delivery
Ensure engineering deliverables meet client requirements, industry standards, quality, programme, and commercial expectations
Lead resource planning, capability development, succession planning, recruitment, and team performance
Drive technical innovation, digital engineering, standardisation, and continuous improvement
Oversee engineering risks, design changes, technical issues, and complex problem resolution
Technical proposals, project mobilisation, client presentations, and business development activities
Build strong relationships with clients and senior internal stakeholders
Promote Safety by Design, CDM compliance, engineering quality, and sustainable design practices
Support the continued growth and development of the organisation's T&D engineering capability
Skills and Experience | Essential
Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or a related discipline
Engineering experience, with significant experience in UK Transmission & Distribution / Power Infrastructure
Required senior leadership experience managing engineering or design teams
Strong experience in Transmission & Distribution, OHL, substations, cables, or power infrastructure projects
Proven experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams and complex projects
Strong understanding of engineering governance, technical assurance, design management, and project delivery
Working knowledge of OHL engineering and tools such as PLS-CADD / PLS-TOWER
Experience with UK power-sector standards, client requirements, and engineering practices
Good understanding of CDM 2015, Safety by Design, HSE, and quality requirements
Experience with NEC3/NEC4 or similar contract frameworks
Strong resource planning, people management, and capability development experience
Commercial awareness with exposure to tenders, proposals, client management, and business development
Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and decision-making skills
Skills and Experience | Desirable
Chartered Engineer (CEng) or equivalent professional qualification
Master's Degree in Engineering, Project Management, or Business Management
Experience working with National Grid, SSE, DNOs, TOs, or major UK utilities
Experience across both Transmission and Distribution environments
Experience with high-voltage projects, including 132kV, 275kV and 400kV systems
CDM Principal Designer experience
APM, PMP, PRINCE2, CMI, or equivalent qualification
Knowledge of PAS 2080, sustainability, BIM, digital engineering, or automation
Experience managing international or geographically distributed engineering teams
Personal attributes
Exceptional leadership and team-building skills, with experience managing and developing high-performing engineering teams
Ability to lead by example with credibility in IT Solution / Service delivery
Sets high standards for themselves and their teams, with the ability to influence and mentor team members to achieve standards expected
Passion for innovation and staying current with industry trends and emerging technologies
Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners
Strong understanding of CSIP methods
Strong judgement and decision-making skills
Strong communicator with excellent interpersonal, verbal and written skills
Proven track record of conflict management and issue reconciliation in both delivery and personal circumstances

Work arrangement
No