Director – Substations; Primary Design Grid Network

Director – Substations (Primary Design) - UK Grid Network

Jacobs Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

Jacobs is seeking a Director – Substations (Primary Design) to support a range of high-profile projects across the Power & Energy portfolio. This includes high voltage AIS and GIS Substations, transmission system assets, HVDC interconnectors, and energy storage systems. The role involves leadership on FEED and detailed design work streams for National Grid and DNO clients, with a focus on quality assurance, technical governance, and delivery excellence across substation projects.

• Define and lead the strategic direction of Jacobs’ Substation Primary capability across the UK and Europe
• Provide executive leadership on FEED and detailed design work streams 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

• 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

People are Jacobs’ greatest asset, and we offer a competitive package to retain and attract the best talent. UK employees receive benefits including free single medical cover and digital GP service, family-friendly benefits such as enhanced parental leave pay, and reimbursement towards relevant professional development and memberships. We also support community initiatives through our Collectively program with matched-funding, paid volunteering time and charitable donations.

Work-life balance and flexibility are a key focus, with options for hybrid, part-time, and flexible working patterns and locations.

Joining Jacobs connects you locally and globally. We value safety, integrity, inclusion and belonging, putting people at the heart of our business. We support mental health, belonging, and a culture of caring. We offer flexible working arrangements and opportunities to maximize potential, including well-being benefits, global giving, and volunteering programs. Find out more about life at Jacobs.

We aim to embed inclusion and belonging in everything we do. We are committed to building vibrant communities within Jacobs and partnering with organisations to attract diverse talent. We welcome flexible working and applicants who may not meet every listed requirement. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact Careers Support.

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing iority level:
Not Applicable.

Employment type:

Full-time. Job function:
Information Technology. Industries:
Civil Engineering, Design Services, and IT Services and IT Consulting.