Director Protection & Control; P&C Grid Network

Director Protection & Control (P&C) - UK Grid Network

Jacobs Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

• Define and lead the strategic direction of Jacobs’ Protection & Control capability across the UK and Europe
• Provide executive leadership on FEED and detailed design work streams for National Grid and DNO clients
• Oversee technical assurance, quality control, and delivery excellence across all P&C 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
• Lead and support major bids, including technical strategy, resource alignment, and client engagement
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with key clients, supporting business development and market positioning
• Represent Jacobs in industry bodies and forums, influencing standards and best practices
• Oversee interface design, protection schemes, control philosophies, and settings coordination
• Chair high-level design reviews, hazard reviews, and technical governance meetings
• Ensure compliance with CDM regulations and proactively manage technical risks
• Support succession planning and capability growth across the P&C team

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering
• Chartered Engineer through the IET
• TP141 Authorisation (Protection & Control)
• National Grid Contractor Design Approval Engineer (CDAE)
• Recognised authority in P&C engineering for high‑voltage installations (132kV–400kV)
• 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
• Familiarity with protection and control systems for DNOs, BESS, windfarms, and HVDC
• 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. In addition to the benefits you’d expect, UK employees also receive free single medical cover and digital GP service, 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.

Work‑life balance and flexibility is a key focus area for Jacobs. We’re happy to discuss hybrid, part‑time and flexible working hours, patterns and locations to suit you and our business.

We aim to embed inclusion and belonging in everything we do. We accept people for who they are, and we champion the richness of different perspectives, lived experiences and backgrounds in the workplace, as a source of learning and innovation.

As a disability confident employer, we will interview disabled candidates who best meet the criteria. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role.

Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.