Lead Project Manager

Overview

SP Electricity North West manages and invests in the power network that supplies electricity to the 2.4m homes and businesses across the North West. Our 2,400 colleagues manage the 13,000km of overhead lines, 44,000km of underground cables and thousands of electricity substations to keep power flowing and supporting green growth. We’re one of six distribution network operators in the UK and are regulated by Ofgem.

We’re proud that in December 2024 we were named Utility of the Year by Utility Week magazine who said we punched above our weight and used innovation to solve some of the industry’s most difficult challenges. Come and be part of our team and make a difference.

Now part of the Iberdrola and Scottish Power group, we’re collectively building smarter, greener electricity networks that will get Britain growing by investing in a better future, quicker.

A Fantastic Opportunity:
Lead Project Manager

We are recruiting for a Lead Project Manager within the existing team in Blackburn, delivering electrical power projects at transmission and distribution voltage levels. This role is to project manage pre-construction and construction activities (from design to energisation) for large-scale high voltage infrastructure and grid connections at voltage levels normally between 11kV and 132kV.

Our projects would include feasibility, detailed design, procurement, construction, test and commissioning on existing or new substations and associated infrastructure.

• Project manage major initiatives when required and take responsibility for the company’s Health & Safety processes, ensuring compliance with Construction Design Management (CDM) Construction Phase Plans, relevant Codes of Practice, safety rules, risk assessments, safety observations, incident reporting, and all other associated Health & Safety Executive policies.
• Support the HV Construction Manager with customer escalations and assist both site and office teams in planning and delivering current and future projects.
• Provide guidance to the wider team and act as a mentor to newer colleagues. Maintain exceptional customer service through clear communication and the consistent delivery of high quality work.
• Maintain a safe, organised and clean working area; meet agreed outage times and dates; uphold high standards across all tasks.
• Attend the Whitebirk office regularly to support the team.
• Identify efficiencies across contractors, suppliers and partner relationships to improve short-term project outcomes and long-term profitability.
• Represent the company professionally, with positive behaviour, strong timekeeping and professional appearance.
• Actively look for future sales opportunities by providing leads to the business development team or supporting estimators with pricing and drafting tender submissions. When required, cover responsibilities for the HV Construction Manager.

The successful candidate must, at the start of employment, have permission to work in the UK without sponsorship.

• Minimum HNC in Electrical Engineering, with proven years of relevant experience.
• Experience managing large and complex HV/LV projects throughout the full project lifecycle from feasibility to energisation.
• A strong understanding of electrical distribution equipment, including the ability to interpret technical documentation relating to the design of electrical substations, civil layouts, cables and overhead lines.
• Trained and experienced as a project manager, coordinating commercial contracts, resources, materials and site activities within given budgets for engineering-focused projects (essential).
• A strong understanding of Health & Safety and CDM requirements for large-scale projects.
• Experience creating project plans using software such as Microsoft Excel or Microsoft Project.
• Hold a valid, full UK driving licence.

We value your expertise. In return, you’ll receive:

• An annual bonus scheme
• 25 days annual leave increasing with length of service
• Car allowance or Company Vehicle
• Private Healthcare
• An employee rewards portal offering discounts on several well-known brands
• A market-leading contributory pension…