Head of Substations
CV-LibraryBirmingham, West MidlandspermanentPosted: 2 April 2026
Apply NowHead 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
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