Head of HVDC Operations

Head of HVDC Operations

Location:

Eurocentral office base (with hybrid working), regular travel to sites across Scotland also required. Salary: from £82,400 - £103,000 + annual bonus (up to 30%) + car allowance (£450 per month) + family private medical cover. Permanent | Full-time – 37 hours per week Closing date: 13th September 2026

Help us create a better future, quicker! The energy landscape is changing at pace, and High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) technology is playing a critical role in delivering the UK's transition to Net Zero. At SP Energy Networks, we're investing at an unprecedented scale to build, operate and maintain the infrastructure that will connect renewable energy to homes and businesses for generations to come.

We're now seeking a Head of HVDC Operations to provide strategic leadership across our growing HVDC portfolio. Reporting to the Transmission Operations Director, this newly created leadership role will oversee the operational performance, future readiness and long-term strategy for some of the UK's most significant electricity transmission assets, including Western Link and Eastern Green Link projects, while shaping the future operating model for forthcoming HVDC developments.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a function responsible for multi-billion-pound critical national infrastructure assets that sit at the heart of the UK's future energy system.

• Define and deliver the long-term strategic vision for HVDC Operations, ensuring capability, resources and operational frameworks are aligned with future network requirements.
• Lead the operational readiness and integration of Eastern Green Link 1 whilst supporting planning considerations for future HVDC developments, including EGL4 and future Western Link projects.
• Provide executive leadership across a portfolio of HVDC converter stations, cable systems and associated infrastructure.
• Drive industry-leading standards in safety, operational excellence, asset management, physical security and cyber resilience.
• Hold accountability for operational performance, availability and reliability across the HVDC portfolio, ensuring strategic assets continue to support the UK's energy transition.
• Lead financial and contractual governance across significant operational and maintenance programmes.
• Develop long-term asset health and investment strategies to maintain system resilience and performance.
• Build, lead and develop a high-performing specialist team capable of supporting an expanding HVDC asset portfolio.
• Act as the senior escalation point for all HVDC operational matters, providing leadership during critical incidents and major events.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders including NESO, National Grid, Ofgem, contractors, OEMs and industry partners.
• Collaborate with senior leaders across Operations, Engineering, Asset Management and Major Projects to shape the future of transmission operations.

• A degree qualification (or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems Engineering or a related engineering discipline, with Chartered Engineer status desirable.
• Extensive experience in the management and operation of HVDC converter stations and associated transmission assets, with a strong understanding of HVDC technologies, systems, risks and performance drivers.
• Demonstrable experience leading the operational strategy, maintenance, performance and asset management of complex converter station environments.
• Significant senior leadership experience within an operational, engineering or asset-intensive environment.
• Extensive experience managing complex, high-value infrastructure assets, major operational contracts and associated regulatory obligations.
• Strong understanding of the commercial, regulatory and financial framework within the electricity transmission sector.
• Experience leading organisational growth, transformation and capability development within a specialist engineering function.
• Proven ability to develop and lead high-performing multidisciplinary teams whilst fostering a strong safety and performance culture.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with…