Design Lead; Civils

Design Lead (Civil)

Salary from £63,200 per annum plus up to 15% bonus & family healthcare.

Closing date: 30 July 2026.

• Lead, develop and inspire a team of Design / Senior Design Engineers, fostering a high‑performing culture focused on safety, quality, innovation and engineering excellence.
• Support the regional Civil Design Manager in day‑to‑day leadership, resource planning, workload management and team development.
• Depute for the regional Civil Design Manager and represent the Civil Design Department at internal and external meetings as required.
• Drive professional development, competency management, succession planning and continuous improvement across the Civil Design Department.
• Perform all duties with a strong emphasis on health, safety, environmental, quality and regulatory compliance.
• Lead the development and delivery of Civil and Structural Engineering solutions across the SP Transmission Network, from feasibility and concept design through to detailed design and project delivery.
• Define Civil Engineering requirements for System Construction Authorisations (SCAs), tender documentation, technical specifications and procurement activities.
• Prepare, review and approve engineering calculations, drawings, specifications, reports and other technical deliverables.
• Assess engineering documentation, project requirements and tender submissions, providing technical recommendations and supporting project budgeting and development activities.
• Act as a technical authority for Civil Engineering design outputs, ensuring compliance with legislation, industry standards, company policies and design governance requirements.
• Provide technical leadership on engineering assurance, design quality and risk management activities, ensuring robust and efficient engineering solutions are delivered.
• Support the regional Project Development and Delivery teams by providing expert technical guidance and leadership in the resolution of complex design and construction challenges.
• Lead engagement with internal and external stakeholders to ensure successful project development and delivery.
• Define training requirements and lead the development and delivery of technical, operational, construction and safety training packages associated with new products, technologies and standards.
• Coach, mentor and develop engineers, graduates and students, supporting professional development and career progression as appropriate.
• Support the Civil management team in the development and implementation of engineering standards, procedures and regulatory requirements.

• Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to develop a high‑performing engineering team and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Excellent stakeholder management, influencing and communication skills, with confidence to engage at all levels.
• Proven experience in detailed Civil and Structural Engineering design, ideally within electricity transmission or distribution infrastructure projects.
• Understanding of engineering governance, design assurance, risk management and quality processes.
• Knowledge of Transmission Network Operator health, safety and environmental requirements, including practical experience of CDM Regulations and Designer/Principal Designer responsibilities.
• Experience working with SP Energy Networks or equivalent industry technical specifications and standards (e.g. SUB documents, NGTS and related design standards).
• Commercial awareness with experience supporting project development, tender evaluations and project delivery.
• Sound technical judgement and problem‑solving skills with the ability to provide clear direction and resolve complex engineering challenges.
• Commitment to professional development, mentoring and coaching engineers at all career stages.

• Master’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering and/or relevant postgraduate qualification, or significant equivalent industry experience.
• Significant hands‑on experience of detailed Civil and Structural Engineering design and project delivery.
• Extensive experience of electrical transmission infrastructure projects and a broad understanding…