Head of Substation

Head of Substation - Plant & P&C Design London, Stowmarket, Leeds Hybrid Permanent – Full Time Competitive (DOE)  Car/ Car Allowance & Flexible Benefits As Head of Substation (Plant & P&C Design) you will lead the substation engineering function responsible for both electrical plant and Protection & Control (P&C) design across substations from distribution up to transmission voltages (typically 33kV–400kV).

You will act as the technical authority and strategic lead for substation design, ensuring delivery of safe, compliant, high-quality engineering solutions that meet client requirements, regulatory standards, and industry best practice. You will shape technical strategy, develop design processes, manage multi-disciplinary teams, support business development, and engage with key external stakeholders including UK Transmission Operators (e.g., National Grid, SSEN), Distribution Network Operators, contractors, and clients.

Some of the key deliverables in this role will include:
Strategic Leadership Lead and evolve the substation design function (both Plant and P&C disciplines), defining technical standards, best practices, and long-term capability goals. Champion safety-by-design, quality assurance, and compliance with UK/EU legislation and industry standards (ENA, BS, IEC). Align design resources with business strategy, project pipeline, and client commitments. Technical Authority Oversee Primary (Plant) design , including specification, layout, and detailed engineering of switch gear, transformers, buswork, earthing, auxiliary supplies, and associated equipment.

Direct Protection & Control design strategy, including protection philosophies, schemes, relay settings, interlocking, SCADA interfaces, logic, and communications systems. Approve design deliverables, ensuring technical integrity, constructability, and compliance with relevant utility technical requirements. Project Delivery & Governance Provide technical governance on major substation projects from concept through FEED, detailed design, construction support, and commissioning. Drive quality, consistency, and risk mitigation across design work packages and oversee design assurance processes.

Engage in tender preparation, bid support, estimating, and scope definition to secure new work. People Leadership Build, coach, and mentor a high-performing team of engineers and technical specialists. Define career pathways, training plans, and performance objectives within the substation design function. Facilitate effective multidisciplinary collaboration with civil, structural, overhead line, cables, and project management teams. Client & Stakeholder Engagement Act as a senior technical representative in meetings with clients, regulators, and partners.

Liaise with external design houses, equipment vendors, contractors, and suppliers to optimise technical solutions and delivery outcomes. Manage feedback loops with clients to inform continuous improvement and foster strong commercial relationships. Does this sound like a role you have envisaged yourself in?

What we’re looking for:

Proven senior experience in substation design leadership within the UK-Transmission & Distribution sector. Deep understanding of electrical plant engineering and Protection & Control systems for substation environments up to 400kV. Strong knowledge of UK/National Grid technical standards, grid codes, and regulatory frameworks.

Experience with design tools and engineering software (e.g., AutoCAD, EPlan, ETAP/DIgSILENT, protection coordination tools). Qualifications MEng / BEng Degree in Electrical Engineering Chartered Engineer (CEng) with IET (or working towards it) advantageous. Previous experience interfacing with UK Transmission Operators (e.g., National Grid ESO) and DNOs Why Join Us? At Freedom, we believe in attracting and retaining the best talent by offering great benefits and career progression opportunities, including:
Pension with up to 8% employer contribution Private Medical Insurance Personal Wellbeing and Volunteer Days Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme (Hybrid/Electric Vehicle) Flexible benefits (e.g., Dental Insurance, Gym Memberships, Tax-Free Bikes)…