Director of Cable Systems Design - National Grid Substation Projects; V

Title :

Director - Cable System Design - National Grid Substation Projects (400kV)

UK (flexible)

18+ years

Up to £120,000 / annum+ (Flexible dependant on experience)

Our client is a major player in the Energy & Power sector, delivering integrated, whole-system solutions across energy networks, generation technologies, and storage. They support organisations worldwide in navigating the shift from traditional thermal power to renewable, low‑carbon systems, helping cities and nations accelerate their energy transition strategies.

A position with our client means contributing to flagship programmes, solving challenging engineering problems, and shaping projects that have a lasting impact on communities and the wider environment. You’ll be part of a team that encourages growth and empowers people to deliver their best work.

As the client’s UK and European operations continue to expand, they are seeking a Director of Cable System Design to strengthen their leadership capability. This role will support a broad portfolio of high‑profile assignments, covering high‑voltage AIS / GIS substations, transmission infrastructure, HVDC interconnectors, and large‑scale energy storage.

• Extensive experience within consultancy, contracting, or utility environments in the power sector.
• Strong background in cable engineering, spanning FEED and detailed design stages.
• Lead the development and management of HV / EHV cable design across the full project lifecycle.
• Proficient with CYMCAP and COMSOL for cable system modelling.
• Experience working at EHV transmission voltages.
• Capable of designing HVAC and HVDC cable systems at high and extra‑high voltages.
• Produce specifications, conceptual and detailed designs, technical assessments, and project‑related site support.
• Provide specialist technical guidance on cable system engineering to internal teams.
• Prepare equipment specifications, tender documentation, route designs, and technical reports.
• Manage interfaces with multidisciplinary teams; attend meetings with clients, contractors, and project partners.
• Support factory acceptance testing.
• Perform key calculations (sizing, rating, TMF / EMF, sheath voltage, etc.).
• Oversee design verification and review activities.
• Ensure compliance with CDM regulations, statutory requirements, and internal quality processes.
• Promote best practice around safety, environmental performance, and risk management.
• Assist with temporary works design where applicable.
• Build and maintain productive working relationships with clients, designers, internal teams and suppliers.
• Provide guidance on setting‑out methods and engineering techniques.
• Review drawings and documents for completeness, raising early queries where information is required.
• Produce RAMS documentation.
• Ensure inspection and test plans are completed in accordance with project specifications, including checks on accuracy and quality.

• Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• Chartered Engineer (IET) or progressing toward chartership.
• Experience working under CDAE and TP141 authorisations.

• Significant experience designing HV cable systems (132kV–400kV) across UK transmission and distribution environments.
• Strong understanding of National Grid and DNO standards and processes.
• Confident communicator with effective stakeholder management skills.
• Able to manage multiple priorities and operate under pressure.
• Proven ability to lead technical work streams and contribute strategically to project delivery.

The client promotes modern, flexible working arrangements. Their Energy & Power team is spread across several UK locations, including London, Birmingham, Reading, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow and Exeter, but applications from across the UK are welcomed. Hybrid, part‑time and flexible hours can be discussed.

The client aims to take a leading role in the global shift to cleaner energy and actively supports innovative thinking. Employees benefit from a collaborative international network where expertise is shared across regions to tackle common…