Technical Director

I'm partnering with a long-established UK engineering company in the power systems sector to appoint a Technical Director specialising in high-voltage (HV) and extra-high-voltage (EHV) substation testing and commissioning . This is a senior leadership position acting as the technical authority across grid infrastructure projects , combining strategic oversight with deep, hands-on expertise. You'll play a pivotal role in shaping engineering standards, leading commissioning activities, and ensuring the successful delivery of complex AIS and GIS substation projects across transmission and distribution (T&D) networks.

Key responsibilities:

Technical Governance & Strategy Define and implement engineering strategies, protection philosophies , and commissioning procedures Ensure alignment with international standards and UK utility requirements (e.g. National Grid, SSE, Scottish Power) Act as the ultimate technical authority across HV/EHV projects Project Oversight Provide leadership from FEED (Front End Engineering Design) through detailed design, construction, and final commissioning Oversee technical delivery across the full project lifecycle within transmission and distribution networks Site & Commissioning Support Lead and support complex testing and commissioning activities on HV/EHV substations Resolve critical site issues, technical queries, and design deviations Provide expert input on AIS (Air Insulated Switchgear) and GIS (Gas Insulated Switchgear) systems Quality & Safety Assurance Ensure all Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT) meet stringent quality, safety, and environmental standards Champion a 'safety in design' and commissioning culture across all projects Leadership & Mentorship Mentor and develop engineering teams, including commissioning engineers and design staff Act as a subject matter expert in client and stakeholder engagements Drive continuous improvement in technical delivery and engineering excellence Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent experience) Extensive experience in HV/EHV substation design, testing, and commissioning within T&D environments Deep knowledge of:
Protection & Control (P&C) systems Primary plant (transformers, switch gear, CTs/VTs) Secondary systems and substation automation Strong experience with AIS and GIS substations Proven ability to develop test procedures , analyse protection relay settings , and lead commissioning teams on major infrastructure projects Demonstrated leadership experience in senior or principal engineering roles Desirable:
Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or equivalent Experience working with National Grid, SSE, Scottish Power , or similar utilities Familiarity with IEC standards and modern substation automation protocols (e.g. IEC 61850) Track record of leading large-scale or multi-site commissioning programmes What's on offer:
Executive-level technical leadership role within a specialist engineering business Opportunity to shape and influence delivery of critical UK energy infrastructure High-impact role combining strategy, leadership, and hands-on engineering Flexible working with site exposure across major grid projects Competitive salary and benefits package The salary is £80,000 to £100,000 (flex on this) plus car allowance and an annual bonus.