Head of Engineering Design

The energy sector is evolving, and National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) is at the heart of that transformation. As we prepare for ED3, our next regulatory period under the RIIO framework, we are developing the plans, investments and commitments that will shape the future of our electricity network.

ED3 will determine how we deliver for customers, communities and stakeholders while enabling the UK's transition to a cleaner, more resilient energy system. This is a pivotal moment for NGED. Following submission of our ED3 Business Plan, our focus turns to securing the strongest possible regulatory outcome and preparing the organisation to successfully deliver its commitments from day one of ED3.

An opportunity is available for a Head of Engineering Design based at Bristol, Cardiff, Tipton or Castle Donington, with regular travel across our licence areas as required.

The Engineering Design team is at the heart of NGED's major network investment programme, delivering EHV substation electrical designs, including protection and control systems, and providing design assurance for civil and linear assets operating at 11kV, 33kV, 66kV and 132kV. The team also has overall NGED responsibility for substation design standards and for the preparation and issue of protection relay configurations and settings (from 11kV to 132kV).

You will lead a highly skilled team ensuring the delivery of safe, compliant and cost-effective design solutions. Working closely with Major Projects, Engineering Policy and other key stakeholders, you will drive continuous improvement in design quality, productivity and efficiency, while supporting the successful delivery of projects on time and within budget.

Through strategic leadership and collaboration, you will help ensure the business has the engineering expertise, capacity and vision needed to deliver the network of the future.

• Lead, develop and inspire a team of 90+ engineering professionals, primarily based at offices in Tipton, Castle Donington, Bristol and Cardiff - creating a high-performing culture focused on safety, collaboration, continuous improvement and delivery excellence
• Set clear objectives, priorities and performance measures for the Engineering Design function, ensuring alignment with Major Projects, Primary Network Design and wider business goals
• Ensure the timely delivery of high-quality EHV substation, protection and control, civil and linear asset designs to support the successful delivery of NGED's investment programme
• Maintain robust governance and assurance processes, ensuring all designs comply with NGED policies, regulatory requirements and designers' responsibilities under CDM regulations
• Implement a system for tracking, and performance manage the delivery, of programmes for 132kV, 66kV and 33kV substation design. Address/ elevate any issues in delivery as required
• Develop and embed an outsourcing model for Design & Build to assist the existing team and provide business resilience for the expected future growth of the network
• Work with other NGED teams to ensure ICP designs meet the required NGED standards and policies
• Drive increased design throughput, team productivity and project efficiency, delivering high-quality designs that support cost-effective project delivery by:
• Implementing a system to track and deliver transparency
• Establish a "one team" approach through design standardisation, innovation and the adoption of automation and AI
• Work with Major Projects to develop the right mix of internal and external design activities ensuring a flexible, resilient and cost-effective service.
• Shape the future structure of the Engineering Design function, ensuring resources and teams are organised to deliver the best…