Head of Engineering Design

About us

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.

The opportunity

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.

What you'll do

• 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/ escalate 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 outcomes for the business

About you

We are looking for an experienced engineering leader with a strong background in electrical engineering and design, and a passion for developing high-performing teams. You will have a proven track record of delivering operational and strategic improvements, driving efficiency, and successfully leading people through change.

With excellent stakeholder management skills, you'll be comfortable building strong relationships across the business and collaborating with a wide range of technical and project delivery teams.

You will be able to demonstrate:
• Significant experience in electrical engineering design or a related discipline, including leadership of large technical teams.
• A proven track record of improving delivery performance and reducing costs either in an Engineering, utility or project delivery environment
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to inspire, develop and hold teams accountable for delivering results.
• Ability to manage day to day priorities and urgent requirements while driving long-term improvements
• The ability to lead and embed change
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, particularly when working across multiple functions and disciplines.
• Able to take accountability of team performance and working collaboratively to co-own overall project performance
• Experience of NEC contracts and Design & Build delivery models.

What you'll get

A salary of circa £91,000 per annum depending on experience.

Plus
• Annual performance-related bonus of up to 20%
• Electric company car or car allowance
• 28 days' annual leave plus 8 bank holidays
• Company funded Private Medical Insurance for you and contributory healthcare for your family
• Competitive contributory pension scheme (we double match your contributions up to a maximum of 12%)
• Life assurance of four times your annual salary
• Annual Sharesave scheme
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme, including musculoskeletal and physiotherapy support, as well as Backup Care support for children, adults and elderly dependants
• Free on-site parking at all our main sites

Further informaiton

This role closes on 18 October 2026, however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary. National Grid’s recruitment periods can and may vary. We reserve the right to remove this advert or close it to further applications at any point during the recruitment process. #LI-SC1 #LI-HYBRID

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates – we make appointments purely on merit, assessed against objective selection criteria. We support flexible working and will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process should you have any physical or mental impairment which may affect your ability to participate in the process.

Please note that in most cases, National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points-based immigration system. As such, applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future under the UK points-based immigration system. However, in exceptional circumstances where there is a clear and demonstrable need for specialist skills that cannot be sourced from the local labour market, National Grid may consider offering sponsorship. All applications are welcome from candidates who meet these requirements, regardless of race, nationality, or ethnic origin.