Project Director

Overview

Lead delivery of high-voltage transmission and renewable integration projects.

Key Responsibilities

• substation delivery
• execution planning
• risk mitigation
• procurement management
• governance oversight
• stakeholder engagement

Tasks

The organisation is responsible for the full lifecycle of substation and transmission projects across the UK—covering design, construction, extension, refurbishment and commissioning activities. Their programme spans voltages up to 400kV, with assets including substations, transmission lines, protection systems, grid connections and associated civil works. The Project Director will oversee major project portfolios, ensuring alignment with internal governance frameworks, national grid operator requirements, and programme objectives linked to energy transition, network resilience and renewable integration. -Build and sustain strong, transparent relationships with external stakeholders such as the national transmission operator, subcontractors, technical specialists, equipment manufacturers and local authorities. -Provide mentorship and strategic direction to delivery teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, safety and performance. -Ensure that changes in scope, design adjustments and unforeseen technical challenges are managed effectively and communicated clearly to all parties. -Manage multidisciplinary teams including electrical and civil engineers, project managers, commissioning specialists, designers and on-site delivery personnel. -Lead the complete delivery cycle of transmission substation projects (275kV / 400kV), from front-end engineering through to construction, energisation and handover. -Develop and control detailed project execution plans, ensuring accuracy in budgeting, cost forecasting, reporting and schedule management. -Promote best practice in engineering delivery, environmental stewardship and construction methodologies, contributing to the continuous improvement of project processes. -Implement and maintain rigorous governance across safety, quality, environmental compliance and technical assurance. -Identify and proactively mitigate project risks, ensuring issues are resolved promptly and projects remain on track for key milestones. -Oversee procurement strategies, contract management and commercial decision-making to support the financial health of the programme.

Requirements

• hv electrical
• electrical engineering
• project management
• 15+ years
• leadership
• stakeholder engagement

What You Bring

This role demands a strong technical understanding of high-voltage electrical systems, an ability to coordinate diverse engineering disciplines, and the leadership to drive teams toward safe, timely and commercially successful delivery. Vallum Associates are working exclusively with a major UK utility provider to appoint a Project Director to lead the delivery of large-scale electricity transmission and renewable-integration projects. This opportunity sits within a major programme supporting the renewal, expansion and long-term resilience of the UK’s high-voltage network. The position is suited to a senior leader with deep experience in managing complex, multi-disciplinary engineering teams and delivering significant infrastructure to stringent technical, safety and regulatory standards. -Excellent communication and stakeholder-engagement skills, with the ability to influence at senior levels and act as a trusted representative of the programme. -Proven leadership of large project teams within complex, regulated environments. -Degree in Electrical Engineering, Project Management, or a comparable technical discipline (a postgraduate qualification is advantageous). -Demonstrated track record of successfully delivering multi-million-pound programmes on time, within budget and to defined performance standards. -Approximately 15+ years’ experience delivering major high-voltage infrastructure projects, ideally involving transmission substations, grid connections or renewable generation assets. -Strong knowledge of HV electrical systems, protection and control equipment, commissioning processes, construction techniques and safety legislation. -High level of commercial awareness, contractual understanding and risk-based decision-making.

People Also Searched For

Benefits

-Electric/Hybrid vehicle salary sacrifice scheme -Private healthcare and a healthcare cash plan -25 days annual leave plus bank holidays -Car allowance

About Vallum Associates

-High-quality recruitment at fair prices. -Placement of candidates in energy, utilities, renewables, insurance, tech, and commodities. -Operates across the UK, USA, Europe, Middle East, and APAC. -Builds dedicated teams for large-scale engineering and energy projects. -Forms long-term strategic partnerships, embedding consultants as extensions of client teams. -Combines recruitment with project consultancy, often assembling whole teams rather than filling single roles. -Assignments include senior insurance roles at Lloyd’s Market and specialist MEP/FP engineers on major builds.

Sector Specialisms