Director of Overhead Lines (OHL)
Location: UK-wide (flexible)
Experience: Minimum 25 years

About
Our Energy & Power team is focused on providing a whole system approach, offering end-to-end services to support clients in energy networks, thermal generation, renewable generation and storage solutions. We help clients address challenges across countries and cities worldwide, delivering innovative solutions to support the transition from conventional thermal power to renewable generation.

A career with us means working on some of the world’s most exciting projects, solving complex challenges and undertaking meaningful work that benefits communities and the wider world.

Join a company that inspires and empowers you to deliver your best work so you can evolve, grow and succeed – today and into tomorrow.

About the Opportunity
We are playing a leading role in the global energy transition. As our UK and Continental Europe team continues to expand, we are seeking a Director of Overhead Lines (OHL) to support a range of high-profile projects across our Power & Energy portfolio. This includes high voltage AIS and GIS substations, transmission system assets, HV overhead lines, HVDC interconnectors, and energy storage systems.

Key Responsibilities
• Provide overall technical leadership for FEED and detailed design of overhead line systems across all voltage levels
• Lead HV/EHV overhead line design delivery across all project stages, including international programmes (e.g. Germany)
• Define technical direction for overhead line routing, system design, retrofitting, and modification from 11kV to 400kV
• Lead complex design solutions including underground-to-overhead transitions and interface design with HV cabling systems
• Ensure all designs are reviewed and approved in line with best practice by appropriately qualified engineers
• Oversee health, safety and environmental compliance, ensuring SHE risks are identified and mitigated in design
• Drive continuous improvement in design processes, tools, and technical standards across the OHL discipline
• Lead team growth, including recruitment, capability development, and resource planning
• Ensure designs are sustainable and aligned with environmental and planning requirements
• Provide senior-level resolution of construction and delivery issues
• Ensure design outputs are complete, accurate, and suitable for construction, managing information gaps proactively
• Maintain strong client relationships and support business development and strategic growth

Qualifications
• Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Civil or Electrical) or equivalent
• Chartered Engineer (IET)
• National Grid Contractor Design Approval Engineer (CDAE)
• TP141 Authorisation

Skills & Experience
• Recognised authority in overhead line design (132kV–400kV), ideally within UK transmission and distribution environments
• Extensive experience across full lifecycle OHL system development, retrofitting, and modification
• Strong working knowledge of utility transmission and distribution standards
• Expert user of CAD tools such as PLS-CADD
• Strong understanding of UK HSE legislation, CDM regulations, and risk management
• Proven leadership of large technical teams and multidisciplinary delivery
• Experience working with National Grid and DNO clients and standards
• Strong commercial acumen with experience in client engagement and business development
• Excellent communication, strategic thinking, and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to manage complex priorities and deliver under pressure

Work Environment & Flexibility
Work-life balance and flexibility are a key focus. The core Energy & Power team is based across offices in London, Birmingham, Reading, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow and Exeter. However, with offices throughout the UK, flexible, hybrid, part-time and flexible working arrangements can be discussed to suit both you and the business.