HV Substation Project Manager

Senior HV Substation Project Manager (GRQ8A)

Designer Group is seeking an experienced Senior HV Substation Project Manager to lead the delivery of a major high-voltage infrastructure development involving the construction of a 380/13.8kV substation. This flagship project includes the installation and commissioning of HV/MV transformers, switchgear, protection and control systems, together with extensive civil and electrical works.

The project is currently programmed through to Q3 2028 and represents a significant opportunity for an accomplished project leader with a proven track record delivering complex HV substation projects within an EPC environment.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the safe, commercial and programme delivery of the project while leading multidisciplinary teams and managing key client, supplier and stakeholder relationships throughout the project lifecycle.

The Role

As Senior HV Substation Project Manager, you will have overall responsibility for the successful delivery of the project from mobilisation through to energisation and final handover.

You will lead all aspects of project execution, ensuring the project is delivered safely, on schedule, within budget and to the highest quality standards whilst maintaining strong relationships with the client, design teams, equipment manufacturers, subcontractors and other key stakeholders.

This role requires a highly experienced professional with deep technical knowledge of HV substation construction and a proven ability to manage large EPC projects involving multiple workstreams and complex interfaces.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the safe and successful delivery of the 380/13.8kV EPC substation project from mobilisation through to energisation and final handover.
• Take full accountability for project performance, ensuring delivery against agreed safety, quality, commercial and programme objectives.
• Develop and implement project execution strategies, delivery plans and resource requirements to achieve successful project outcomes.
• Manage and coordinate multidisciplinary project teams, including engineering, construction, commercial, commissioning and support functions.
• Establish and maintain a strong project safety culture, ensuring full compliance with company, client and statutory health and safety requirements.
• Manage project budgets, forecasts, cost control measures, variations and contractual obligations to maximise commercial performance.
• Oversee the development, maintenance and delivery of detailed project programmes, ensuring key milestones and completion dates are achieved.
• Act as the primary interface with the client, building strong relationships and ensuring effective communication throughout the project lifecycle.
• Manage and coordinate subcontractors, specialist contractors, equipment manufacturers and suppliers to ensure quality, performance and programme requirements are met.
• Provide technical leadership and oversight across all HV substation works, including transformers, switchgear, protection systems, control systems and associated infrastructure.
• Drive procurement activities, ensuring long-lead equipment and critical materials are secured in line with project schedules.
• Lead risk identification, mitigation planning and issue resolution to minimise project delays and commercial exposure.
• Chair regular project review meetings and provide accurate reporting on safety, commercial performance, programme status, risks and opportunities to senior management and the client.
• Ensure all construction, testing, commissioning and energisation activities are executed in accordance with project specifications, applicable standards and client requirements.
• Promote a culture of excellence, collaboration and continuous improvement whilst mentoring and developing project team members to achieve high-performance delivery.

Requirements

Required Experience

• Proven experience delivering HV substation projects at 110kV and above.
• Demonstrable track record managing major EPC infrastructure projects from inception through to completion.
• Strong experience managing project safety, commercial performance and programme delivery.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary project teams across engineering, commercial and construction functions.
• Proven experience managing clients, subcontractors, OEM equipment suppliers and key project stakeholders.
• Extensive knowledge of HV substation construction methodologies, testing, commissioning and energisation processes.
• Strong understanding of EPC contracting models, project controls and commercial management.
• Experience working on utility, transmission, renewable integration or grid infrastructure projects.

1. Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Engineering, Building Services Engineering or a related discipline.
• Professional Project Management qualification desirable.
• Relevant Health & Safety qualifications advantageous.
• Chartered Engineer status or working towards chartership would be beneficial.

Benefits

Why Join Designer Group?

• Lead one of the most significant HV infrastructure projects currently under delivery.
• Join a growing Energy & Utilities division with a strong long-term project pipeline.
• Work alongside industry-leading engineering and project delivery professionals.
• Competitive salary, benefits package and career development opportunities.
• Long-term project certainty through to Q3 2028 and beyond.
• Opportunity to play a key role in delivering critical electrical infrastructure that will support future economic growth and energy security.