Job Description

HV Transmission Senior Project Engineer

Leading Contractor | Energy Sector | Plymouth-based | Hybrid | Long-term Contract | Outside IR35 | Competitive Rate | National Grid Experience Essential

The Opportunity

We're recruiting a Senior Project Engineer to lead HV Transmission and distribution projects from initiation through to handover. You'll work alongside project directors and senior managers, owning overall accountability for successful delivery across planning, design, construction and commissioning.

Contract Details: Outside IR35 | Competitive rate | Plymouth-based | Hybrid working | Long-term contract

MUST HAVE: National Grid experience. This is a senior role for a project professional with proven track record delivering HV transmission projects on National Grid frameworks. You'll provide technical and commercial leadership, manage teams, oversee design delivery, control costs and budgets, and ensure compliance with client requirements and safety standards.

What You'll Be Doing

Project Leadership & Delivery

Support project directors and senior managers in overall project delivery

Take accountability for project success from initiation through to close-out

Manage project planning, design coordination, construction delivery and commissioning

Brief out engineered solutions to working parties and ensure effective execution

Oversee the entire project lifecycle including warranty and handover

Design & Technical Management

Lead value engineering and design optimisation

Manage design teams and ensure all deliverables meet customer specifications

Develop design programmes and coordinate timely delivery

Support statutory liaison (planning, building control, utilities)

Manage change control and technical decision-making

Team Leadership & Development

Care for and develop people delivering the works

Promote high-performing teams and build internal talent pipeline

Communicate project expectations clearly and ensure accountability

Create positive safety culture and lead by example

Support training and capability development

Commercial & Cost Control

Own budget and monitor expenditure against plan

Control costs through efficient resourcing and re-work minimisation

Manage cash flow and resolve billing/payment issues

Identify cost recovery opportunities

Balance operational and commercial constraints in decision-making

Manage change orders and commercial variations

Safety & Compliance

Take responsibility for safety and welfare of public, employees and supply chain

Conduct safety tours and promote observation and safety initiatives

Lead accident and incident investigations

Review and accept contractor RAMS

Ensure compliance with H&S management systems

Create and maintain positive safety culture

Monitoring & Reporting

Monitor compliance to customer requirements, objectives and constraints

Report on time, cost, quality and safety performance

Manage daily progress tracking and project records

Prepare internal and external project reports

Escalate issues and manage risk registers

Procurement & Supply Chain

Manage subcontractors and monitor progress

Ensure procurement plans align with project schedules

Requisition equipment and materials

Manage supplier relationships and contractual arrangements

About You

Essential Experience & Qualifications

MUST HAVE: National Grid substation project experience - proven track record delivering HV transmission projects on National Grid frameworks

HND or Degree in Engineering, Management or Construction discipline

Minimum 8-10 years' experience in complex project delivery environments

Demonstrated design management experience on infrastructure projects

Proven project delivery track record on major energy or infrastructure programmes

Strong commercial awareness - budget management, cost control, change management

Excellent leadership capability - comfortable managing and developing teams

Strong communication skills - engaging with clients, stakeholders and internal teams

Safety-focused mindset - demonstrates commitment to safe systems of work

Current driving licence

Desirable

Experience on variety of National Grid substation project types

Professional management body membership (APM or similar)CSCS and SMSTS or equiva

lent certifications

NG NSI 4, NSI 6 or NSI 8 accreditation

Understanding of standard forms of contracts (NEC, FIDIC)

Experience implementing safe systems of work

The Role in Practice

You'll be based in Plymouth with 2 days per week in office and flexible working for remaining time. You'll report to senior project management and take a key leadership role on HV transmission projects, managing design, construction, budgets and teams.This is hands-on project leadership on strategically important energy infrastructure. You'll be responsible for technical and commercial decisions, team performance, client satisfaction and project profitability. Your experience with National Grid requirements and proven track record on transmission projects will directly determine how effectively you deliver.

Why This Role

You'll be working for a leading contractor on significant energy infrastructure programmes. This is senior project engineering where your National Grid experience and delivery track record are genuinely valued. You'll be working on strategically important transmission and distribution projects.The role offers competitive rates, long term engagement on major energy projects, flexible working from Plymouth, and genuine leadership opportunities on complex, high-profile programmes