Senior Associate Director - OHL (UK based)

Market Energy

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

Jacobs is playing a leading role in the global energy transition. As our UK and Continental Europe team continues to expand, we are seeking a Sr. Associate Director - 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 lead in FEED and detailed design for Overhead Line design, routeings for all voltage level.

Manage and lead HV/EHV Overhead Line designs at all project stages in Germany.

Bachelor’s Degree and/or master’s in electrical engineering, but candidates holding HNC/ HND qualifications and proven ability will also be considered

Membership of a recognized professional institution /organization

Experience of leading delivery of detailed design solutions in high voltage Overhead Lines up to 400kV including any underground to overhead transition designs requiring HV cabling and their associated interface with the overhead structures. 

Working knowledge of Utility Transmission and Distribution Line Standards

Has proven experience of OHL system development, design, retrofitting and modification, from 11kV through 400kV

Expert knowledge in the use of CAD packages such as PLS-CADD

Proven track record in UK HSE legislation, Risk and CDM management

You must have significant experience within the electricity industry, relating to OHL System design.

Ensuring all designs are appropriately reviewed and approved in line with best practice and by an appropriately qualified individual 

Develop and maintain an awareness of SHE hazards and associated risks and demonstrate a commitment to eliminate or minimise those risks 

Work with the resource manager to expand the team.

Work with the existing team to improve/implement efficient design processes

Work with the wider team to ensure designs are sustainable and support environmental and planning aspects of the works

Deal with any issues arising from the construction teams.

Strong communication skills along with teamworking attributes.

Customer-focused when dealing with customers, identifying their needs along with business development skills.

Ensure that the drawings and specification documents contain sufficient, accurate information for construction of the works. Formally request any missing information in sufficient time to allow the programme to proceed without delay.

Here's what you'll need

Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Civil or Electrical) or equivalent

Chartered Engineer (IET) or working towards chartership

Working as CDAE and TP141 authorisation.

Skills & Experience:

Proven experience in HV OHL design (132kV–400kV), ideally within UK transmission and distribution environments. 

Familiarity with National Grid and DNO standards and processes. 

Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills. 

Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver under pressure. 

Demonstrated ability to lead technical workstreams and contribute to strategic project delivery.

Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver under pressure

Work-life balance and flexibility is a key focus area for Jacobs. Our core Energy and Power team is based across Jacobs’ offices in London, Birmingham, Reading, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow or Exeter. However, with offices throughout the UK, we can be flexible about location and are happy to discuss hybrid, part-time and flexible working hours to suit you and our business. 

At Jacobs we value people. Having the right balance of belonging, career and lifestyle enables us to consistently deliver and exceed clients’ expectations.


Working alongside industry leaders, you will have the opportunity to develop your career working on key projects in an environment which encourages collaboration, knowledge sharing and innovation. To support your professional growth, Jacobs flexible working arrangements, extended leave options and a host of social, health and wellbeing events and initiatives will underpin our commitment to you.


At Jacobs it’s all about what you do, not where you are, which counts!

We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via .