HV Project Engineer

HV Transmission Senior Project Engineer

Leading Contractor | Energy Sector | Manchester-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 | Manchester-based | 2 days per week in office, remaining days flexible | 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 equivalent 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 Manchester 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 with scope for progression and responsibility.

The role offers competitive rates, long-term engagement on major energy projects, flexible working from Manchester, and genuine leadership opportunities on complex, high-profile programmes