Job description

Project Director – Transmission & Renewables (UK Utilities)

Location: United Kingdom

Employment Type: Permanent

Vallum Associates are working exclusively with a major UK utility provider to appoint a Project Director to lead the delivery of large-scale electricity transmission and renewable-integration projects. This opportunity sits within a major programme supporting the renewal, expansion and long-term resilience of the UK’s high-voltage network. The position is suited to a senior leader with deep experience in managing complex, multi-disciplinary engineering teams and delivering significant infrastructure to stringent technical, safety and regulatory standards.

Role Overview

The organisation is responsible for the full lifecycle of substation and transmission projects across the UK—covering design, construction, extension, refurbishment and commissioning activities. Their programme spans voltages up to 400kV, with assets including substations, transmission lines, protection systems, grid connections and associated civil works. The Project Director will oversee major project portfolios, ensuring alignment with internal governance frameworks, national grid operator requirements, and programme objectives linked to energy transition, network resilience and renewable integration.

This role demands a strong technical understanding of high-voltage electrical systems, an ability to coordinate diverse engineering disciplines, and the leadership to drive teams toward safe, timely and commercially successful delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the complete delivery cycle of transmission substation projects (275kV / 400kV), from front-end engineering through to construction, energisation and handover.
Manage multidisciplinary teams including electrical and civil engineers, project managers, commissioning specialists, designers and on-site delivery personnel.
Develop and control detailed project execution plans, ensuring accuracy in budgeting, cost forecasting, reporting and schedule management.
Implement and maintain rigorous governance across safety, quality, environmental compliance and technical assurance.
Identify and proactively mitigate project risks, ensuring issues are resolved promptly and projects remain on track for key milestones.
Build and sustain strong, transparent relationships with external stakeholders such as the national transmission operator, subcontractors, technical specialists, equipment manufacturers and local authorities.
Provide mentorship and strategic direction to delivery teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, safety and performance.
Oversee procurement strategies, contract management and commercial decision-making to support the financial health of the programme.
Ensure that changes in scope, design adjustments and unforeseen technical challenges are managed effectively and communicated clearly to all parties.
Promote best practice in engineering delivery, environmental stewardship and construction methodologies, contributing to the continuous improvement of project processes.

Experience & Qualifications

Degree in Electrical Engineering, Project Management, or a comparable technical discipline (a postgraduate qualification is advantageous).
Approximately 15+ years’ experience delivering major high-voltage infrastructure projects, ideally involving transmission substations, grid connections or renewable generation assets.
Proven leadership of large project teams within complex, regulated environments.
Strong knowledge of HV electrical systems, protection and control equipment, commissioning processes, construction techniques and safety legislation.
Demonstrated track record of successfully delivering multi-million-pound programmes on time, within budget and to defined performance standards.
Excellent communication and stakeholder-engagement skills, with the ability to influence at senior levels and act as a trusted representative of the programme.
High level of commercial awareness, contractual understanding and risk-based decision-making.

Benefits

The organisation offers a comprehensive package, including: