Director Protection & Control (P&C) – UK Grid Network
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 Director – Protection & Control to support a range of high‑profile projects across our Energy and Power portfolio. This includes high voltage AIS and GIS Substations, transmission system assets, HVDC interconnectors, and energy storage systems.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and lead the strategic direction of Jacobs’ Protection & Control capability across the UK and Europe
- Provide executive leadership on FEED and detailed design workstreams for National Grid and DNO clients
- Oversee technical assurance, quality control, and delivery excellence across all P&C projects
- Lead recruitment, onboarding, and development of engineering talent to support growth and delivery
- Drive team billability, utilisation, and performance metrics aligned with business objectives
- Lead and support major bids, including technical strategy, resource alignment, and client engagement
- Develop and maintain strategic relationships with key clients, supporting business development and market positioning
- Represent Jacobs in industry bodies and forums, influencing standards and best practices
- Oversee interface design, protection schemes, control philosophies, and settings coordination
- Chair high-level design reviews, hazard reviews, and technical governance meetings
- Ensure compliance with CDM regulations and proactively manage technical risks
- Support succession planning and capability growth across the P&C team
Requirements
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering
- Chartered Engineer through the IET
- TP141 Authorisation (Protection & Control)
- National Grid Contractor Design Approval Engineer (CDAE/LCDAE)
- Recognised authority in P&C engineering for high‑voltage installations (132kV–400kV)
- Proven leadership across large‑scale infrastructure programmes and multidisciplinary teams
- Strong commercial acumen with experience in bid strategy and client engagement
- Demonstrated success in team growth, recruitment, and capability development
- Excellent communication, strategic thinking, and stakeholder management skills
- Familiarity with protection and control systems for DNOs, BESS, wind farms, and HVDC
- Ability to influence technical standards and contribute to industry innovation
Why Jacobs?
People are Jacobs’ greatest asset, and we offer a competitive package to retain and attract the best talent. In addition to the benefits you’d expect, UK employees also receive free single medical cover and digital GP service, family‑friendly benefits such as enhanced parental leave pay and free membership of employee assistance and parental programmes, plus reimbursement towards relevant professional development and memberships. We also give back to our communities through our Collectively program which incorporates matched‑funding, paid volunteering time, and charitable donations. Work‑life balance and flexibility is a key focus area for Jacobs. We’re happy to discuss flexible working hours, patterns and locations to suit you and our business.
As a disability confident employer, we will interview disabled candidates who best meet the criteria. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role.
We value collaboration and believe that in‑person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery.
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