Head of Engineering – Overhead Lines
Overview
We are seeking an energetic and experienced engineering leader for overhead line design projects, ranging from concept to detailed design. The role requires driving business results, technical leadership, and cross‑functional collaboration across the Transmission and Distribution sector in the UK.
Responsibilities
- Provide technical leadership across OHL design projects, typically up to 400 kV, acting as the recognised expert and technical authority within the PES Practice and the wider AtkinsRéalis business.
- Develop the OHL delivery strategy and provide technical assurance across a growing portfolio of front‑end and detailed design projects, ensuring robust engineering governance and the consistent application of best practice.
- Influence practice‑wide initiatives and drive continuous improvement in processes, services and technical practices to enhance delivery performance and technical quality.
- Build trusted relationships and collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels, including clients, operational teams, project teams and external partners, both from AtkinsRéalis offices and at client sites.
- Oversee technical input to bid proposals, defining delivery strategies and working with cross‑functional teams to prepare high‑quality, compliant and competitive submissions, while identifying opportunities for cross‑selling and business growth.
- Grow, develop and lead the OHL engineering capability within the UK T&D sector, supporting talent development, succession planning and the long‑term strength of the discipline.
- Anticipate emerging business, regulatory and technology challenges, identifying risks and opportunities early and advising senior leadership on strategic responses.
- Provide strategic oversight across complex multidisciplinary projects, ensuring technical excellence, safe delivery and alignment with client and practice objectives, while acting as the escalation point for the most complex technical matters.
About You
You have a proven track record of leading others to produce complex designs and drawings to applicable engineering codes and standards. You are comfortable working in new and changing environments and have a desire to contribute to the success of the business. You are comfortable liaising with stakeholders at all levels, both internally and externally.
Key Skills and Attributes
- Degree-qualified civil or structural engineer, ideally with a Master’s degree (MEng/MSc) or equivalent.
- Chartered Engineer status and membership of a relevant professional institution such as the IET, ICE or equivalent.
- Proven leadership in the delivery of FEED and detailed design for EHV OHL projects, typically across the 33–400 kV range, including route and profile design, sag and tension studies, conductor selection, and clearance assessment.
- Strong knowledge of UK design standards, transmission owner requirements, and applicable ENA, IEC and BS EN codes, together with client‑specific engineering assurance and approval processes.
- Proficiency in industry‑standard software such as PLS-CADD, PLS-Tower and associated analytical or digital engineering tools.
- Extensive experience in OHL uprating, refurbishment, reconductoring and life‑extension projects, alongside the delivery of new‑build transmission infrastructure.
- Strong understanding of tower spotting, load development, and the interfaces between line design, tower design, foundations, geotechnics and construction.
- Experience incorporating constructability, installation sequencing, outage constraints and temporary works considerations into OHL design development.
- Ability to integrate survey, LiDAR, GIS and other digital data sources into OHL design, and to drive digital engineering improvements across the discipline.
- Awareness of multidisciplinary interfaces including substations, cable systems, earthing, electrical clearances, crossings and operational safety requirements.
- Proven experience leading technical assurance activities, including design reviews, hazard reviews, risk assessments, checking and approval processes, and the resolution of complex technical issues.
- Working knowledge of OHL structures, mechanical loading, structural utilisation and statutory clearance requirements.
- Strong focus on safety, regulatory and environmental compliance, including experience of discharging Principal Designer duties under CDM 2015.
- Demonstrable ability to secure technically compliant deliverables through robust design assurance, early issue identification and effective problem solving.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence senior clients and collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary and international teams.
- Commercially astute, with the ability to build trusted client relationships, support bids, develop others and champion continuous improvement across the discipline.
- CDAE / TP141 experience would be advantageous, but is not essential.
Benefits
Competitive salaries, employee rewards, a range of benefits, flexible holiday allowances, hybrid working culture, and opportunities for training and professional development are offered to support a balanced personal and professional life.
Security Clearance
This role may require security clearance. Employment offers will be contingent upon obtaining the relevant level of clearance. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require proof of UK residency of five years or longer.
As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and abilities. If you would like to be considered under this commitment, please let us know at the application stage.
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