OHL Engineering Manager

OHL Engineering Manager to lead the overhead line engineering function across our 132–400kV EPC portfolio. The Engineering Manager will have accountability for the quality, programme, and technical integrity of all OHL design outputs, manage a team of senior and intermediate engineers, and act as the senior technical interface with clients including SSE, SPEN, NGED, and National Grid. This is a key leadership role within UIPTD's Power T&D business.

Key Responsibilities

Engineering Leadership & Governance

• Hold overall technical accountability for OHL engineering outputs across allocated schemes within UIPTD's portfolio
• Establish and maintain UIPTD's OHL design standards, procedures, and quality framework in line with client and regulatory requirements
• Act as Engineering Authority and signatory for high-value and technically complex scheme deliverables
• Drive continuous improvement in engineering quality, delivery efficiency, and safe-by-design culture
• Provide technical governance across the full EPC lifecycle from feasibility through detailed design to construction support and as-built
• Represent UIPTD at client technical governance forums, design review boards, and framework meetings

People & Resource Management

• Directly line manage a team of Senior/Lead Engineers and Intermediate Engineers; indirect management of CAD Engineers and graduates
• Manage engineering resource allocation across concurrent schemes, balancing workload against programme and commercial constraints
• Assist recruitment, onboarding, and performance development of the OHL engineering team
• Develop and maintain a structured competency and career development framework for OHL engineers
• Identify training needs and implement development plans to grow team capability
• Champion UIPTD's safety culture and ensure all team members operate within the company's HSSE framework

Commercial & Bid Support

• Lead or contribute to technical sections of tender and PQQ submissions for OHL framework contracts (SSE, SPEN, NGED, National Grid)
• Review and approve engineering fee estimates and resource plans for bid submissions
• Identify and develop new business opportunities in collaboration with the commercial and business development teams
• Provide technical due diligence on subcontractor and supply chain engineering outputs
• Manage technical risk across the portfolio, including identification, mitigation, and escalation

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Act as UIPTD's senior technical point of contact for key clients including SSE, SPEN, NGED, and National Grid
• Build and maintain strong client relationships at engineering manager and project director level
• Manage client expectations on technical deliverables, programme, and engineering quality
• Lead resolution of complex technical disputes and non-conformances
• Engage with industry bodies, standards committees, and regulatory stakeholders as required

CDM & Regulatory

• Fulfil Principal Designer duties on assigned schemes under CDM 2015 where appointed
• Ensure all design teams operate in compliance with CDM 2015 Designer and Principal Designer obligations
• Maintain awareness of changes to OHL design standards, legislation, and client specifications; cascade to the team

Requirements

• Essential Degree in Electrical, Civil, or Structural Engineering (or equivalent); Masters desirable
• Minimum 10 years of OHL engineering experience, with significant exposure to 132kV and/or 400kV transmission and distribution schemes
• Demonstrated track record of leading multi-engineer OHL design teams in an EPC or design consultancy environment
• Strong knowledge of UK OHL design standards: BS EN, ENATS 43-8, and client-specific technical specifications (SSE, SPEN, NGED, or National Grid)
• Experience of managing OHL design delivery across multiple concurrent projects
• Proven ability to manage client relationships at a senior level
• Experience of CDM 2015 Principal Designer or Designer roles
• Full UK driving licence
• Desirable Chartered Engineer (CEng) with IET, ICE, or equivalent — strongly preferred at this level
• Experience of SSE, SPEN, and/or NGED framework contracts
• Experience of 400kV National Grid transmission OHL design or EPC delivery
• Knowledge of OHL foundation engineering and geotechnical inputs
• Commercial experience including fee estimation, contract management, and variation management
• Experience of developing and implementing engineering quality management systems

What UIPTD Offers

• Senior leadership-level salary package commensurate with experience
• Hybrid working arrangement
• Executive development and leadership opportunities within the wider UIPTD business
• Chartership support and CPD funding
• Enhanced company pension scheme
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Join us at United Infrastructure and be part of our mission to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions to the complex infrastructure needs of the UK. Here at United Infrastructure, we invest in our people and firmly believe that our workforce is our most valuable asset. A driving force for success and the core to achieving our vision of creating a connected and sustainable future, our team is the heart of our organisation. A fast-paced, diverse, and hugely ambitious business, we welcome challengers, innovators and people who embrace change. Establish yourself in a creative environment that champions freedom of expression, and supports you in your personal and professional development – because together, we achieve more. Ready to take the next step in your career?

United Infrastructure operates a direct sourcing model and does not accept speculative CVs from recruitment agencies. Any CVs submitted without prior agreement will be considered a gift and the candidate will be deemed to have been introduced directly. No fees will be payable in these circumstances

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