Senior Project Manager (Senior Technical Manager )

Senior Technical Manager – HV Underground Cabling

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Technical Manager with deep expertise in HV/EHV underground cable systems and installation to join our team supporting the SSEN Framework. This is a senior leadership role delivering a diverse portfolio of complex projects across the Highlands and Islands, driving technical excellence, innovation, and safe delivery at scale.

The Role

As Senior Technical Manager for HV Underground Cabling, you will act as the technical Subject Matter Expert (SME) and senior authority across multiple projects, providing strategic direction, governance, and oversight from early design through to installation, commissioning, and handover.

You will lead technical delivery across the lifecycle, ensuring consistency in standards, quality, and safety, while guiding both office-based engineering teams and site-based construction teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for HV/EHV underground cable systems, setting technical direction across the framework
• Provide senior technical leadership and governance across multiple projects, ensuring consistency, compliance, and excellence in delivery
• Lead and manage operational teams, including Technical Managers, General Foremen, Supervisors, and Technicians, driving performance and accountability
• Oversee the safe and efficient execution of HV cable installation activities, including civil works, cable pulling, jointing, and terminations
• Ensure full compliance with SHEQ standards, project specifications, budgets, and programme requirements
• Lead design coordination and constructability reviews, ensuring installation methodologies are robust and deliverable
• Approve and oversee technical documentation, specifications, and cable system design decisions
• Act as the technical escalation point for complex issues across design, installation, and commissioning phases
• Support and influence tender and bid strategies, providing expert input on cable systems, installation techniques, and risk mitigation
• Lead engagement with clients, designers, and delivery partners, acting as a trusted senior technical advisor
• Drive a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, challenging traditional methods and supporting new techniques in cable installation
• Champion workforce development, managing performance, mentoring Technical Managers, and supporting career progression across the team

About You

• Recognised technical expert in HV/EHV underground cabling, including installation methodologies and system components
• Extensive experience delivering major power or transmission infrastructure projects, ideally within a framework environment
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams across both engineering and site delivery functions
• Strong understanding of cable installation techniques (e.g. trenching, ducting, HDD), jointing practices, and commissioning requirements
• In-depth knowledge of health, safety, environmental and quality standards within construction environments
• Excellent leadership, stakeholder management, and communication skills, with the ability to influence at senior level
• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities in a complex delivery environment
• A results-driven mindset, with a focus on innovation, efficiency, and continuous improvement

Qualifications

• CSCS Card (Black – Site Manager level)
• SMSTS (5-day) or equivalent
• First Aid at Work
• Degree or equivalent in an Engineering or related discipline (preferred)
• Chartered status (e.g. CEng) or working towards (desirable)

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