Director Protection & Control (P&C) - UK Grid Network

Energy 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 Power & Energy 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 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

Here's what you'll need

• 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)
• 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, windfarms, 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 hybrid, part-time and flexible working hours, patterns and locations to suit you and our business.

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Joining Jacobs not only connects you locally but globally. Our values stand on a foundation of safety, integrity, inclusion and belonging. We put people at the heart of our business, and we truly believe that by supporting one another through our culture of caring, we all succeed. We value positive mental health and a sense of belonging for all employees.

With safety and flexibility always top of mind, we’ve gone beyond traditional ways of working so you have the support, means and space to maximize your potential. You’ll uncover flexible working arrangements, benefits, and opportunities, from well-being benefits to our global giving and volunteering program, to exploring new and inventive ways to help our clients make the world a better place. No matter what drives you, you’ll discover how you can cultivate, nurture, and achieve your goals – all at a single global company. Find out more about life at Jacobs .

We aim to embed inclusion and belonging in everything we do. We know that if we are inclusive, we’re more connected and creative. We accept people for who they are, and we champion the richness of different perspectives, lived experiences and backgrounds in the workplace, as a source of learning and innovation. We are committed to building vibrant communities within Jacobs, including through our Jacobs Employee Networks, Communities of Practice and our Find Your Community initiatives, allowing every employee to find connection, purpose, and belonging. Find out more about our  Jacobs Employee Networks here .

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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. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support .

Locations

City State Country
Bristol	Bristol City	United Kingdom
Manchester	Greater Manchester	United Kingdom
Leeds	West Yorkshire	United Kingdom
Glasgow	Lanarkshire	United Kingdom
Belfast	Antrim	United Kingdom
Exeter	Devon	United Kingdom
Birmingham	West Midlands	United Kingdom
London	Greater London	United Kingdom