UK Power Technical Lead

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

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Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world. 

We believe electricity powers modern life. As part of our Power sector, you'll help shape how electricity is generated, transmitted and delivered as global energy demands grow. From massive data centers to modernising transmission systems, our industry-recognised engineers and scientists have been at the forefront of grid transformation for more than a century. You'll work side-by-side with these experts and contribute to reliable, resilient and sustainable power systems, helping communities thrive and industries expand. This isn't just a job, it's a chance to drive infrastructure forward, power innovation and leave your mark on our energy future.

About the Role
As Technical Director, you will provide strategic oversight, technical governance, and mentorship to multidisciplinary teams, ensuring our designs and solutions meet the highest industry standards for safety, performance, and sustainability.

About the You
We are seeking a highly experienced Technical Director with a proven background in power engineering, substations, and electrical infrastructure to lead our technical strategy and ensure excellence across all engineering projects. This is a key leadership position, driving innovation, technical quality, and project delivery across our power and energy portfolio.

• Provide technical leadership and direction for all power engineering and substation projects.
• Define and implement engineering standards, processes, and best practices across the organisation.
• Lead design review, assurance, and validation for major high-voltage and medium-voltage substation projects.
• Support business development through technical input on bids, proposals, and client presentations.
• Act as a technical authority for regulatory compliance, safety standards, and grid connection requirements.
• Mentor and develop engineers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation.
• Collaborate with project managers and discipline leads to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery.
• Engage with clients, stakeholders, and industry bodies to maintain technical credibility and influence industry direction.

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• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng)
• Minimum of 12 years' experience in electrical engineering design, with significant exposure to high-voltage switchyard and substation projects up to 765kV.
• Deep understanding of electrical, civil, and structural aspects of substation design and broad familiarity with IEC, IEEE, ANSI, and other relevant standards.
• Proven record in leading large, multidisciplinary design teams, managing multi-million-pound projects or frameworks from concept to completion.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience in budget setting, financial management, risk assessment, and contract negotiation.
• Demonstrated success in client relationship management, business development, and securing new work through tenders, frameworks, or strategic partnerships.
• Recognised as a technical authority in one or more specialist areas (e.g., HV protection, power system studies, grid connection, or earthing).
• Proficient in Power System Studies software (e.g., DigSILENT, IPSA, ETAP) and capable of providing high-level guidance to technical teams.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and influencing skills, with the ability to inspire high performance and foster a collaborative culture across teams and disciplines.
• Commitment to upholding safety, sustainability, and quality standards in all aspects of design and delivery.

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.