Lead Policy Engineer

Job Introduction

We are looking for a highly experienced and motivated Lead Policy Engineer (Earthing & Protection Application) to join our Engineering Policy Team at National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED).

As the lead Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Earthing & Protection Application in NGED, you will lead the development and governance of company standards and policies, liaise with internal and external stakeholders, and represent the business in national and international working groups. This role requires a mix of deep technical expertise, strategic thinking, and strong communication skills to influence and shape Engineering Policy across the organisation and wider industry.

Reporting to the Engineering Policy Manager you will provide technical authority and leadership for Earthing & Protection as part of industry technical panels and global tendering processes approving design deviations with considerations of commercial, operational and safety factors, under tight timeframes.

Our preferred locations are Tipton, Castle Donington or Bristol but we welcome applicants from across our licence area of West Midlands, East Midlands, South West and Wales.

As part of our hybrid working approach this role offers a mix of office and home working with approximately 2 days a week in the office, with flexibility as required for business need.

Main Responsibilities

• Approve the development, maintenance and review of a suite of materials that can be used to disseminate policy changes and updates
• Provide up to date knowledge of International and UK specific policies
• Develop new equipment and installation/maintenance techniques, chase value and bring about improvements in safety, efficiency and/or reduce lifetime cost
• Support the Procurement Team in the global tendering processes
• Represent the company on National and International committees leading the response to external consultations related to Earthing & Protection
• Maintain their subject matter expertise including up to date knowledge on NGED policy, Earthing, battery systems and Protection
• Support failure investigations and root cause analysis relating to Earthing & Protection equipment
• Contribute to the development, maintenance and review of other Company Policies
• Contribute to the company's Asset Risk modelling and strategic planning through expert input on the risks associated with Earthing & Protection systems
• Conduct reviews of existing policy and standard techniques based on feedback from Policy Application Specialists, dissemination sessions and questions received from the business
• Provide clear guidance as and when required on Earthing, battery system and protection design queries
• Deliver results on time, to required quality standards and to budget, to fulfil the business plan and achieve/support company goals
• Provide subject matter expertise for R&D and Innovation work/forums relating to Earthing & Protection

The Ideal Candidate

• A degree in Electrical Engineering or a relevant STEM discipline
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) or openness to work toward chartered status with the Institute of Engineering Technology or equivalent institution.
• Significant experience in protection and/or earthing systems, preferably within a DNO environment. An understanding of legacy network protection is desirable
• Experience in Asset Risk Management is desirable
• Is able to drive continuous improvement in the areas of safety, efficiency, the environment, asset value and network performance
• The ability to influence strategically at all levels of the organisation, across the group and externally in relation to Earthing & Protection
• Can communicate a compelling business case to the whole organisation to gain buy in for significant change
• Identifies and leverages individual strengths and potential within the team, creates cohesion across different functional areas of focus
• The ability to interpret and explain complex technical matters to varied audiences
• The ability to motivate, counsel, coach, and develop peers, and others
• Can demonstrate an analytical approach to complex technical topics
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills
• A valid driving licence

Evidence of your qualifications will be required prior to appointment.

National Grid Electricity Distribution is committed to safeguarding the interests of the Company, colleagues and customers. This role is subject to a satisfactory Barring Service, (DBS) check, depending on the role different levels of screening and vetting are required. Some roles require a triannual check. #LI-HYBRID #LI-SC1

About The Company

Joining the UK's leading electricity distribution business means plenty of career opportunities and well-deserved recognition. We reward hard work and encourage ambition. So, as well as a competitive salary, you will also benefit from:

• Annual performance related bonus up to 15%
• Company car
• 28 days Annual Leave plus 8 Bank Holidays
• Competitive contributory pension scheme (we double match your contributions up to a maximum of 12%)
• Annual Share Save plan
• Contributory healthcare for you and your family
• Support via our Employee Assistance Programme, including musculoskeletal and physiotherapy services
• Free on-site parking at all our main sites

Things you need to know

As an equal opportunities employer who is committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, we celebrate individual difference and are actively bringing in more employees from diverse backgrounds to build on our inclusive culture. We anonymise all applications in our recruitment system so we can eliminate unconscious bias and be a workplace that reflects the community we serve. Hiring managers only have access to necessary information at interview stage. If you require additional support to complete your online application, please email

Recruitment correspondence is usually sent by email, please check your email account including spam/junk folders regularly after the closing date.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early should sufficient numbers of suitable applications be received, so it would be best to apply as soon as you can.

About Us

We're National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED), the owner and operator behind the electricity distribution systems for the Midlands, the Southwest of England and South Wales. Serving communities of more than 8 million people, our expert teams deliver heat, light and power for homes and businesses.

National Grid employs over 29,000 people worldwide. We are building an inclusive workplace, a place to actively celebrate the cultures, personalities and preferences of our colleagues – who in turn help to build the success of our business and reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Our vision is to be at the heart of a clean, fair and affordable energy future and we are doing this in a fast-moving industry with an increasing focus on tackling climate change, exploring new energy sources that are renewable, low carbon, and improve efficiency to meet demand.