Associate Director

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 an Associate Director – Civils to provide strategic leadership across frontend engineering design (FEED) and detailed civil/structural design for high-voltage (HV) AIS/GIS substations (132–400 kV), HVDC converter stations, overhead line (OHL) interfaces and underground cable projects. You will shape technical assurance, delivery excellence and market growth in the Transmission & Distribution (T&D) sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead civil/structural design packages from concept through detailed design and construction support for National Grid and DNO clients
• Define civil layouts for substations, including platforms, foundations, bunds, drainage, access roads, ducting, fencing, and security features, integrating geotechnical and structural inputs with electrical plant layouts
• Drive technical reviews and approvals covering foundation design, structural framing, equipment plinths, transformer bunds/oil containment, flood risk/SuDS, access/haulage, drainage and outfalls
• Chair design reviews; assure compliance with client procedures
• Ensure adherence to CDM 2015 and Jacobs' quality processes
• Plan resources, programmes and budgets; coordinate with backoffice engineers, subconsultants and suppliers to ensure seamless delivery via common data environments and BIM workflows (e.g., Civil 3D, Revit, MicroStation)
• Provide construction-phase support (RFI responses, site inspections, NCR closeout), attend site visits, preconstruction reviews and witnessing of civil elements (e.g., foundations, bund systems, drainage structures)
• Lead and contribute to tenders (technical and commercial), proposals and client presentations; maintain and grow strategic client relationships; position Jacobs in industry forums and standards working groups
• Line manage and mentor Senior/Principal Engineers; build succession and capability; set technical standards and foster a culture of innovation and excellence

Here's what you'll need

• A degree in Civil Engineering or another relevant engineering discipline
• Chartered Engineer status with a relevant institution
• Experience within a civil discipline and experience in delivering complex multi-disciplinary projects for Energy Transition industry
• Proven leadership of complex, multidisciplinary infrastructure projects within UK T&D, with strong client facing capability
• Fluency in BIM/CDE processes and design tools (Civil 3D, Revit, MicroStation, Tekla/Tedds), data governance and model assurance
• Excellent written and verbal communication, stakeholder engagement, and business development acumen; able to manage competing priorities and deliver under pressure

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.

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.