Head of Electrical Engineering

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and mentor the Electrical Engineering team.
• Establish and grow VVB’s Electrical design capabilities.
• Provide technical leadership on all electrical systems (LV, HV up to 33kV, lighting, CMS, earthing, UPS, VSDs, DCS, PLC, SCADA, BMS, etc.).
• Ensure engineering works comply with HSE regulations and standards.
• Develop and maintain engineering processes and procedures.
• Support business growth through technical input into tenders and client relationships.
• Ensure robust peer-review and audit processes for project compliance and learning.
• Support accident investigations and oversee project safety from a technical perspective.
• Champion continuous improvement, knowledge sharing, and CPD across the company.

Skills and Experience

• Strong technical knowledge of Electrical and Process Design, installation standards, BIM, DSEAR and HSE legislation.
• Proficiency in Electrical design software (e.g., Amtech, E-tap, Dialux).
• Hands-on experience with low and high voltage systems up to 33kV.
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and people development skills.
• Experience with hazardous area design (ATEX compliance).
• Sound understanding of design risk assessment and compliance requirements.

Desirable

• Use of MS Project or similar project planning software.
• CompEX Responsible Person (EX14) certification.
• Knowledge of harmonics correction and power factor correction

Qualifications:

Essential

• Degree in Electrical Engineering.
• NEBOSH Construction Health and Safety Certificate.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) registered with the Engineering Council.
• Membership of a recognised institution (IMechE, CIBSE, IET or equivalent).
• BS 7671 (18th Edition Wiring Regulations).
• C&G Inspection and Testing 2391-52 qualification.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Desired

• Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering.
• Project management qualification (APM, Prince2 or equivalent).
• Sustainability awareness.
• Authorised Engineer training.

Competencies and Behaviours:

Essential

• Collaborative and forward-thinking leader.
• Decisive under pressure, able to prioritise and delegate effectively.
• Flexible, with a positive ‘can do’ attitude.
• Experienced mentor for graduate and junior engineers.
• Strong leadership and excellent communication skills.
• Fluent in English, both written and verbal, at a technical level.
• Builds strong relationships at all levels of the business and with clients.
• Balances client needs with business objectives.
• Self-motivated with a drive for both personal and company development.
• Willingness to travel nationally and stay overnight if required.
• IT proficient (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Desired

• Good contractual and commercial awareness.
• Understanding of sustainability and environmental impact.
• Familiarity with legal processes (e.g., expert witness roles).

Experience:

Essential

• Minimum 15 years’ experience in an infrastructure or heavy industrial environment.
• Hands-on experience as a Design Engineer, Project Engineer, and Commissioning Engineer.

Desired

• Experience working for both M&E contractors and client/main contractors.
• Network Rail CRE (Contractor’s Responsible Engineer) experience