Design Standards Assurance and Efficiency Lead - Temporary

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.

Job Introduction

An opportunity is available for the role of Design Standards, Assurance & Efficiency Lead, based at either Bristol, Cardiff, Tipton or Castle Donington. This is a new role and will initially be a fixed term contract for a period up to 12 months, subject to review.

Reporting to the Head of Network Design, you will principally be working with and supporting managers and colleagues in Engineering Design.  The role will include reviewing the wider Engineering Design tasks and processes, Policy team and manufacturer interfaces, ICP interactions and ways of working to identify and progress potential improvements we can make to better deliver and maximise efficiency in the team.

The network upgrades needed in the coming years will continue to grow as we transition to net zero and the use of external design resources will be needed at times to ensure we can meet our targets. You will therefore, also be working to develop requirements and processes needed (including Design Assurance) in this area.

Network Design comprises teams covering connections onto and the reinforcement of the Primary Network (EHV & 132kV), reinforcement of the Secondary Network and Engineering Design, who prepare electrical, protection/control, mechanical and civil designs for schemes to construct, extend or modify electricity substations energised at up to 132kV

As part of our hybrid working approach this role offers a mix of office and home working. Hybrid working can only be considered once any initial training is complete and subject to business need.

* Depending on experience, you may initially be appointed at a lower salary until all relevant courses and training are complete.

Main Responsibilities

• Reviewing the wider Engineering Design tasks and processes, as well as interfaces to other teams and external suppliers. Formulate ideas for change/improvements and implement or co-ordinate activities that follow.
• Work with NGED Policy and external manufactures/suppliers to improve standards, quality and ways of working. Initiate tasks in short term to improve any gaps where applicable and set up process improvements for long term.
• Look for and co-ordinate opportunities for design standardisation and initiate/co-ordinate tasks as needed.
• Assist with requirements/process for design assurance and changes needed for projects that may use external design contractors so NGED can meet the challenge of the Great Grid Upgrade.
• Review and implement changes or improvements that could be made to the ICP design assistance and approval process within Engineering Design. Work with other NGED teams on ICP interfaces.
• Design standard and drawing updates: Assist with co-ordination of these tasks within NGED, with particular input to the policy and procurement team interface for equipment/plant tenders. Identify and implement any improvements to increase efficiency in this area?
• Update the Engineering Design manual when changes to standards or policy occurs.

The Ideal Candidate

You will be qualified to HNC level or above, in an appropriate engineering (or related) discipline, applicable to the scope and responsibilities of the role.

Experience in detailed substation design and/or construction, as well as how the interfaces in the design and project delivery process work would be an advantage. In addition, experience in engagement with electrical manufacturing suppliers would be viewed as a positive. Ideally you should also have a broad understanding of NGED or a similar business and have key skills to be able to identify and implement change.

You should be self-motivated and delivery focused, have excellent organisational skills and be able to react decisively under pressure, whilst ensuring you maintain consistently high standards.  The ability to communicate effectively with a diverse range of people and teams, both internally and externally, is key.

There may be some travel involved and therefore a full UK driving licence is required.

Evidence of your qualification certificates 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.

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:

• 26 days paid leave plus 8 bank holidays, up to 28 days with continuous service
• Competitive contributory pension scheme (we double match your contributions up to a maximum of 12%)
• Annual Share Save plan
• Contributory private healthcare scheme 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 nged.recruitment@nationalgrid.co.uk

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.