Underground Cables Lead Policy Engineer

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 an Underground Cables Lead Policy Engineer reporting to the Engineering Policy Manager. 

As the lead subject matter expert (SME) for underground cables and associated accessories for National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED), you will play a pivotal role in setting standards and specification for the procurement and utilisation of cables and accessories at all voltage levels within the business. You will provide leadership in underground cables as part of industry technical panels and global tendering processes.  All design deviations are required to be approved by the subject matter expert having commercial, operational and safety factors to be assessed and approved in tight timeframes. 

This role can be based in any of our offices within our licence areas 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 of approximately 1-2 days in the office and the remainder from home. Travel to sites within all of the operational areas will be needed for meetings. 

Main Responsibilities

• Lead the maintenance and creation of policies and standard techniques within area of underground cables 
• Lead underground cables policy within NGED including Industry level ENA panels 
• Conduct reviews of existing policy and standard techniques based on feedback from assurance specialists, dissemination sessions and questions received from the business
• Provide regular “face to face” and remote updates to the business to interpret changes in industry practice relating to underground cables
• Provide clear guidance as and when required on cable ratings and application of these ratings
• Development of new equipment and installation/maintenance techniques which bring about improvements in safety, efficiency and/or reduce lifetime cost
• Maintenance and update of policy systems and databases as required
• Subject matter expert for NGED, presenting policy matters to internal and external audiences
• The subject matter expert for NGED with respect to underground cables and associated accessories
• Provide insight into the risks associated with underground cables into the Asset Risk team
• Be aware of the work of colleagues in Policy Team to provide cover for their activities and specialisms
• Approve content within the training materials for informal and formal training programmes
• Lead the response to external consultations related to underground cables
• Deliver results on time, to required quality standards and to budget, to fulfil the business plan and achieve/support company goals
• Subject matter expert for R&D and Innovation work/forums relating to underground cables

The Ideal Candidate

• A degree level qualification in a STEM subject or equivalent experience. 
• Subject Matter Expert (SME) for underground cables to become the technical lead who interprets external standards for use within the NGED network. 
• Ideally be a member of the Institute Engineering and Technology and hold or be capable of obtaining Chartered status
• Experience in Asset Risk Management is desirable. 
• Managing, compiling and tracking large complex multimillion tender processes and type testing registers.
• 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 underground cables and accessories
• 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 motivate, counsel, coach, and develop direct reports, peers, and others.
• Analytical approach to complex technical topics 
• A valid driving licence would be preferential. 

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
• Company vehicle
• 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 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.