Senior Project Manager – HV Substation & BESS (132–400 kV)

Location: Kent, UK

Start Date: 15th January

Project Type: National Grid – HV Substation Construction / Upgrade + BESS Integration

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager to lead the delivery of a major High Voltage (132–400 kV) substation project in Kent, including integration works with a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). The successful candidate will have a strong background working on National Grid infrastructure and experience managing HV substation and BESS projects from design through commissioning.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead full lifecycle delivery of the HV substation and BESS integration works, ensuring compliance with National Grid standards.
• Oversee site operations across civil, electrical, BESS, and protection & control workstreams.
• Manage interfaces between the substation, BESS OEM, EPC contractors, and National Grid stakeholders.
• Ensure alignment with BESS-specific requirements including grid connection, control system integration, fire safety standards, and commissioning procedures.
• Ensure adherence to HV safety rules, CDM regulations, and National Grid Technical Specifications (NG-TS).
• Produce project plans, risk analyses, quality documentation, and BESS commissioning schedules.
• Manage contractual obligations and commercial performance (NEC preferred).
• Lead site meetings, technical reviews, and assurance processes.

Required Experience

• 7–10 years’ experience delivering HV substation projects at 132–400 kV.
• Proven experience delivering BESS projects (design, installation, testing, commissioning).
• Strong working knowledge of National Grid processes, safety rules, permits, and governance.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary teams across electrical, civil, and energy storage engineering.
• Experience working under NEC contracts.
• Background in protection, control, SCADA, and grid connection is beneficial.

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or Project Management (or equivalent).
• SMSTS or similar safety qualification.
• National Grid Persons / BESC competencies (highly desirable).
• Chartered status (CEng, MAPM) is an advantage.

Personal Attributes

• Technically competent with a strong understanding of HV infrastructure and energy storage technologies.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Proactive, solutions-driven, and highly organized.
• Capable of performing well under pressure in a safety-critical environment.