0
Simon Bucknell
Technology Practice Director & Founder
Permanent
Manchester, Nottingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Leeds, United Kingdom
£97,000
Senior Associate Director – Protection & Control UK-Wide (Flexible / Hybrid) Permanent Highly competitive package + benefits
embs. talent is working exclusively with a globally recognised engineering consultancy to source a Senior Associate Director in Protection & Control — a step up from Associate Director level, and a role with genuine influence at the highest technical and strategic level. The scope covers high-voltage AIS and GIS substations, transmission assets, HVDC interconnectors, and energy storage systems across the UK and Continental Europe.
This is a role for someone who doesn't just lead technically — they shape teams, win work, and influence industry standards.
Highly competitive package: Including private medical cover and enhanced parental leave
Flexible working: A genuine commitment to flexible and hybrid working across multiple UK office locations
Development: Professional development support and an organisation that invests in its people at every level
Legacy: Real opportunity to leave a lasting mark on the next generation of engineers
Our client is seeking a Senior Associate Director to provide strategic leadership across their Protection & Control discipline — shaping technical delivery, winning work, and influencing standards on major transmission and renewable energy programmes.
In this role you will provide strategic leadership across FEED and detailed design workstreams for P&C systems on transmission and renewable energy projects, leading protection schemes, control philosophies, interface design, and settings coordination. You will oversee technical assurance, quality control, and delivery across design packages and major bids, while leading bid and proposal efforts — owning technical strategy, resource planning, and client engagement.
Beyond delivery, you will recruit, develop, and support succession planning within the P&C discipline, chair design reviews, hazard reviews, and technical governance meetings, and manage technical risk and CDM compliance at programme level. You will also represent the business in client meetings and industry forums, with influence over standards and best practice.
Successful applicants must be able to demonstrate a degree in Electrical Engineering (BEng or MEng) and Chartered Engineer status (IET), together with National Grid CDAE status and TP141 Authorisation (Protection & Control), which is essential at this level. You will bring 16–20 years in P&C FEED and detailed design at high voltage (132kV–400kV), strong knowledge of National Grid and SSE design processes and standards, and experience across DNOs, BESS, windfarms, and HVDC. Proven leadership across multidisciplinary teams and complex programmes is essential, as is strong commercial acumen and a track record of contributing to client retention and business growth.
If you are interested in this senior leadership opportunity within Protection & Control and believe you meet the illustrated criteria, apply today or speak to the team in confidence.
embs. talent is a specialist Power & Energy recruitment consultancy, founded in 2003, connecting the best talent across Transmission & Distribution, HV/EHV, substations, protection & control, renewables and data centre power — from Designer to CEO — throughout the UK, Ireland and the USA. Triple ISO certified, including ISO 42001 for AI management. We'll offer you expert support and advice throughout the process to ensure you select and secure a career-defining role.
Please note, all candidates must be UK residents; we cannot offer visa sponsorship for overseas candidates.
Helen Charteris | Practice Director, Global Power & Energy | embs. talent — Connecting the best talent across Transmission & Distribution, HV/EHV, substations, protection & control, renewables and data centre power, from Designer to CEO. UK | Ireland | USA. helen@embstalent.co.uk 07512 540612. embs. talent — specialist Power & Energy recruitment consultancy, founded in 2003. Triple ISO certified, including ISO 42001 for AI management.
28 October 2026
EMBS Group and Peak Intelligence bring Microsoft, CWSI and Fishbone Solutions to Pride Park Stadium on Wednesday 25 November for a practical morning on AI adoption in rail.
27 October 2026
Great British Railways is moving its HQ to Derby, bringing 450 jobs and 600 apprenticeships. Here’s what it means for engineering recruitment across rail, energy and defence.
7 October 2026
Rolls-Royce's £300m UK investment will drive demand for engineers. Here's what it means for hiring in aerospace, defence and nuclear, and how EMBS can help.