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All Things Renewables - Powering The Future

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308 days ago

All Things Renewables - Powering The Future

HVDC and The Grid Revolution

Join us for an insightful conversation with John Martin, Head of HVDC at LSP Renewables, and Mohammed Younes, Director of Engineering and career coach, as we explore the future of renewable energy and the grid. This episode dives into how the transmission and distribution network is evolving to integrate renewables, the impact of regulatory changes, and the role of cutting-edge technologies like STATCOMs and HVDC systems. We also discuss workforce challenges, career advice, and the skills needed to thrive in this dynamic industry.

Connect with our guests on LinkedIn

John Martin

Mohammed Younes

If you would like to discuss any of the topics from this episode of our 'All Things Renewables' podcast, please contact John Martin on john.martin@lsprenewables.com

Latest Jobs

Transmission

Lead Design Engineer - Protection & Control

West Midlands - Birmingham - United Kingdom

A leading Contractor in the UK energy sector is looking for a Senior Protection & Control Design Engineer to take ownership of critical design activities for high-voltage transmission projects. This is an opportunity to work on complex, multidisciplinary schemes that underpin the nation’s energy infrastructure. Your Role Deliver end-to-end protection and control design—from initial concept through to construction-ready documentation. Work closely with teams across HV plant, cabling, civils, and project management to ensure integrated solutions. Act as a trusted technical partner for clients and internal stakeholders. Plan resources effectively and provide guidance to junior engineers. Guarantee compliance with quality standards and client specifications. Develop and review tender documentation, AC/DC schematics, and protection diagrams. Validate detailed drawings and third-party submissions. Define specifications for relays, CTs, VTs, and other essential equipment. Perform protection coordination studies and produce relay settings. Support commissioning activities and participate in technical meetings. What We’re Looking For Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent qualification. Minimum 8 years’ experience in electrical design, including 4+ years on UK transmission projects (e.g., NGET, SSEN). Strong knowledge of HV substations (132kV–400kV) and UK regulatory standards. Practical experience with protection relays, CT/VT sizing, and AC/DC drawings. Proficiency in ETAP and DIgSILENT, with familiarity in IEC 61850, DNP3, and Modbus.   Leadership capability, attention to detail, and a strong safety focus. Ability to manage multiple projects in a collaborative environment. Why Join? Competitive salary plus discretionary bonus. Company car or car allowance (EV/hybrid options available). Private healthcare and health cash plan. Matched or contributory pension scheme. 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays. Enhanced family leave policies. Employee assistance programme and online GP service. Access to retail discounts via rewards portal. Cycle-to-work and salary sacrifice schemes. Life assurance and recognition programmes.  

Transmission

Design Manager (33kV - 132kV)

North London / Hybrid (Essex & Suffolk) - United Kingdom

Want to join an industry-leading Contractor, working on some of the largest, most demanding DNO projects in the UK? Within the UK power infrastructure sector LSP is seeking an experienced Design Manager to lead design delivery for major distribution and connection projects. This role involves managing complex design programmes across the East of England, ensuring safe, efficient, and commercially successful outcomes. The team installs and maintains distribution networks, delivering reliable customer connections and network reinforcement. Projects range from refurbishing and building substations (11kV to 132kV) to managing all aspects of design, cabling, construction, and commissioning. Key Responsibilities Lead design delivery using internal and external resources. Set and manage safety, commercial, and operational targets. Own the commercial performance of design projects. Track progress against internal and client objectives. Build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships. Support and develop your design team to meet project demands. Plan workloads to align with customer requirements. Prepare design programmes and cost forecasts. About You Proven experience leading teams in engineering, utilities, or DNO environments. Strong leadership and motivational skills. Chartered Engineer status (or equivalent experience). Familiarity with ISO9001, ISO14001, and OHSAS 18001 standards. Solid understanding of CDM Regulations and the Designer’s role. Knowledge of protection/control schemes for 11kV–132kV networks. Confident in design management and commercial decision-making. Experience in alliance or joint venture setups is advantageous. Benefits Competitive salary with car allowance or company car (EV/hybrid options available). Private healthcare and health cash plan for you and your family. Matched or contributory pension scheme. 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays. Enhanced family leave policies. Employee assistance programme and online GP service. Access to retail discounts via rewards portal. Cycle-to-work and salary sacrifice schemes. Life assurance and recognition programmes.  

Transmission

Pre-Contract Commercial Manager

Hybrid - West Midlands & South Wales - United Kingdom

A leading Contracting client of LSP’s, operating within the electricity transmission sector, is seeking an experienced Pre-Contract Commercial Manager to join their team. This role involves managing complex projects across the areas of Southwest England, West Midlands and South Wales, with regular travel to regional offices—flexibility and willingness to travel are essential. The team is responsible for designing, building, and commissioning substations at voltages up to 400kV, as well as constructing and maintaining transmission lines and substations to ensure the efficient and reliable delivery of electricity. Key Responsibilities Lead pre-tender due diligence, negotiating terms that balance governance, profitability, and risk mitigation. Review and refine contract conditions, warranties, and guarantees, resolving deviations with clients. Prepare commercial summaries to support internal approvals and attend tender reviews to align stakeholders. Collaborate with legal teams and clients to ensure clarity and compliance. Support bid development, assess risks, and shape mitigation strategies. Manage post-award appraisals and ensure smooth handover to delivery teams. Maintain accurate documentation and uphold company policies. Contribute to Health & Safety, Quality, and Environmental standards while adapting to evolving business needs. About You Degree-level qualification or equivalent. Strong communication, negotiation, and presentation skills. In-depth knowledge of NEC and FIDIC standard forms of contract and relevant contract law. Ability to work to deadlines and manage multiple priorities.   Financially and commercially astute with proven experience in pre-contract negotiations. Previous experience as a Pre-Contracts Manager, Pre-Construction Manager, Commercial Manager, or similar. Ability to analyse complex tender documentation and pricing schedules. Knowledge of the electricity transmission industry is highly desirable. Strong relationship-building and influencing skills. Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel. Benefits Competitive salary with discretionary bonus scheme. Company car and fuel card (EV and hybrid options available). Private healthcare and health cash plan. Matched or contributory pension scheme. 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays. Enhanced family leave policies. Employee assistance programme and online GP service. Access to retail discounts via rewards portal. Cycle-to-work and salary sacrifice schemes. Life assurance and recognition programmes.  

Transmission

Head of Commercial - Substations

South West UK - United Kingdom

This senior leadership role sits within our clients’ Electricity Transmission division, responsible for designing, building, and commissioning substations at voltages up to 400kV. The team also constructs and maintains transmission lines and substations to ensure the efficient and reliable delivery of electricity. The position covers projects across the South West and South Wales, requiring regular travel to regional offices. Key Responsibilities Act as a key member of the Senior Management Team, driving commercial strategy and client relationships. Ensure commercial risks and opportunities are clearly communicated and understood across the business. Maintain robust governance and commercial controls, overseeing valuations, progress data validation, and accurate reporting. Define structure, roles, and competencies for effective commercial management. Build and lead a high-performing team, setting objectives and monitoring progress. Implement structured development and training programs, including mentoring for professional qualifications (e.g., APC). Promote a culture of contractual and commercial awareness. Commercial Service Delivery Collaborate with the Business Unit Director on annual business planning and strategy. Lead work-winning efforts, resource allocation, and coordination with pre-contract teams. Develop and implement strategies for tenders, cash flow, and margin improvement. Review contractual obligations and risks prior to tender submission; negotiate contract conditions within governance frameworks. Ensure proper contract administration, including change control and payment mechanisms. Oversee monthly cost/value reconciliations and forecasts; challenge and support contract teams. Maximise cash flow and manage WIP across all projects. Work with legal teams to prevent or resolve disputes and identify insurance recovery opportunities. Attend monthly project reviews and contribute to performance assessments and corrective actions. Ensure compliance with year-end audit requirements and drive achievement of annual objectives. Candidate Profile Degree-qualified in Quantity Surveying or a related business discipline (preferred). Extensive experience in a senior commercial role within the Electricity Transmission sector. Expert knowledge of standard forms of contract, contract law, and measurement methods. Strong understanding of programming techniques and project controls. Excellent negotiation, communication, and leadership skills. Full UK driving license and willingness to travel across sites and regional offices. Benefits Competitive salary with discretionary bonus scheme. Company car and fuel card (EV and hybrid options available). Private healthcare and health cash plan for you and your family. Matched or contributory pension scheme. 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays. Additional benefits including life assurance, employee assistance program, retail discounts, and more.

Transmission

Senior Electrical Engineer

USA - United States

Senior Electrical Engineer leading electrical design teams across new builds, upgrades, and redevelopment projects for power, industrial, institutional, and infrastructure facilities. Oversees design and construction phases, adapting plans to technical requirements, budgets, and project constraints. Key Responsibilities: Lead complex electrical engineering work and develop improved design processes and methods Perform power system studies and protection coordination up to 500kV Develop design basis documentation and generate relay configuration files Conduct design reviews and support quality assurance Assist in defining project scope and conceptual design Mentor and train less experienced engineers Support proposal and business development effort.   Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and at least 7 years of electrical system study experience (or Master’s plus 6 years) Ability to obtain Professional Engineer licensure Proficiency interpreting electrical drawings (single line, three line, schematics, functional diagrams)   Preferred Experience: Protective relay settings for transmission or distribution systems Power system modelling software (ASPEN, CAPE, CYME, ETAP, SKM) Use of SEL AcSELerator and GE Enervista for relay files Short circuit analysis, CT selection, protection element coordination, relay loadability calculations Grounding, arc flash, and additional system studies Support to construction and commissioning activities for substations

Transmission

Project Manager - Substation

USA - United States

Project Manager responsible for leading multi-discipline engineering and construction projects from initiation through completion, ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and to required safety and quality standards. Oversees day-to-day project execution across safety, quality, schedule, cost, risk, procurement, contracts, project controls, documentation, and field activities.   Key Responsibilities: Lead and manage project teams across engineering, procurement, construction, and project controls Establish project structure, allocate resources, and coordinate multi-discipline activities Develop and maintain project schedules, budgets, scopes, and risk management plans Prepare and administer RFPs, subcontracts, change orders, and contract documentation Manage project reporting, cost forecasting, scheduling, and progress tracking Ensure compliance with safety programs, QA/QC procedures, and relevant regulations Guide and mentor less experienced project staff Oversee project closeout, documentation turnover, and lessons learned Participate in industry conferences and committees as needed   Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, or related discipline  Minimum 7 years of relevant project management experience Experience on construction or program management projects preferred across sectors such as energy, commercial, industrial, utilities, or infrastructure Strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills Ability to coordinate multi-discipline teams in fast-paced environments and manage changing priorities Proficiency in Microsoft Office and project management, scheduling, cost control, and document control software

Transmission

Senior Substation Design Engineer

Ireland - Ireland

This role involves high-level expertise in both primary and secondary substation design, with a strong background in GIS (Gas Insulated Switchgear) stations. The successful candidate will join a dedicated substations design team, contributing to the delivery of electricity transmission and distribution projects. Key Responsibilities Lead and deliver comprehensive substation designs, ensuring alignment with project timelines, budgets, and quality standards. Facilitate and manage design meetings and oversee all programme deliverables. Provide design review support for EPC and Design & Build projects. Offer technical guidance to team members and ensure verification of issued designs. Coordinate technical, commercial, and financial aspects of projects with internal and external stakeholders. Serve as Project Supervisor Design Stage (PSDP), preparing and reviewing design risk assessments and health & safety plans. Maintain a strong focus on safety and quality while meeting tight deadlines. Manage multidisciplinary inputs and act as Lead Engineer across multiple projects. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Experience Degree (Level 8) in Electrical Engineering or equivalent professional experience. Minimum of 7 years’ experience in GIS substation design, covering both transmission and distribution. In-depth understanding of substation tendering, planning, design, costing, construction, and commissioning. Proven experience in design review for EPC and Design & Build projects. Strong project and contract management capabilities. Familiarity with control & protection systems, auxiliary power systems (AC/DC), power transformers, and reactors. Full driver’s license and access to a vehicle.