Overhead Line Technical Lead (Energy)
Added 6 Sept · still live
Likely
Sponsorship likelihood
This employer has issued visas recently
Not disclosed
Salary
Not disclosed by employer
£58,700
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 2123 (80% match) is an eligible occupation, with a going rate of £58,700, and WSP in the UK & Ireland is a licensed sponsor. That is our reading of the rules. Whether they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship is still their call.
In 2025, WSP in the UK & Ireland assigned 31 or more Certificates of Sponsorship for SOC 2123 jobs, according to the Home Office.
This could also be SOC 1258 (Directors in consultancy services, Technical authority and strategic leadership of design function could be director-level) or SOC 2127 (Engineering project managers and project engineers, Technical oversight across project phases and governance resembles project engineering). We read the code off the advert, so it is our best guess, not the employer's.
Your salary route
New graduate or PhD holder? Pick one of the lower rates.
What each route needs for this job
| Occupation code | New entrant 70% of going rate | STEM PhD 80% of going rate | Relevant PhD 90% of going rate | Standard rate 100% of going rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2123 Electrical engineers Most likely code | £41,100 | £47,000 | £52,900 | £58,700 |
1258 Directors in consultancy services Also possible | £49,100 | £70,100 | £70,100 | £70,100 |
2127 Engineering project managers and project engineers Also possible | £36,300 | £41,500 | £46,700 | £51,900 |
We use the lowest threshold across the plausible codes. Likelihood is Possible at most when the pay clears only a lower rate, or only under a less likely code. How the Home Office picks the code
About the role
Job Description
What if you could do the kind of work the world needs?
At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.
A Little More About Your Role...
As the Technical Lead of the Overhead Line (OHL) design team, you will lead the engineering activities and are responsible for technical support and design across Transmission portfolio. You will act as the technical authority for OHL design, ensuring safe, compliant, and high‑quality engineering solutions aligned with client requirements, regulatory standards and industry best practice.
The role combines technical leadership, strategic direction, team development, and engagement with key stakeholders across UK&I Transmission Operators.
A core requirement of the role is to ensure the organisation has the right capability, capacity, governance and quality controls in place to deliver complex cable transmission projects to program to budget and standards.
Strategic Leadership
What if you could do the kind of work the world needs?
At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.
A Little More About Your Role...
As the Technical Lead of the Overhead Line (OHL) design team, you will lead the engineering activities and are responsible for technical support and design across Transmission portfolio. You will act as the technical authority for OHL design, ensuring safe, compliant, and high‑quality engineering solutions aligned with client requirements, regulatory standards and industry best practice.
The role combines technical leadership, strategic direction, team development, and engagement with key stakeholders across UK&I Transmission Operators.
A core requirement of the role is to ensure the organisation has the right capability, capacity, governance and quality controls in place to deliver complex cable transmission projects to program to budget and standards.
Strategic Leadership
- Lead and develop the OHL design function.
- Define technical standards, best practices and long‑term capability requirements.
- Promote safety‑by‑design, quality assurance and compliance with UK/EU legislation and industry standards (ENA, BS, IEC).
- Align design resources with business strategy and project demand.
- Support resource planning and recruitment
- Set direction for OHL design including Basic & Detailed design packages.
- Approve design deliverables to ensure technical integrity, constructability, and compliance with utility standards.
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Project Delivery & Governance
- Provide technical oversight across all project phases: concept, FEED, detailed design, construction and commissioning.
- Drive consistency, quality and risk management across design packages.
- Support tendering activities including bid preparation, estimating and scope definition.
- Build, lead and mentor a high‑performing team of engineers and technical specialists.
- Define career pathways, training programmes, standardisation of design activities, and performance expectations.
- Enable effective collaboration with HV Plant, Civil, HV Cable, P&C, DNO and project management teams.
- Represent the organisation as a senior technical authority in client, regulator and partner meetings.
- Work with external design houses, suppliers and contractors to optimise technical solutions.
- Manage client feedback to support continuous improvement and strong commercial relationships
- Senior‑level experience in OHL design & leadership within the UK Transmission sectors.
- Strong expertise in OHL engineering transmission and / or distribution line design – Particularly from 132 - 400kV
- Strong expertise in PLS CADD and Tower design software, exposure to Auto CAD and drawing packages.
- In‑depth understanding of UK utility technical standards, grid codes and regulatory frameworks.
- Minimum BEng in Electrical Engineering.
- Chartered Engineer (CEng, IET) or working towards chartership.
- Experience working with UK Transmission Operators.
- OHL CDAE/LCDAE in UK National Grid Projects,
- BP141 Authorisation in OHL
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Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.
Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.
With us, you can. Apply today.
About Us
We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 11,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?
Work-life balance
At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community.
Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.
Inclusivity & Belonging
We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote a culture of inclusivity.
Health & Wellbeing
We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme.
Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.
Flex your time
To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day.
We also provide part-time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.
Your development
We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.
#WeAreWSP
Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.
Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.
Flex your time
To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day.
We also provide part-time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.
Your development
We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.
#WeAreWSP
Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with WSP in the UK & Ireland, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
Electrical engineers (SOC 2123) · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · basic pay · ~36k in sampleSOC 2123
- Middle half £41,392–68,380
- Median £55,432
- Going rate £58,700
- Threshold £41,700
- New entrant £41,100–52,900
Similar sponsored roles
See all UK visa jobsNo close matches live right now.
Browse more sponsored jobs at WSP in the UK & IrelandAbout sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. WSP in the UK & Ireland holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. In 2025, WSP in the UK & Ireland assigned 31 or more Certificates of Sponsorship for SOC 2123 jobs, according to the Home Office. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 2123 going rate of £58,700. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.