Technical and Engineering Director

Reporting directly to the CEO, the Engineering & Technical Director is responsible for Eleclink’s engineering integrity, asset management capability, and the development of our HVDC cable systems and converter station infrastructure in France, the Channel Tunnel and the UK. As a member of the Eleclink senior leadership team (SLT), the Engineering & Technical Director plays a pivotal role in strategic decision-making, cross-functional leadership, and alignment of technical activities with business and regulatory objectives.

The Technical and Engineering Director will lead a multidisciplinary technical team of at least six staff, including two senior managers, engineering leads, commercial contract support and project management. This role is central to driving our cross-functional performance, managing interfaces with internal and external stakeholders, and ensuring the safe and successful operation of a nationally significant business

Responsibilities

Organisational Leadership

• As an SLT member, lead the technical input to business strategy, risk management and the organisation development of Eleclink.
• Develop and implement Eleclink’s overall technical strategy ensuring alignment with our business case, regulatory obligations, and project delivery schedule.
• Establish robust technical governance, including design assurance capability, technical risk management processes, and change control.
• Lead the company’s representation at technical forums, industry groups and in critical regulatory discussions with the aim of promoting Eleclink and Eleclink’s interests
• Champion our health, safety, environment, and quality (HSEQ) culture and performance in everything we do

Lead the Technical Function

• Lead a multi-disciplined team with primary objective of delivering safe, reliable asset operations:
• Engineering Managers – Overseeing converter and cable system maintenance and day to day asset operations via key supplier contracts as well as on-site physical and cyber security, OT system integrity and the strategic implementation of asset improvements.

Engineering Strategy & Delivery

• Accountable for our HVDC infrastructure integrity including converter stations, cable systems, and protection schemes
• Direct the interface with original equipment manufacturers, technology partners and service providers
• Ensure technical design is optimised for whole-of-life performance, including maintainability, operability, and reliability. Identify industry best practice and relevant standards to lead the development of technical improvements and ensure their implementation into the business
• Continually review our technical capability maintaining the necessary engineering teams to support strategy delivery and project execution.
• Ensure timely delivery of capital and maintenance projects
• Ensure collaboration between technical, operational and Commercial teams to optimise system operations and asset capability to meet our business objectives.

Operations Management

• Responsible for the successful coordination of site-based engineering activities, including inspection and maintenance schedules
• Ensure operational excellence and engineering compliance with national and European standards
• Develop and maintain 24/7 engineering support capabilities for HVDC assets through in-house and outsourced capability
• Oversee engineering risk management and root cause failure analysis in the event of asset issues
• Lead (at Steering Committee level) our contractual relationships with engineering service providers and OEMs

Health & Safety

• ElecLink employees are expected to take reasonable care for their own health and safety, as well as that of others. Employees should not intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse any equipment or measures designed to protect safety, health, or welfare. Employees are also required to participate in any health and safety training provided by the employer and promptly report any health and safety concerns to the HSQE Manager or HSQE Coordinator.

Minimum Standards & Selection Criteria

Experience required:

• More than 15 years in the energy or transmission sector with demonstratable experience in HVDC systems
• Proven leadership or senior management of engineering or technical teams on major capital infrastructure projects or operational asset management
• Strong working knowledge of HVDC systems, converter technologies, grid codes, and transmission interface requirements.
• Commercial awareness of engineering contracts, OEM supply agreements, and technical dispute resolution.
• Experience operating at senior or executive level, ideally as part of an SLT or subsidiary board
• Knowledge of UK and European regulatory frameworks for interconnectors and/or transmission systems is desirable

Education:

• Educated to degree level in Electrical or Power Engineering (or equivalent)
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status desirable

Skills and Competencies

• Proven leadership in technical and engineering delivery within HVDC operations
• Strong understanding of converter station technologies, HV cable systems, and system protection
• Excellent problem-solving, risk management, and project delivery skills
• Commercial awareness and ability to present technical issues to board-level and external stakeholders

Behaviours

• Display integrity and maintain strong professional relationships, upholding ElecLink’s reputation
• Take accountability for delivery and decision-making
• Think strategically and act collaboratively across teams
• Foster a culture of safety, innovation, and technical excellence
• Engage constructively with service providers, and technical communities.

Location, Travel, Security Clearance & Right to Work

• This role is based in Folkestone and requires a minimum of three days per week in the office.
• Regular travel will be required between Folkestone, London and Calais

Please note:

• Due to the security requirements associated with working within the Channel Tunnel complex, additional security screening may be required prior to employment commencing.
• Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK.
• From 1 January 2021, non-British and non-Irish nationals who do not already hold a UK immigration status may be required to obtain an appropriate visa before commencing employment.
• Before applying for this role, please ensure that you are eligible to live and work in the United Kingdom and can satisfy the Company's right to work and security clearance requirements.
• For further information, please visit the UK Government's Visa and Immigration website.