Job Description Summary

Job Description

 About the Role

We are looking for an experienced and self-driven National Grid Portfolio Execution Director to lead and coordinate the Execution Strategy of our growing portfolio of projects with National Grid across the UK. This is a pivotal role that sits at the heart of our project execution organization, acting as the primary point of contact and internal champion for all National Grid project activities.

The successful candidate will drive execution excellence, ensure cross-functional alignment, and build the organizational capability required to deliver complex, high-value energy infrastructure projects to the highest standards.

Key Responsibilities

Portfolio Leadership & Client Interface

• Serve as one of the focal points for the National Grid project portfolio across the UK
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with National Grid stakeholders, understanding their expectations, priorities, and delivery standards
• Represent the portfolio at senior internal and external forums, ensuring consistent communication and reporting

Execution Excellence

• Drive continuous improvement in project execution processes, tools, and methodologies across the NG portfolio
• Develop and implement execution strategies tailored to National Grid requirements, covering:
• Engineering approach (subcontracted vs. in-house)
• CDAE competence and deployment
• M&E contractor selection and management
• National Grid Safety Rules (NGSR) awareness and compliance
• Commissioning team capability and readiness
• Identify and share best practices across projects to raise overall delivery performance

Capacity & Resource Management

• Ensure functional capacity across all disciplines is aligned with project timelines and programme demands
• Proactively identify resource overlaps, constraints, and synergies across the portfolio
• Work with function leads to plan and avoid delivery bottlenecks

Create and Scale Synergies (Core Focus)

• Identify and drive synergy levers, including:
  • Eliminating duplication (overlapping initiatives, redundant tools/processes).
  • Capability reuse (shared components, common data models, shared services).
  • Platform and architecture alignment (standardization, interoperability, scalable foundations).
  • Coordinated delivery (sequencing work to unlock value faster; integrated releases).
  • Shared vendors/partners and consolidated sourcing to reduce cost and complexity.
• Facilitate cross-team workshops to surface and prioritize synergy opportunities.
• Establish mechanisms (e.g., shared backlogs/capability roadmaps, integration forums) to institutionalize reuse and cross-portfolio collaboration.
• Quantify synergy value (cost avoidance, cycle-time reduction, improved adoption, operational savings) and track realization.

Strategy, Governance & Operating Model

• Contribute to bid and pre-contract strategy by providing execution insight and lessons learned

• Establish governance frameworks that provide transparency across the portfolio
• Design decision rights and governance forums to enable fast trade-offs and coordinated execution.
• Support risk management activities, escalating issues where necessary

What We're Looking For

Essential

• Proven experience in project or programme management within the energy, power, or infrastructure sector
• Strong understanding of National Grid operations, standards, and project delivery environment
• Demonstrated ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams without direct line authority
• Experience managing complex multi-project portfolios with competing priorities
• Strong knowledge of engineering, construction, and commissioning processes in HV/substation or transmission environments
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills at all levels
• Familiar with NGSR (National Grid Safety Rules) and relevant health & safety standards
  Experience with CDAE (Contractor Design and Engineering) processes
  Background in M&E contractor management within National Grid transmission or distribution projects

Desirable

• APM, PMQ, PMP, or equivalent project management qualification
• Experience in subcontracting strategy and supply chain management

Additional Information