Contracts / Project Manager - HV Substations (Belgium)

Contracts / Project Manager - HV Substations (Belgium)

Job Purpose

As part of an exciting expansion across the European power and energy sector, Designer Group is seeking an experienced Contracts / Project Manager – HV Substations to join our Operations team in Belgium.

This role is responsible for the successful delivery of High Voltage (HV) Substation projects, ensuring all works are completed safely, on programme, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. You will lead multidisciplinary project teams throughout the full project lifecycle, from pre-construction and design coordination through construction, energisation, commissioning, and handover.

The successful candidate will have strong experience delivering HV Substation, Grid Infrastructure, Utility, or Power Transmission & Distribution projects and will play a key role in supporting Designer Group's continued growth within the energy sector.

Please note: Applicants must have the legal right to work in Belgium (EU citizenship or valid Belgian work authorisation).

Roles & Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of HV Substation and Grid Infrastructure projects from pre-construction through to energisation and handover.
• Manage all contractual, commercial, operational, and technical aspects of projects under your control.
• Support tender reviews, project estimates, risk assessments, and bid submissions.
• Coordinate design development activities, technical reviews, and value engineering initiatives.
• Manage project budgets, forecasts, cash flow, and cost reporting in conjunction with the Project Quantity Surveyor.
• Oversee procurement activities, including major equipment packages, subcontractors, and specialist suppliers.
• Ensure compliance with client specifications, grid operator requirements, relevant Belgian regulations, and industry standards.
• Lead and manage project teams including Site Managers, Construction Managers, Engineers, Planners, and Commercial personnel.
• Monitor project progress, key milestones, programme delivery, risk registers, RFIs, technical submittals, and change management processes.
• Chair regular progress meetings with clients, utilities, consultants, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders.
• Ensure safe execution of all works in accordance with Designer Group's Health & Safety Management System.
• Coordinate commissioning, testing, energisation, and final handover activities.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with clients, utility providers, contractors, and key stakeholders.
• Support business development initiatives and identify future opportunities within the HV and Energy sectors.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 10 years' experience delivering HV Substation, Power Infrastructure, Transmission & Distribution, Utilities, or large-scale Electrical Engineering projects.
• Proven experience managing projects involving HV systems ranging from 110kV to 380kV desirable.
• Degree qualification in Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, or a related discipline preferred.
• Strong commercial awareness with experience managing NEC, FIDIC, or equivalent contract forms.
• Experience working with utility providers, transmission system operators (TSOs), or EPC contractors.
• Excellent understanding of Substation construction, HV equipment installation, protection systems, testing, commissioning, and energisation processes.
• Valid driving licence.
• Must have the legal right to work in Belgium.

Person Specification

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent stakeholder and client management capabilities.
• Commercially focused with strong contractual awareness.
• Effective communicator with strong written and verbal English skills.
• Highly organised with excellent planning and coordination abilities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and project workstreams simultaneously.
• Driven, proactive, and committed to delivering projects safely and successfully.

Location

Belgium