Sovereign AI is a UK-based AI infrastructure and software solutions provider building the next generation of sovereign-grade AI data centres across EMEA. Designed for resilience, security, and scale, Sovereign AI enables commercial and government customers to deploy advanced AI with confidence in environments where performance, reliability, and compliance are non-negotiable. Focused on regulated and mission-critical sectors including Government, Defence, Healthcare and Financial Services, Sovereign AI is creating the trusted foundations for AI adoption at scale, combining robust infrastructure with disciplined governance to support long-term innovation and national-level capability.

The role

Lead the end-to-end delivery of high voltage power infrastructure projects — from early development through construction, commissioning, and energisation — ensuring technical integrity, schedule adherence, and commercial performance. The role sits at the intersection of electrical engineering expertise and programme leadership, interfacing with DNOs, ICPs, EPC contractors, and specialist consultants to bring complex HV and substation works to completion. Operating within Sovereign AI's critical infrastructure portfolio, this position requires both deep technical knowledge of HV/MV systems and the commercial discipline to manage risk, procurement, and stakeholder expectations across the full project lifecycle.

This role offers a unique opportunity to join the business at a formative stage of its growth and play a key role in shaping how projects are delivered both in the UK and internationally.

For the right individual, the position provides significant scope for progression and leadership, including the opportunity to build and develop a high-performing team, establish technical and delivery standards, and help define the project execution model that will support the company's global expansion.

As the organisation scales rapidly, successful candidates will have the opportunity to influence strategy, drive best practice across multiple regions, and play a central role in delivering the next generation of large-scale digital and energy infrastructure projects.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Lead the design and construction management of substation and HV cable infrastructure, including 33 kV systems and, where applicable, works up to 132 kV and above.

• Manage and coordinate electrical consultants, EPC contractors, equipment suppliers, and specialist subcontractors, holding them accountable to programme milestones and quality standards.

• Drive grid connection strategy and manage all utility interfaces with DNOs, IDNOs, and ICPs — from connection application through to energisation.

• Define and manage project schedules, budgets, risk registers, and change control processes, providing regular reporting to senior leadership and client stakeholders.

• Ensure full compliance with UK statutory requirements, including BS/IEC electrical standards, CDM regulations, and relevant grid codes and protection philosophies.

• Support early-stage project development activities, including technical feasibility, scope definition, budget setting, and contractor procurement strategy.

• Lead commissioning and energisation planning in coordination with the DNO and site teams, ensuring safe and structured handover of HV assets.

• Manage project commercial performance — including procurement, contract administration under NEC or similar frameworks, and cost forecasting.

• Build and maintain effective working relationships with internal project and engineering teams, clients, regulators, and equipment manufacturers across the full duration of each project.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related discipline (BEng or MEng).

• Chartered Engineer (CEng) with IET or equivalent professional body — or demonstrable progress towards chartership.

• Project management qualification such as APM PMQ, PRINCE2, or equivalent is desirable.

• Authorised Person (AP) or Senior Authorised Person (SAP) status for HV switching operations is an advantage.

EXPERIENCE

• Highly experienced in electrical engineering and project delivery, with a significant portion on HV or MV power infrastructure.

• Demonstrated track record of delivering substation and HV cable projects from development through to commissioning, at 33 kV minimum — with experience up to 132 kV or above strongly preferred.

• Hands-on experience managing grid connections and utility interfaces (DNO, ICP) including connection agreement negotiation and protection coordination.

• Experience managing EPC contractors, electrical consultants, and specialist equipment suppliers within a structured contract and procurement environment.

• Background in one or more of the following sectors: data centres, utilities and power networks, renewable energy, or industrial power infrastructure.

• Proven ability to manage project financials, including budget control, forecasting, and commercial reporting.

• Experience operating in early-stage development environments, including feasibility assessment, scope definition, and pre-FEED activities.

SKILLS

• Strong technical grounding in HV/MV electrical systems — including transformers, switchgear, protection relays, cables, and earthing systems.

• Thorough understanding of UK and international power standards, grid codes, and regulatory frameworks — including BS/IEC standards, CDM, and NERS.

• Commercially astute — able to manage contracts, assess change events, control cost, and represent project interests in commercial negotiations. • Effective communicator and stakeholder manager — capable of engaging with technical specialists, contractors, clients, and senior leadership with equal clarity.

• Strong risk management capability — able to identify, quantify, and proactively mitigate programme, technical, and commercial risks.

• Proficient in project scheduling tools (e.g. MS Project, Primavera P6) and standard engineering document management workflows.

• Resilient and self-directed — comfortable operating with ambiguity in fast moving development environments without close supervision.