The Framework Manager will lead the successful delivery of substation construction and maintenance works undertaken by OCU on behalf of Northern PowerGrid (NPG). The role is responsible for managing operational performance, commercial delivery, client relationships, safety, programme, and resource coordination across the framework portfolio.
The position acts as the key interface between OCU, Northern PowerGrid stakeholders, subcontractors, and internal delivery teams to ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, on programme, and within budget.
There will be required travel across the Northern PowerGrid area
- Lead the successful delivery of HV/LV substation construction and refurbishment projects across the Northern Powergrid framework.
- Ensure all projects are delivered in compliance with CDM Regulations, NPG standards, company management systems, and Health, Safety, Environmental & Quality requirements.
- Oversee project planning, resource allocation, programme performance, and recovery planning to achieve delivery targets.
- Act as the primary operational contact for the client, building strong relationships and representing the business at framework and performance review meetings.
- Support commercial management, including budget control, valuations, cost management, and identification of value engineering opportunities.
- Promote a positive safety culture and ensure full compliance with HSE legislation, NPG safety rules, Construction Phase Plans, and RAMS.
- Manage direct labour, subcontractors, and suppliers, ensuring competent resources are available to meet programme demands.
- Monitor subcontractor performance, compliance, and overall operational effectiveness.
- Produce and present regular reports covering programme delivery, KPI performance, commercial status, safety metrics, and client satisfaction.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, productivity, and framework performance.
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Proven experience managing HV/LV substation construction, refurbishment, or electrical infrastructure projects within a utility, DNO, or framework environment.
- Strong knowledge of CDM Regulations, Health & Safety legislation, and industry standards, with a demonstrated commitment to safe project delivery.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with clients, subcontractors, and internal teams.
- Commercially aware, with experience managing project budgets, cost control, valuations, and delivering projects to financial targets.
- Strong leadership and people management capabilities, with experience coordinating multidisciplinary teams, supply chains, and driving operational performance.
At OCU Group, we don’t just deliver infrastructure - we help power modern life.
As one of the UK’s fastest-growing utility and infrastructure businesses, we deliver complex, nationally critical projects across power, energy transition, water, telecoms, and digital infrastructure. Over the last five years, OCU has grown five-fold to a £1.1bn organisation, expanding both organically and through strategic acquisitions across the UK, Australia, New Zealand and India.
Our growth is driven by ambitious people, operational excellence, and a commitment to doing things properly. We work on projects that genuinely matter by supporting the UK’s energy transition, strengthening essential infrastructure, and helping build more sustainable communities for the future.
Whether you’re an experienced professional looking to take ownership of major projects and influence delivery at scale, or someone starting your career through an apprenticeship, graduate programme, or placement route, OCU offers real opportunity to grow, develop, and make an impact.
We are building a business where high performance, collaboration, innovation, and accountability sit at the centre of our culture. Our people are trusted to lead, encouraged to challenge thinking, and supported to continuously develop their skills and careers.
At OCU, you won’t just join a growing business, you’ll help shape it.
Our Culture & Values
At OCU, our values are at the heart of everything we do. We care about safety, lead with integrity, strive to be better every day, make a positive impact, and deliver to grow, together, as One Company United.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
At OCU Group, we believe diversity, inclusion, and belonging are fundamental to building stronger teams, better ideas, and a more successful business. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
As part of our commitment to fairness and equality, candidates may be asked to complete an equal opportunities monitoring form during the recruitment process. This information is used for monitoring purposes only and plays no part in hiring decisions.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and are committed to offering interviews to candidates with disabilities or long-term health conditions who meet the essential criteria for the role.
To ensure that everyone has a fair opportunity to join our team, please inform us if you require any reasonable adjustments to our recruitment and interview process is, by emailing
[email protected].
