About Us
We’re National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED), the owner and operator behind the electricity distribution systems for the Midlands, the Southwest of England and South Wales. Serving communities of more than 8 million people, our expert teams deliver heat, light and power for homes and businesses.
National Grid employs over 29,000 people worldwide. We are building an inclusive workplace, a place to actively celebrate the cultures, personalities and preferences of our colleagues – who in turn help to build the success of our business and reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Our vision is to be at the heart of a clean, fair and affordable energy future and we are doing this in a fast-moving industry with an increasing focus on tackling climate change, exploring new energy sources that are renewable, low carbon, and improve efficiency to meet demand.
Inspection of the distribution network and its assets is vital to ensuring network resilience and maintaining uninterrupted customer supplies. Airborne inspections have been utilised on the NGED network for over 60 years, and the data derived from these inspections has evolved significantly over time. As a result, NGED must continue to inspect the network in a dynamic way, providing the right data to proactively and reactively manage safety, reliability, and asset condition defects, securing supplies and maintaining a reliable network.
Aviation is central to this data transformation, with the information captured increasingly supporting new use cases, including the planning and development of the distribution networks of the future.
Job Introduction
National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) is seeking a qualified and experienced Head of Aviation to lead our aviation team in both crewed and uncrewed operations. You will be accountable for the safe and compliant operation of all aviation activities, driving the evolution of inspection capabilities to enhance asset intelligence and operational decision-making.
In this role, you will:
- Lead the development, assessment, and onboarding of innovative inspection technologies.
- Expand airborne inspection capabilities, increasing data capture and its application across the business.
- Ensure industry-leading safety management and regulatory compliance.
- Build strong relationships with key stakeholders including Asset Management, Field Operations, and DSO Operations.
- Develop and implement a strategic approach to internal and external aviation engagement.
- Collaborate closely with National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) Aviation Team, potentially holding a nominated postholder role if operationally appropriate.
This is a six month fixed-term position (subject to review) ideally to be based at Bristol Airport although other locations within 30/40 miles of Bristol could be considered. Join us to continue to help shape the future of NGED’s aviation operations and contribute to a resilient, reliable electricity distribution network.
Main Responsibilities
- Accountable for safe and compliant crewed and uncrewed aviation operations
- Lead and develop the aviation team to key outcomes, to time and within budget
- Maintain full compliance with all relevant regulations, including EU Regulation 965/2012, UK Rules of the Air, ESQCR, and reporting obligations aligned with CAA, company policies, and HSE standards
- Oversee the ongoing development of inspection processes and systems for a vast network including 1.4 million wood poles, 17,000 towers, 92,000 km of overhead lines, and substations from LV to 132kV
- Drive the advancement and adoption of innovative inspection technologies, collaborating closely with NGED Safety and Policy teams to ensure operational and regulatory alignment
The Ideal Candidate
You will be a clear, confident and inclusive communicator who builds strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders. You will have experience leading teams and working collaboratively across multiple teams in a matrix environment to deliver safe, compliant aviation inspection services.
Essential
- Technical knowledge of compliance and aviation regulatory frameworks
- Understanding of Regulation (EU) 965/2021, CAA Rules of the Air and related aviation regulations
- Experience flying an electrical network and operating in a low‑level environment
- Leadership training and proven experience of developing teams and delivering outcomes
- Financial understanding, including budget management and development of cost–benefit analyses (CBA)
- Familiarity with operating within a Just Culture
Desirable
- Established working relationships with the CAA (Flight Operations, Continuing Airworthiness and Maintenance)
- Crew Resource Management (CRM) experience
- Detailed knowledge of NGED’s overhead network and substations
- Experience with non‑visual data capture technologies (for example LiDAR)
- Technical understanding of both crewed and uncrewed aviation operations
- Knowledge of ED2 and ED3 business plans and the regulated/unregulated operating environment
- Active membership of industry bodies (for example Onshore Safety Leadership Group or The Royal Aeronautical Society)
- Strong skills in geospatial presentation and visualisation
It would be beneficial if you held any of the following qualifications
- Commercial Pilot Licence – Helicopter / Airline Transport Pilot Licence – Helicopter
- Crew Resource Management Trainer/Examiner
Interviews scheduled w/c 11th May 2026
#LI-SH1
About The Company
Joining the UK’s leading electricity distribution business means plenty of career opportunities and well-deserved recognition. We reward hard work and encourage ambition. So, as well as a competitive salary, you will also benefit from:
- Annual performance related bonus
- 28 days Annual Leave plus 8 Bank Holidays
- Competitive contributory pension scheme (we double match your contributions up to a maximum of 12%)
- Annual Share Save plan
- Contributory healthcare for you and your family
- Support via our Employee Assistance Programme, including musculoskeletal and physiotherapy services
- Free on-site parking at all our main sites
Things you need to know
National Grid Electricity Distribution is committed to safeguarding the interests of the Company, colleagues and customers. This role is subject to a satisfactory Barring Service, (DBS) check, depending on the role different levels of screening and vetting are required. Some roles require a triannual check.
Please note that in most cases, National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points-based immigration system. As such, applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future under the UK points-based immigration system. However, in exceptional circumstances where there is a clear and demonstrable need for specialist skills that cannot be sourced from the local labour market, National Grid may consider offering sponsorship. All applications are welcome from candidates who meet these requirements, regardless of race, nationality, or ethnic origin.
As an equal opportunities employer who is committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, we celebrate individual difference and are actively bringing in more employees from diverse backgrounds to build on our inclusive. If you require additional support to complete your online application, please email nged.recruitment@nationalgrid.co.uk
Recruitment correspondence is usually sent by email, please check your email account including spam/junk folders regularly after the closing date.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early should sufficient numbers of suitable applications be received, so it would be best to apply as soon as you can.
