National Director – Transmission and Distribution Lines

Job Overview

North America is experiencing an unprecedented transmission build‑out. From coast to coast, new high‑voltage lines are being planned, permitted and constructed to support grid modernization, electrification and the energy transition. BBA’s Transmission and Distribution group is at the centre of this demand surge, delivering complex, multiphase projects across Canada and internationally.

Type of Position

Regular

Role Summary

We’re seeking a National Director – Transmission and Distribution Lines to lead the discipline nationally: a seller‑doer leader who can set direction, win and shape work, build high‑performing teams and own delivery outcomes across the country. This leadership role is comparable to a discipline director or department manager, but is accountable for the performance, growth and reputation of the Transmission and Distribution Lines practice. You’ll be the bridge between Operations and the business line, the steward of the order backlog and the face of transmission line engineering at BBA.

Strategic and Market Leadership

• Maintain a global vision of transmission line projects, from opportunity identification through development, permitting, detailed engineering and construction support, and understanding how multidisciplinary aspects and engineering disciplines come together to execute successfully.
• Hold a clear market vision: anticipate sector trends and translate evolving client expectations across utilities, industrial and renewables markets into BBA’s strategy.
• Leverage a strong transmission line network and market recognition to position BBA, open doors and strengthen the firm’s reputation as a transmission line leader.
• Define and drive the growth strategy for the national Transmission Line group, in alignment with the business line and Operations.
• Represent BBA at industry conferences and working groups (IEEE, CIGRE, CEATI, etc.), reinforcing the firm’s national profile and professional network.

Backlog Ownership and Operational Leadership

• Be accountable for the order backlog of the Transmission Line group, bridging Operations and the business line and ensuring the pipeline is healthy, balanced and aligned with capacity.
• Own key trade‑off decisions across projects, regions and clients, balancing risk, profitability, resourcing and strategic value.
• Assign resources and regions appropriately to projects, ensuring the right expertise is matched to the right work across the national footprint.
• Partner with project and operations leadership to safeguard quality, schedule and budget on key pursuits and active mandates.

Business Development (Seller‑Doer)

• Contribute directly to selling: identify and qualify opportunities, build and sustain trusted client relationships, and lead or shape major proposals, qualification packages and fee estimates.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and key anchor in client relationships across utilities, industrial and renewables clients.
• Contribute to go/no‑go decisions and shape pursuit strategy on strategic and complex transmission opportunities.
• Develop and grow a book of business that drives repeat work and long‑term client partnerships.

People Leadership and Team Growth

• Lead, mentor and develop the national Transmission and Distribution Lines team with direct reports, including regional discipline leads and senior and principal engineers.
• Drive team growth: hiring, onboarding and developing talent to build national capacity and bench strength.
• Contribute to the group hiring strategy and workforce planning, ensuring the discipline can scale with market demand.
• Set technical and delivery standards, elevate overall team performance and foster a collaborative, knowledge‑sharing culture across offices.

Technical Foundation

• Perform detailed design of overhead transmission lines (25 kV to 765 kV), including conductor selection, structure spotting and optimization, sag‑and‑tension analysis and electrical clearance verification.
• Design support structures and foundations (steel, lattice, wood, concrete and composite materials) in accordance with CSA and IEEE standards.
• Model transmission systems using PLS‑CADD, PLS‑POLE and PLS‑TOWER.
• Coordinate across civil, geotechnical, environmental, survey and power system planning and studies teams through all project phases, from feasibility through to commissioning.
• Oversee high‑quality engineering deliverables: plan‑and‑profile drawings, stringing charts, design calculations, technical specifications and construction packages.
• Provide field engineering support during construction, including site inspections, RFI responses, and as‑built reviews.

Qualities and Values Matching Our Corporate Culture

• Entrepreneurial spirit
• Strong commitment to health and safety
• Inspirational leadership
• Willingness to work together while having fun
• Caring mindset that puts people first
• Rigorous and ethical
• Ability to share and pass on knowledge

Summary of Certifications and Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in civil, structural or electrical engineering
• Licensed P.Eng. in at least one Canadian province
• At least 15 years of experience in overhead transmission line engineering, including significant project and/or discipline leadership (consulting experience strongly preferred)
• Demonstrated track record in business development: winning work, leading proposals and building client relationships across utilities, industrial and/or renewable markets
• Proven people leadership experience, ideally with direct reports and responsibility for team growth
• Strong proficiency with PLS‑CADD; working knowledge of PLS‑POLE and PLS‑TOWER
• Solid understanding of CSA C22.3 No. 1, NESC (National Electrical Safety Code) and applicable utility standards
• An established network and recognized reputation within the Canadian transmission and utility sector
• Advanced English skills to facilitate collaboration with other BBA offices and/or clients in English‑speaking Canadian provinces and internationally; you may need to use English occasionally or daily, depending on current projects
• Advanced French skills to facilitate collaboration with other BBA offices and/or clients in Québec
• Advanced Spanish skills to facilitate collaboration with other BBA offices and/or clients in South America; you may need to use Spanish occasionally or daily, depending on current projects
• Asset: experience leading multi‑region or national teams

An Overview of BBA’s Total Rewards

• Annual base salary from $170,000 to $200,000+
• Annual premium program for regular employees
• Onsite mobility premium
• Time bank
• Cellphone fee reimbursements
• Group insurance plan from the first day of employment, including disability insurance and a telemedicine program
• Retirement savings plan
• Annual vacation and sick leave
• Premium for employee referrals

Benefits

• Interesting growth opportunities to match your ambitions
• Participation in innovation projects
• A collaborative team that shares its ideas and knowledge
• Opportunity to mentor our next generation: We invest in our people and help them develop
• A corporate culture that values expertise
• A flexible schedule that combines office presence and working from home
• A caring environment where everyone’s ideas are listened to and there’s no perception of hierarchy
• On site and at the office: Health, safety and the environment are in our DNA

About BBA

BBA is one of Canada’s leading private consulting engineering firms, with over 45 years of experience serving the energy and natural resources industry. Our people are the foundation of our success. Their passion and excellence have earned us recognition as one of Canada’s Best Employers and Best Managed Companies, and we’re committed to fostering a workplace where everyone feels empowered to grow, lead and be themselves. Our teams bring together engineering, environmental and commissioning expertise to deliver practical, innovative and sustainable solutions—from strategy to execution. With 20 offices across Canada, the U.S. and Latin America, we combine local presence with international reach, offering clients close collaboration and field‑ready support. Learn more about our culture and projects on LinkedIn or connect with our talent team.

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