High-voltage leadership recruitment for a major Texas electrical contractor
Objective
Identify and secure two critical high-voltage (HV) leaders to oversee large-scale transmission and substation programs across Texas - strengthening project delivery, field management, and operational excellence for a major electrical contractor.
Scope
Two senior strategic hires:
- Project Manager – High-Voltage Transmission & Substation
- Construction Manager – High-Voltage Infrastructure
Roles required deep Texas HV experience, leadership of multi-disciplinary field teams, and robust understanding of utility standards (NERC, OSHA), permitting, and interconnection processes.
Strategy
To meet the demand for exceptionally scarce HV leadership talent, we launched a targeted executive search leveraging our specialised T&D network across Texas and the wider Southern US.
Our strategy focused on:
- Mapping HV construction and project leaders with utility-grade experience
- Conducting discreet outreach to passive top-tier candidates
- Benchmarking compensation to secure competitive, fast-moving offers
- Thoroughly assessing technical, safety, and leadership capability
- Coordinating a streamlined interview and selection process
- Implementation
- Engaged our Transmission & Distribution division to deliver a focused search across Texas and neighbouring states.
- Conducted in-depth technical and behavioural screening to validate HV leadership credentials.
- Communicated continuous market intelligence to the client to support decision-making.
- Managed the full selection and offer process, minimising hiring delays in a competitive market.
- Outcomes
Two high-impact leadership placements delivered:
- Project Manager:
Multi-million-dollar HV transmission/substation experience
Strong command of Texas utility regulations and permitting
Took immediate ownership of project planning, scheduling, and reporting
- Construction Manager:
Proven leadership across multi-site HV construction programs
Strengthened field coordination, safety, and quality oversight
Provided practical solutions for complex construction sequencing
Operational impact:
- Improved alignment between engineering, construction, and field teams
- Strengthened utility relationships and regulatory compliance
- Enhanced safety, quality, and on-time project delivery across the HV portfolio
Strategic partnership:
Following successful placements, the client appointed Samuel Knight as their preferred partner for senior HV recruitment - reinforcing trust in our ability to deliver rare, industry-critical talent.
