Meet the Team

Jacob Kilroy

Jacob Kilroy is a highly accomplished professional with over 15 years of experience in business management, project leadership and commercial management across the utilities, civils, mechanical and electrical sectors. As Director of Project Services & Business Support, Jacob plays a pivotal role in driving commercial and operational excellence, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards.

Jacob brings a wealth of expertise in developing and implementing robust commercial management frameworks, overseeing change control, and managing complex stakeholder relationships. His comprehensive understanding of various contract forms, including NEC and FIDIC, has enabled him to successfully deliver high-value projects. His extensive project portfolio includes managing multi-million-pound initiatives such as the critical gas infrastructure schemes, utilities associated with the HS2 Euston Station Development and Thames Tideway Tunnel and Beckton CHiP Waste to Energy Plant. Jacob has also led efforts to optimise financial forecasting, tendering processes, and supply chain management, consistently enhancing efficiency and performance through his career.

A graduate of Quantity Surveying with an MSc in Construction Law & Practice, Jacob is a member of several esteemed professional bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Building (MCIOB) and the Chartered Institute of Civil Engineering Surveyors (MCInstCES) and the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (AssocRICS). His technical expertise, combined with a passion for fostering collaboration, ensures that Omnia Projects continues to exceed client expectations and maintain its reputation as an industry leader.

John Atkinson

With over 20 years’ experience in the UK Transmission sector, John joined Omnia in 2022 and currently serves as Technical Director. Leading a variety of National Grid, DNO, and project developer projects, John’s considered yet can-do attitude makes him the go-to professional for feasibility, optioneering, front-end engineering design and detailed design, not to mention delivery and commissioning activities.

Having started his career with National Grid’s Graduate Training Programme, John holds an MEng in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Loughborough University specialising in Renewable Energy Systems and has completed numerous industry certifications, including Advanced TP141 Commissioning authorisations from National Grid, NEBOSH, and IOSH. As an alumnus of the Future Leaders Programme at National Grid, John understands the importance of maintaining a supportive team environment where brilliant engineers can learn from one another and stand together at the cutting-edge of industry developments.

Since joining Omnia, John has acted as Lead Principal Engineer and Senior Development Engineer on numerous major projects; recently, he was responsible for the FEED phase of a portfolio of 400kV, 275kV, 132kV and 13kV SGT tertiary connected battery storage systems across various National Grid Electricity Transmission and UKPN sites. Having also overseen the Detailed Design of numerous National Grid single asset replacement projects through to Optioneering and FEED designs of new and whole substation replacements at 132, 275 & 400kV, John has cemented his position as a diligent professional whose exacting standards serve to maintain Omnia’s stellar reputation as the UK’s leading engineering consultancy.

Bret Gibbons

With over 20 years’ experience in the transmission and distribution sector, Bret joined Omnia as a project manager in 2013, and has since become a crucial part of the team as Director of Engineering & Consultancy. Adept at balancing both technical and managerial roles, his eye for detail and conscientious approach mean that he has developed a reputation as a skilled, effective leader who has played a significant part in numerous major UK Transmission and Distribution projects, including National Strategic Infrastructure Projects with values in excess of £1 billion.

Prior to joining Omnia Projects, Bret held Project and Contract Management Roles across a number of leading UK Construction companies where he managed multi-million-pound social housing and commercial developments, integrating sustainable technologies whilst ensuring project delivery was on time and within budget. With a BSc (Hons) in Construction Management and a range of professional certifications, including TP137 Principal Contractor Site Manager and NEBOSH Construction Certificate, Bret is passionate about maintaining a supportive work environment where he and those around him feel empowered to keep developing their skills- his continuous commitment to reviewing and improving performance and working practices makes his input especially valuable to everyone at Omnia.

Adam Chambers

Adam joined Omnia Projects in 2019 as a Project Manager with a background in Health and Safety. Adam now serves as Head of Assurance Services and is responsible for ensuring that Omnia’s clients are fully supported in resource provision and contract management, whilst also serving our experienced team of Design Assurance and Design Approval Engineers and Commissioning Panel Chairs.

Adam attained a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology from the University of Huddersfield before starting his career as a Health & Safety practitioner, culminating in his acceptance as a Chartered Member of the Institute of Occupational Safety & Health (CMIOSH).

In addition to the Head of Assurance Services role, Adam also undertakes various project-based roles such as Project Manager, P6 Project Planner, Temporary Works Coordinator, Principal Designers Representative and Development Engineer and is focussed on supporting our clients in all their project needs.

Jonathan Heap

Jonathan joined Omnia Projects in February 2023 as a Project Manager and now leads our Project Services team for Electricity Transmission. With over 20 years of experience in the UK Transmission & Distribution sector, he has a strong track record of delivering complex, multi-disciplinary infrastructure projects.

His expertise spans a wide range of projects, including Transmission and Distribution networks, HVDC connections, Network Rail connections, Operational Tripping, Transformer replacements, Offshore connections, Photovoltaics, Battery Energy Storage Systems, and Substation Builds. Within the team, Johnathan is renowned for his ability to develop optimal design solutions while challenging conventional approaches to drive efficiency and innovation.

A collaborative leader, Jonathan works closely with site delivery teams to ensure early engagement and alignment with project objectives. He is committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality, ensuring that contractors uphold best practices throughout project delivery.

Jonathan also brings extensive experience in contract management, financial forecasting, and project reporting. His focus on budgetary control, cost forecasting, and stakeholder communication ensures that projects are delivered on time and within budget, supporting the successful completion of critical energy infrastructure across the UK.

Helen Bentley

Helen joined Omnia Projects in 2020, and has since become an integral part of the team as our Business Support Manager. She currently leads a team of 6 Administrators, providing crucial business support to our fast-growing workforce. Having previously worked in HR, Helen’s experience and attention to detail meant that she was the perfect candidate to implement Omnia’s new internal finance system, a development which brings some much-needed order to our administrators’ hectic workloads.

Having run her own children’s day nursery and after-school club for 12 years, business administration was nothing new to Helen: the switch from the childcare sector to the electricity industry didn’t phase her one bit! Of course, her family history means she’s not entirely unfamiliar with the power sector- her husband, father, and great-grandfather were all employed in the industry, both in Britain and abroad. Perhaps various childhood visits to power stations in the UK, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Malaysia weren’t quite so pointless as they seemed back then!

Helen is committed to supporting the smooth running of the business by ensuring that her Administration team have the support and knowledge needed to perform their roles in a professional and competent way. Her patient, conscientious management style has created not only a happy team, but one which operates efficiently under pressure to achieve the best possible results.

Kevin McHale

The newest addition to our management team, Kevin McHale has served as SHESQ Manager for Omnia Projects since January 2026.

Prior to joining Omnia, Kevin spent 13 years at Shields Environmental Ltd., most recently as QHSE Director and Head of ESG. He was responsible for the development and maintenance of Sheilds' Business Management System, including all quality, safety, sustainability and security requirements across eight sites in Europe and the USA, leading all regulatory, customer and certification audits. Working with companies such as Vodafone, British Telecom, Verizon, Orange and Bouygues Telecom, Kevin has knowledge and experience in design, construction, sustainability, waste, and multiple ISO certification standards.

Having led the OHS and Environmental requirements across major and minor telecoms projects, including the design and build of hundreds of CDM regulated 5G sites across the UK, he is looking forward to new challenges at the forefront of the T&D sector with Omnia Projects.

Stephen Doyle

Steve Doyle has served as Omnia's Chief Engineer since January 2026. An accomplished engineering professional with more than 35 years’ experience across defence, transmission and high-voltage engineerings, he began his career in the Royal Navy, completing formal engineering training and undertaking 22 years of service in high-tempo operational and technical roles, including submarine operations as a Chief Technician. This experience established strong capability in leadership, safety-critical systems, technical assurance and high-performance engineering delivery.

Since completing his military service, Steve has enjoyed over 13 years of specialist experience within the HV sector. During his tenure with National Grid as a Senior Authorised Person and BP141 Commissioning Engineer, he led commissioning activities across multiple large-scale transmission programmes, covering HV switchgear, protection and associated control systems across the North of England and London.

In his current role, Steve provides technical leadership and oversight to strengthen engineering governance, operational standards and consistent delivery across complex infrastructure schemes. In parallel with project responsibilities, he plays an active role in the Omnia Academy mentoring programme and is passionate about developing the engineers of the future, sharing knowledge and supporting capability building to help emerging talent progress.

Recognised for rigorous attention to detail and a strong safety-first culture, Steve delivers high-quality engineering solutions and builds effective, collaborative teams that consistently achieve strong outcomes.

Tom Parker

As Head of Design and Engineering, Tom leads Omnia Projects' growing design and engineering function, with responsibility for a team of over 60 professionals, from foundation engineers beginning their careers through to senior engineers and project managers. Working closely with the leadership team, he is responsible for the function's strategic direction, resource management, recruitment, governance and delivery across the UK's transmission and distribution industry.

Tom joined Omnia Projects in 2022 as a Project Manager before progressing into portfolio leadership and subsequently being appointed Head of Design and Engineering. Bringing almost a decade of experience spanning project, portfolio and commercial management, he has built a reputation for developing high-performing teams, strengthening client relationships and supporting successful project outcomes.

Tom began his career as a Project Coordinator Apprentice within a design and manufacturing business before moving into the transmission and distribution industry. Progressing from Project Engineer to Project Manager, he delivered complex infrastructure projects across the North of England and gained experience in project delivery, stakeholder management and the successful execution of major programmes valued at over £40 million.

During his time at Omnia, Tom has led major transmission and distribution design portfolios, including the Southwest Region Asset Interventions programme during the RIIO-T2 period. His focus has been on establishing the structures, processes and culture that enable engineering teams to perform at their best while providing clients with confidence in delivery.

Passionate about developing people, Tom leads recruitment across the function and plays an active role in supporting the Omnia Academy. Having progressed from apprentice to functional leader, he understands the importance of investing in future talent and creating opportunities for professional growth. He holds APM PMQ, IPMA Level D, NEC accreditation and Primavera P6 Planning qualifications.

Thomas Marrinan

Thomas Marrinan is Head of the Project Management Office and has more than eight years of experience in commercial management, cost control and contract administration across the civil engineering, utilities and pharmaceutical sectors. He leads and supports projects from early planning through to completion, helping to maintain strong project controls, governance and commercial performance.

Thomas has significant experience managing NEC contracts, including Early Warning Notices, Compensation Events, Cost Value Reconciliations, interim applications, procurement planning and supply chain management. He works closely with project managers, designers, contractors and client teams to manage risks, control changes, improve forecasting and provide clear commercial reporting.

His experience includes major projects such as a £7 million modular build, a £6 million chilled water pipework upgrade, a £10 million cGMP facility refurbishment and the £7 million Bilsdale Mast Replacement project.

Thomas holds a BSc (Hons) in Quantity Surveying and is an Associate Member of CICES and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. He is skilled in Primavera P6, CEMAR, Bluebeam and Excel, and is known for his practical, collaborative approach to delivering successful outcomes for clients.