Head Of Commissioning

Hernshead Recruitment Ltd; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Hernshead Recruitment Ltd is seeking an experienced Head of Commissioning to take ownership of commissioning for extra-high-voltage substations and related underground cable circuits from 11kV to 400kV in the UK. The role requires leading a team of commissioning engineers, ensuring safety, quality, and timely handover, while coordinating across data centre, renewable, and industrial sectors.

The successful candidate will act as technical authority, oversee commissioning strategy, and drive

Qualifications

• Experience leading commissioning engineers for UK DNO/TSO/ICP.

Responsibilities

• Lead commissioning across multiple projects from design through handover (11kV–400kV).
• Manage and mentor a team of Commissioning Engineers and set development paths.
• Oversee subcontractor performance, safety, and compliance with SHEQ rules and CDM.

Skills

Head of Commissioning

Team leadership

HV plant and switchgear

Substation commissioning

UK DNO/TSO/ICP experience

Project management

Tendering support

Communication skills

Driving licence

Education

HNC in Electrical or Civil Engineering

Tools

Protection and Control Systems

Job description

Organisation Overview

• An established provider of integrated utility infrastructure solutions, delivering end-to-end technical expertise across energy and communications. The organisation supports next-generation infrastructure for customers across the UK and international markets, with a focus on safety, service quality, workplace culture and social responsibility.

Role Purpose

• We are seeking an experienced Head of Commissioning to take operational ownership of the commissioning process for extra-high-voltage substations and associated underground cable circuits from 11kV to 400kV.
• The role ensures commissioning works are executed safely and efficiently, in compliance with relevant standards, client specifications and programme requirements, delivering systems ready for energisation and final handover.
• The Head of Commissioning acts as the technical authority and single point of accountability for commissioning across multiple projects in the data centre, renewable, and industrial and commercial new-connections and infrastructure energy markets within the UK.
• This is a key role within the engineering team, accountable for safety, quality, programme, cost and client satisfaction, while leading a team of commissioning engineers. The postholder will lead the development and implementation of commissioning plans from initial design through construction and final handover.
• A strong background in substation commissioning is essential, with the confidence to lead complex projects through challenging site constraints, stakeholder demands and operational interfaces. Significant experience delivering large-scale engineering or infrastructure projects from 11kV to 132kV is required; transmission-connected project experience is preferred.
• The role sits within the Engineering team, part of the wider Operations function, and reports to the Engineering Director.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage commissioning activities across multiple new-connections or infrastructure projects, from design development through construction and final handover.
• Lead, manage and mentor a team of Commissioning Engineers, including setting objectives, managing performance and creating structured development pathways.
• Oversee subcontractor and supply-chain performance, ensuring delivery quality, commercial compliance and safety standards.
• Ensure commissioning teams comply with the organisation's SHEQ procedures, the Distribution Safety Rules and CDM regulations.
• Provide senior technical authority across commissioning matters up to 400kV, acting as the primary point of contact for internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Define commissioning strategy for 11kV-400kV projects, from design through final commissioning, ensuring alignment with engineering policies and procedures.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues identified during commissioning, and prepare technical reports and documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop commissioning plans and methodologies aligned with project requirements, integrating commissioning activities into the overall project programme.
• Work with the Engineering Standards team to define and maintain engineering standards, processes and assurance frameworks across the business.
• Facilitate attendance at Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), ensuring commissioning inputs are incorporated into project deliverables.
• Provide technical input into bids and tenders, ensuring commissioning methodologies and programmes support competitive, commercially sound submissions.
• Ensure appropriate resource planning, team structure and capability are in place to meet business needs.

Skills, Qualifications & Experience

• Proven experience leading commissioning engineers for a UK Distribution Network Operator (DNO), Transmission System Operator (TSO) or Independent Connection Provider (ICP).
• At least five years' experience as a Senior Authorised Person or Commissioning Engineer working from 11kV up to 132kV in the UK; 400kV experience is desirable.
• Deep technical knowledge of HV plant and switchgear, substation design, cable systems, civil engineering, and protection and control.
• Ability to interpret and apply engineering standards across a broad portfolio of projects.
• Strong understanding of the UK Distribution Safety Rules.
• Strong understanding of DNO G81 technical standards, the NERS scheme and the requirements of other statutory bodies.
• Experience supporting tendering, estimation and work-winning activities.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to interpret complex data and identify root causes.
• Minimum HNC in Electrical or Civil Engineering, or equivalent.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments and present confidently.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to sites as required