Operational Policy Engineer

UK Power Networks; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 65,241 - 94,904; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

23 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Private medical cover

Generous pension plan with up to 10% employer contributions

Discounted gym membership

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

A leading energy provider in the UK is seeking an experienced Operational Policy Engineer to join their Health and Safety team. This permanent role involves providing expert safety guidance, preparing operational procedures, and ensuring compliance across all licensed areas. The ideal candidate will have relevant qualifications in Electrical Engineering and significant experience in safety inspections and regulatory compliance. Competitive salary and benefits include a personal pension plan, private medical cover, and generous leave entitlements.

Qualifications

• Full 11 kV SAP (with ONC) or minimum of 33kV (with HNC) required.
• Previous experience in operational safety and compliance.
• Valid UK driving licence is essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational safety guidance to managers, staff, and contractors.
• Prepare and review operational procedures for underground and overhead systems.
• Advise on Network Health & Safety and develop new safety processes.

Skills

Health & Safety compliance

Electrical Engineering

Safety inspections

IT software (SAP, Office, ADMS)

Incident investigation expertise

Education

ONC in Electrical Engineering

HNC in Electrical Engineering

IOSH Managing Safely certificate

NEBOSH Certificate

Tools

SAP

Office

ADMS

Job description

Are you passionate about health, safety and operational excellence? UK Power Networks is looking for an experienced Operational Policy Engineer to join our dedicated Health and Safety team.

Reporting directly to the Operational Safety Manager, you will play a crucial role in ensuring our network remains compliant, innovative, and safe. Based in any of our regional offices, including Cambridge, Borehamwood, Bury St Edmunds, London, Crawley, Maidstone or other locations, this is a permanent position with the opportunity to make a tangible impact across SPN, LPN and EPN regions.

We offer a competitive salary based on your qualifications and experience: 11 kV SAP (with ONC) - £65,241; 33kV (with HNC) - £80,574; EHV/33kV SAP (with HNC) in more than one DNO - £94,904. All bandings come with a car or allowance and a 3% bonus. You’ll also benefit from 23 days annual leave plus bank holidays, private medical cover, reservist leave, a generous personal pension plan with employer contributions up to 10%, tenancy loan deposit scheme, season ticket loan, tax‑efficient Cycle to Work, Home & Tech, and Green Car Leasing schemes, occupational health support, access to discounts at hundreds of retailers, discounted gym membership and our Employee Assistance Programme.

As an Operational Policy Engineer, your role will be pivotal in providing expert operational safety guidance to managers, staff, contractors and the public across all licensed areas, including UKPN Services. You will collaborate within the Operational Safety Team, delivering 'third line of defence' advice and acting as an authority on compliance. Your responsibilities will include preparing and reviewing operational procedures for both underground and overhead systems, supporting specialist areas such as portable generation, tower lines, live line work or interconnected systems, and deputising for the Designated Engineer when needed.

You’ll advise on Network Health & Safety, mediate queries regarding Distribution Safety Rules and procedures, develop and communicate new safety processes, and serve as a subject‑matter expert for serious incident investigations. Your engagement with the wider business and Union Safety Representatives will involve participation in Health, Safety & Environment Committees and relevant working groups. You’ll help implement the SHE strategy, develop high‑class training for operational staff and contractors, and support the Worker Accreditation Process alongside technical assessment teams. In addition, you’ll liaise with Asset Management to ensure maintenance and asset replacement activities meet safety requirements, offer procurement advice, and participate in strategic innovation projects to enhance safety for all.

The role requires you to be a key member of the SHE team, working directly with management and representing UK Power Networks at operational and senior levels, including with external suppliers and stakeholders. You will have the opportunity to deputise for the Operational Safety Manager and fulfil Designated Engineer requirements when necessary, with travel expected between all business sites and locations.

We’re looking for an engineer with current or previous Full 11 kV SAP (with ONC) or minimum of 33kV (with HNC), or EHV/33kV SAP (with HNC) in more than one DNO. You should hold ONC/HNC in Electrical Engineering, an IOSH Managing Safely certificate, and be working towards or hold a NEBOSH Certificate. An OHSAS 18001/ISO 45001 Internal Auditor qualification is advantageous. Membership of IET and/or IOSH is desirable, as is Authorising Engineers status. Experience in safety inspections, audits, and IT software packages (SAP, Office, ADMS) is required. A valid UK driving licence is essential.

Take your next step in your engineering career with UK Power Networks and help shape the future of operational safety. Applications close on 31/03/2026. Apply now and take charge of safety excellence. By clicking apply you can view the full job description.

If you have any queries in connection to this vacancy or your application, please contact us at [e-mail] quoting the vacancy reference number and a member of the team will get in touch with you as soon as possible.