Primary Mechanical Supervisor - Substation Project

Search Consultancy Ltd; Thurso; On-site; GBP 61,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Search Consultancy Ltd is recruiting an experienced Primary Supervisor to support a major substation project at Dounreay West in Caithness. The role involves leading and coordinating site teams, liaising with the Site Manager, and ensuring works are delivered safely, on time and to budget in a high-voltage environment.

The ideal candidate will have substation experience, RAMS knowledge, and tickets such as CSCS, SSSTS/SMSTS, and First Aid.

Qualifications

• Experience as Primary Supervisor or similar with substation exposure.
• Strong RAMS knowledge and safe method statement handling.
• Experience on electrical infrastructure or major construction projects.
• Proven ability to lead and coordinate site teams.
• Adherence to Health, Safety, Quality and Environmental requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate site teams across designated work fronts.
• Support Site Manager with safe and efficient delivery of works.
• Ensure activities meet time, quality and cost requirements.
• Forward plan upcoming works with required information, plant and labour.
• Coordinate with other work parties for safe, efficient operation.
• Monitor progress and identify delays or deviations early.
• Capture delays outside original scope of work.
• Work per RAMS and site rules; assist with project documentation.
• Ensure works comply with specifications and safety requirements.
• Maintain communication with Site Management and project team.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

RAMS experience

Health and safety

Education

C&G/NVQ Level 3 apprenticeship or equivalent

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

Job description

Primary Supervisor - Substation Project
Location: Dounreay West Substation, Dounreay, Thurso, Caithness, KW14 7RW
Contract: Temporary
Start Date: 5 October 2026
Duration: Long-term contract
Hours: 50 hours per week - 10 hours per day
IR35: Outside IR35
Positions: 1
Pay Rates:
LTD / Umbrella:

• First 37 hours: 44.00 per hour
• After 37 hours / first 4 hours Saturday: 46.34 per hour
• After 4 hours Saturday / Sunday / Bank Holiday: 51.06 per hour

We are currently recruiting for an experienced Primary Supervisor to support a major substation project at Dounreay West in Caithness.

The successful candidate will support the Site Manager and take a lead role coordinating teams and work activities across the site. This position is particularly suited to candidates with previous substation experience who are confident working with RAMS, site teams and construction activities within a high-voltage environment.

Role Responsibilities:

• Lead and coordinate site teams across designated work fronts.
• Support the Site Manager with the safe and efficient delivery of works.
• Ensure activities are completed on time, to the required quality and within cost.
• Forward plan upcoming works, ensuring suitable engineering information, plant, materials and labour are available.
• Coordinate with other work parties to ensure efficient and safe working.
• Monitor progress and identify potential delays or deviations at an early stage.
• Capture delays and disruption outside the original scope of work.
• Work in accordance with site rules, QEHS procedures and approved RAMS.
• Support the preparation and completion of project documentation and task cards.
• Ensure works are carried out in accordance with the relevant specifications and safety requirements.
• Maintain effective communication with Site Management and the wider project team.

Essential Requirements:

• Previous experience as a Primary Supervisor, Site Supervisor, General Foreman or similar.
• Previous substation experience is essential.
• Strong understanding and practical experience of RAMS.
• Experience working on electrical infrastructure, power, transmission or similar major construction projects.
• Experience leading and coordinating site teams.
• Strong understanding of Health, Safety, Quality and Environmental requirements.
• Apprentice trained with C&G / NVQ Level 3 in an appropriate discipline plus relevant experience, or recognised industry training with a minimum of two years' relevant site experience.

Required Tickets

• CSCS
• SSSTS or SMSTS
• 3-Day First Aid

Personal Attributes:

• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Confident coordinating site teams and work fronts.
• Proactive approach to safety and problem solving.
• Able to work independently and as part of a wider project team.
• Good interpersonal skills and relationship-building ability.
• Positive approach to resolving issues and managing conflict.
• Good IT skills, including Word and Excel.

Search is an equal opportunities recruiter and we welcome applications from all suitably skilled or qualified applicants, regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/beliefs, sexual orientation or age