Senior Authorised Person

OCU Group; Reading; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

OCU Group is seeking a Senior Authorised Person based in Reading to lead high‑voltage switching operations and ensure safe operation of electrical systems on major infrastructure projects.

You will plan network access, outages and switching programmes while providing technical guidance to project teams and mentoring less experienced staff. A strong focus on safety and regulatory compliance is essential.

Qualifications

• Must hold Senior Authorised Person status or have held it in a utility, DNO, ICP/IDNO, or transmission environment.
• Experience operating and maintaining high‑voltage electrical systems.
• Strong knowledge of electrical safety regulations, switching procedures and best practice.

Responsibilities

• Lead high-voltage switching operations in line with safety rules and procedures.
• Plan and coordinate network access, outages and switching programmes for project delivery.
• Authorise and supervise work on HV electrical systems ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Provide technical guidance to operations, engineering and project delivery teams.
• Identify and resolve electrical faults, defects and network issues.
• Review and approve safety documentation, permits and procedures before works commence.
• Promote safety culture through coaching, auditing and best practice.
• Mentor Authorised Persons and operational personnel.

Skills

High-voltage switching operations

Network access planning

Authorise & oversee HV work

Technical guidance to teams

Fault diagnosis & resolution

Regulatory & safety knowledge

Driving licence

Education

Electrical engineering qualification or equivalent

Tools

HV equipment knowledge

Safety procedures & permits

Job description

Senior Authorised Person

Department: Regulated Power

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Reading

Reporting To: James Sibley

Description

Location: Reading Contract Type: Permanent | Working Pattern: Full-Time | Site Based | Regular Travel

Pay / Benefits: Remuneration for this role is benchmarked competitively within our sector.

The Opportunity

OCU is delivering some of the UK's most critical power infrastructure projects, supporting the growth, resilience, and transition of the electricity network. As a Senior Authorised Person, you'll play a pivotal role in ensuring the safe operation of high-voltage electrical systems, providing technical leadership across complex projects and live network environments.

This is an opportunity to join a growing business where your expertise will directly influence safety, operational excellence, and project success. If you're an experienced SAP looking to work on major infrastructure projects while mentoring others and driving best practice, we'd like to hear from you.

What You'll Do

• Lead and execute high-voltage switching operations in accordance with safety rules and operational procedures.
• Plan and coordinate network access, outages, and switching programmes to support project delivery.
• Authorise and oversee work on high-voltage electrical systems, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and standards.
• Provide technical guidance and support to operational, engineering, and project delivery teams.
• Identify, investigate, and resolve electrical faults, defects, and network issues.
• Review and approve safety documentation, permits, and operational procedures before works commence.
• Champion a strong safety culture through coaching, auditing, and promoting best practice across project teams.
• Support the development and mentoring of Authorised Persons and operational personnel.

What You'll Bring

• Current or previously held Senior Authorised Person status within a utility, DNO, ICP, IDNO, or transmission environment.
• Extensive experience operating and maintaining high-voltage electrical systems.
• Strong knowledge of electrical safety regulations, switching procedures, and industry best practice.
• Experience planning and executing switching operations involving substations, switchgear, transformers, and associated HV equipment.
• Strong technical fault-finding and problem-solving capabilities.
• Relevant electrical engineering qualification or equivalent industry experience.
• HV Authorised Person, HV Switching, or equivalent industry authorisations.
• Full UK driving licence.

• Experience working on transmission, distribution, or major energy infrastructure projects.
• Bonus if you have experience supporting commissioning, energisation, and network integration activities.
• It would be great if you've worked across multiple network operators and safety rule frameworks.
• It would be great if you have experience mentoring Authorised Persons and operational teams.
• Knowledge of National Grid, DNO, or ICP operational procedures would be advantageous.

What We Offer

At OCU, we believe that meaningful work should come with meaningful support. That's the principle behind Careers with Purpose, our commitment to ensuring every person at OCU feels supported, developed, and valued, not just in their role today, but throughout their career with us.

Alongside the opportunity to work on some of the UK's most significant infrastructure projects, we offer a benefits package that we are continuing to develop as we grow, and the kind of career acceleration that only comes from being inside a business moving at this pace.

As a rapidly growing organisation, there are genuine opportunities to progress, broaden your experience, and build a long-term career within OCU Group.