Electric Network Operations Manager in Leatherhead

The role of Electric Network Operations Manager will ensure that operation and maintenance processes and policies are in place and followed allowing ESPUG to adopt, operate and maintain electrical networks in a safe, compliant and efficient manner.

ESPUG’s success will be dependent on the continued relationships that we have with our customers, contractors and service providers for the construction, maintenance and operation of our electrical distribution assets. The Electrical Network Operations Manager will have responsibilities for operational matters associated with the day to day running of the electricity business whilst leading a team of electrical Engineers and SAPs. This will be achieved in conjunction with other members of the team who provide specialist knowledge and authorisations to manage the electrical networks.

Role Purpose

The primary objective for this role is to plan, manage and oversee day to day activities relating to the construction, control and supply continuity of the ESPUG’s electricity distribution networks, ensuring that Industry guidance, ESPUG standards and Distribution Safety Rules are complied with. Building close relationships with ESPUG’s portfolio of ICP partners, Contractors, Emergency Service and Maintenance Providers will assure the quality of construction and service provision that includes company and individual competency checks necessary to ensure safe operation of our assets.

Responsible to ensure that processes and resource are managed and assured to enable construction of new networks and operational activities to safely be undertaken. Ensuring respond to network incidents, faults and damages both in and out of hours. Accountable for the authorisation process through appointment of assessing/examining officer and authorisation officer the role will be responsible for administration of the ESPUG DSRs. Responsible for the team who act as authorised Control Engineers for ESPUG electricity networks. Remediation of network defects and identification of 3rd party damages and collection of evidence to effectively recharge such.

Key Responsibilities

• Offering technical support during the onboarding of new ICPs/Customers and ensuring that existing ICPs/Customers have the required competencies and accreditations.
• Ensuring that ICPs/Customers and Service Providers are safe, competent, accredited and regularly audited against ESP Policy & Procedures and industry guidance.
• Regularly briefing ICPs/Customers on changing industry requirements and ESP Policies and Procedures.
• Engaging in regular technical and compliance discussions with Customers to support delivery of safe, compliant and efficient networks.
• Undertaking and direct inspection of assets under construction, pre and post commissioning (including any pre-construction activities as required) to ensure that safe, compliant and efficient networks are adopted by ESP.
• Act as Designated Engineer and SAP under Distribution Safety Rules.
• Act as or manage resource as examining officer.
• Creating, issuing and approving switching schedules.
• Act as authorising officer and control engineer to undertake switching activities.
• Assist in delivering ESP asset maintenance programme (electric), and that Service Providers produce a safe, compliant and efficient service.
• Provide support to customers on design of electrical networks as necessary.
• Provide technical evaluation and report on private networks.
• Manage external service providers under COMA agreement or contractual arrangement for managing EHV assets.
• Undertake incident investigations and root cause analysis when necessary.

Key Skills

• Several years’ experience in electricity distribution. Authorised to SAP (ideally to 132kv) and able to manage safety switching of the Electrical network.
• Excellent relationship management skills across the business and with customers, consumers and service providers.
• Experience of delivery, installation, operation and maintenance and management of electricity distribution networks operating at up to minimum 33kV (and ideally above).
• Knowledge of the Regulatory and HSE Framework.
• Knowledge of the philosophy and principles relating to the design and control of electricity distribution networks.
• Knowledge of the management of the planning, construction, and operation of electricity distribution networks.
• Knowledge of the selection and procurement of materials to be used in the construction electricity distribution networks.
• Knowledge of the electricity industry Standards, Recommendations, Specifications and Legislation relevant to the construction and operation electricity distribution networks.
• Knowledge of Wayleave, Easement and Land Transfer requirements.
• Experience in managing people and processes which are critical to the business success.
• Knowledge of commercial and financial processes.
• An ability to adopt a wider perspective than the immediate bounds of the job description.
• Good verbal and written communications skills.