Senior Electrical Commissioning Lead – Life Safety

As an Electrical Commissioning Manager, you will lead and oversee the commissioning of electrical and life safety systems across complex engineering projects. This role ensures that all commissioning activities are thoroughly planned, executed, validated, and documented to meet project requirements, regulatory standards, and client expectations. You will play a key role in delivering safe, high-quality, and fully operational systems.

Responsibilities

• Ensure all commissioning deliverables are completed on time, within scope, and to the highest quality standards.
• Develop and implement commissioning strategies, plans, and procedures aligned with project objectives.
• Review electrical designs, specifications, and drawings for commissionability, safety, and compliance.
• Prepare or review commissioning programmes, integrated with the master construction programme.
• Provide technical guidance on commissioning requirements, performance criteria, and project scopes.
• Coordinate commissioning activities with contractors, vendors, and project stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring BS 7671 inspection & testing is correctly executed and recorded.
• Manage and validate Cause & Effect (C&E) and Integrated Systems Test (IST) to confirm proper interaction of life safety systems.
• Review and provide technical input on drawings, specifications, manuals, and submittals.
• Prepare detailed reports outlining progress, technical findings, and key project issues.
• Monitor project scope changes and communicate impacts internally.
• Support management of commissioning budgets and resources.
• Contribute to delay analysis and recovery planning related to commissioning.
• Assist with variation assessments linked to commissioning scope changes.

Skills

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in commissioning or project management within building services or engineering environments.
• Demonstrated expertise in commissioning electrical and life safety systems.
• Strong knowledge of electrical, fire detection, emergency lighting, and alarm systems.
• Familiarity with applicable codes, standards, and industry best practices.
• Experience working within quality and environmental management systems.
• Professional membership (e.g., CSA, CIBSE, IET or equivalent) is advantageous.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and general IT tools.

Required Qualifications

• A minimum of 4 years of industry experience dealing with mechanical, electrical and controls disciplines.
• Proven ability to lead commissioning efforts from design through project completion.
• Passion for sustainability and knowledge of the commissioning process and experience with design, installation and operation of building systems (including but not limited to HVAC, electrical, mechanical, and controls).
• Willingness to travel to site-based locations as reasonably required.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot HVAC, TAB, and Controls and excellent report writing skills.
• Solid understanding of operational requirements, safety requirements, code inspections and maintenance considerations.
• Strong written, verbal communication and time management skills; exceptional interpersonal skills; ability to interact with people at all levels.
• Technical knowledge of MEP systems and HVAC expertise.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Multitasking ability.
• Valid driver's license.
• Commitment to being an active participant of an employee‑owned culture.

Primary Location: United Kingdom – England – London

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.