Operational Training & Workforce Development Manager (Overhead Lines) in Darlington

Operational Training & Workforce Development Manager (Overhead Lines) in Darlington

Darlington Full-Time 67500 £ / year No working from home possible
GPW Recruitment

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead workforce development and training in the utilities sector, enhancing team capabilities.
  • Company: Join a forward-thinking company focused on operational excellence and talent development.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for continuous improvement and professional development.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference by shaping future talent and improving operational performance.
  • Qualifications: Experience in overhead lines or utilities, with strong mentoring and communication skills.

Utilities | Overhead Lines | Transmission & Distribution Permanent Opportunity

Are you an experienced operational professional within the utilities or overhead lines sector looking to take the next step in your career? This is an exciting opportunity for someone who has built a successful career delivering projects in the field and is now looking to move into a role focused on developing people, driving operational excellence, and improving workforce capability. You’ll play a key role in bridging Operations and Learning & Development, ensuring teams are competent, compliant, and equipped to safely deliver projects across the transmission and distribution sector. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys supporting others, sharing knowledge, and helping build high-performing operational teams.

Suitable Backgrounds

  • Overhead Lines Foreman
  • General Foreman
  • OHL Supervisor
  • Site Supervisor
  • Operations Supervisor
  • Senior Linesperson
  • Team Leader
  • Utilities Supervisor

The Role

Workforce Development & Training

  • Identify operational skills gaps and workforce competency requirements.
  • Develop and support practical training and development programmes.
  • Support onboarding and progression of new starters, trainees, apprentices, and developing operatives.
  • Deliver or coordinate technical training, toolbox talks, mentoring, and competency assessments.
  • Support structured development pathways and succession planning.

Operational Support

  • Work closely with site teams and operational leaders to understand workforce requirements.
  • Conduct site visits to maintain standards and identify development opportunities.
  • Provide technical guidance and coaching using practical operational experience.
  • Support mobilisation of projects through workforce readiness and competence planning.
  • Assist in developing and improving operational procedures and standards.

Compliance & Competency Management

  • Maintain training records and competency matrices.
  • Support compliance with client, company, and industry requirements.
  • Assist with internal and external audits.
  • Monitor certification requirements and training compliance.
  • Promote a strong safety-first culture.

Apprenticeships & Development

  • Support apprenticeship and trainee programmes.
  • Mentor developing operatives and future supervisors.
  • Work with training providers to strengthen workforce capability.
  • Help attract, develop, and retain talent across the sector.

Continuous Improvement

  • Capture operational lessons learned and integrate improvements.
  • Drive initiatives that enhance workforce capability and performance.
  • Promote best practice across operational teams.

About You

You’ll bring strong operational knowledge together with a genuine passion for developing people.

Essential Experience

  • Extensive experience within Overhead Lines, Utilities, Transmission, Distribution, Power, or Infrastructure projects.
  • Previous experience leading site teams and operational activities.
  • Strong understanding of competence management, operational standards, and safety requirements.
  • Experience mentoring, coaching, or supporting workforce development.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
  • Strong organisational and planning capability.

Desirable Experience

  • Experience supporting apprentices, trainees, or structured development programmes.
  • Experience delivering toolbox talks, technical briefings, or training sessions.
  • Knowledge of competency management systems.
  • Exposure to workforce planning or learning and development activities.
  • Understanding of National Grid, DNO, or utility client requirements.

Qualifications

Essential

  • Relevant Utilities, Transmission, Distribution, or Overhead Lines qualifications.
  • Full UK Driving Licence.

If you’re looking to step away from day-to-day delivery and move into a role where you can shape workforce capability, support future talent, and influence operational performance, apply today.

Operational Training & Workforce Development Manager (Overhead Lines) in Darlington employer: GPW Recruitment

Join a forward-thinking company that prioritises employee development and operational excellence in the utilities sector. With a strong commitment to fostering a safety-first culture, we offer comprehensive training programmes, mentorship opportunities, and a collaborative work environment that empowers you to make a meaningful impact on workforce capability. Located in a vibrant area, our team thrives on continuous improvement and innovation, making it an ideal place for professionals eager to grow their careers while supporting the next generation of talent.

GPW Recruitment

Contact Details:

GPW Recruitment Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Operational Training & Workforce Development Manager (Overhead Lines) in Darlington

Get Involved with Industry Events

The energy and utilities sector is always buzzing with events, trade shows, and networking opportunities. We should hit up conferences and exhibitions like Energy UK or Utility Week Live—these are prime spots to mingle with industry professionals and even snag some insider info on job openings!

Join Energy-focused Online Communities

Let's tap into online platforms and forums like LinkedIn groups or Reddit communities specifically for energy and utilities. Not only can we showcase our knowledge, but we can also stay updated on company announcements or job leads from people already in the know.

Consider Industry Certifications

Pushing ahead with certifications like the NEBOSH National Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health (if you’re into safety) can give us a leg up in this competitive field. It not only builds our credibility but also shows employers that we’re serious about our career in energy and utilities.

Apply ThroughGPW Recruitment's Website

Don’t forget to apply directly through GPW Recruitment's website for the full-time Operational Training & Workforce Development Manager (Overhead Lines) role. Many companies prioritise candidates who show initiative by going straight to the source. Make sure we tailor our application to highlight our passion for the energy sector!

We think you need these skills to ace Operational Training & Workforce Development Manager (Overhead Lines) in Darlington

Operational Knowledge
Workforce Development
Training Programme Development
Competency Management
Technical Training Delivery
Coaching and Mentoring
Stakeholder Engagement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Energy Knowledge:When crafting your CV and cover letter, make sure you highlight any knowledge or experience related to the energy-utilities sector. Whether it’s coursework, internships, or projects that showcase your understanding of energy management, sustainability, or regulatory frameworks, we want to see that passion and expertise shine through.

Quantify Your Achievements:In our field, numbers speak volumes! Don’t just tell us about your previous roles; quantify your achievements where possible. For instance, mention how you improved energy efficiency by a percentage or contributed to cost savings. This makes your application more compelling and shows us just how impactful you can be.

Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at GPW Recruitment. Tailor it to reflect how your values align with our mission in the energy sector. Share why you're excited about this specific role and how you envision contributing to our goals.

Demonstrate Your Team Spirit:Collaboration is key in the energy-utilities industry. In your application, emphasise any team projects or experiences where you worked effectively with others, especially on sustainability initiatives or technical projects. We're looking for someone who can mesh well with our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at GPW Recruitment

Show Your Passion for Renewable Energy

In the energy-utilities sector, it’s vital to demonstrate your enthusiasm for sustainable practices and innovations. Share experiences where you've worked on or studied renewable energy projects, whether that’s through coursework, past internships, or personal initiatives. Let us see how your passion aligns with the ethos of GPW Recruitment.

Brush Up on Industry Regulations

Being familiar with industry standards and regulations is crucial in energy-utilities interviews. Make sure to know the basics of relevant policies and frameworks, like the Energy Act or environmental legislation. This will not only show you’ve done your homework but will also prepare you for potential technical questions about compliance during your interview.

Highlight Teamwork and Project Management Skills

Most roles in the energy sector involve collaboration with diverse teams. Be ready to discuss examples where you’ve successfully worked in teams or led projects, especially those involving energy initiatives. This is particularly important for a full-time position, as employers want to see you bring a collaborative spirit to GPW Recruitment.

Prepare for Technical Assessments

Expect some technical questions or even practical assessments during your interview, especially about energy efficiency methodologies or basic engineering principles relevant to the role. It’s a good idea to brush up on key concepts and be prepared to explain them clearly, as this will demonstrate your technical proficiency and readiness to jump into your new role.