Principal Contractor Site Supervisor in Exeter

Principal Contractor Site Supervisor in Exeter

Exeter Full-Time 50000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Jacobs Engineering Group Inc.

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Supervise high-voltage substation projects, ensuring safety and quality standards are met.
  • Company: Join Jacobs, a leader in innovative infrastructure solutions.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, medical cover, professional development support, and flexible working options.
  • Other info: Opportunities for career growth and community involvement through volunteering.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on critical infrastructure while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in high-voltage supervision and strong leadership skills required.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.

At Jacobs, we’re challenging the status quo to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world’s most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission‑critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting‑edge manufacturing.

Your impact: This is a fantastic opportunity to step into a hands‑on, high‑impact role supporting National Grid substation ground investigation projects across the UK. As a Site Supervisor, you’ll be at the centre of day‑to‑day site delivery, ensuring work is carried out safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards. You’ll oversee contractors, coordinate activities, manage logistics, and act as a key link between project managers, engineers and client representatives. Working within a highly regulated environment, you’ll help ensure full compliance with CDM Regulations, National Grid Safety Rules and our HSE procedures – making safety your top priority. This role offers the chance to contribute to nationally significant infrastructure while developing your expertise in a fast‑moving, technically rich environment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Health, Safety & Environment: Deliver daily briefings and toolbox talks, enforce RAMS and Permit to Work systems, ensure compliance with CDM Regulations 2015, National Grid Safety Rules, PPE requirements, safe access/egress, and environmental controls, and stop work where unsafe practices are identified.
  • Site Supervision & Coordination: Supervise subcontractors and direct workforce, plan and coordinate daily activities to meet programme milestones, manage site logistics including deliveries, plant and access, and ensure all works follow approved drawings, specifications and National Grid standards (NGTP, TS, etc.).
  • Stakeholder Liaison: Work closely with Project Managers, Engineers and client representatives including National Grid and DNOs to ensure smooth communication and alignment.
  • Quality Assurance: Carry out inspections and sign‑offs, support the development of Inspection & Test Plans and quality records, ensure all works meet required standards, and identify and report defects or non‑conformances.
  • Programme Delivery: Monitor progress against schedules, escalate delays, risks or issues to senior management, and assist in planning phased works, outages and shutdowns.
  • Documentation & Reporting: Maintain accurate site records including daily diaries, permits and inspection reports, provide regular updates to the Site or Project Manager, and ensure all documentation meets audit requirements.

Requirements

  • Proven experience supervising works on high‑voltage substations (132kV – 400kV preferred)
  • Strong knowledge of National Grid standards and procedures, CDM Regulations and HSE compliance
  • Experience working in live substation environments
  • Relevant electrical or engineering qualification (HNC/HND or equivalent)
  • SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme)
  • First Aid at Work
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings
  • Strong leadership and communication skills

Additional Requirements

  • Willingness to travel and work away from home if required
  • Flexibility to work outages, weekends or night shifts where necessary
  • Full UK driving licence

Benefits

  • Competitive package and remuneration
  • Free single medical cover and digital GP service
  • Enhanced parental leave pay
  • Free membership of employee assistance and parental programmes
  • Reimbursement towards professional development and memberships
  • Matched funding, paid volunteering time and charitable donations through the Collectively programme

As a disability‑confident employer, we will interview disabled candidates who best meet the criteria. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role.

Principal Contractor Site Supervisor in Exeter employer: Jacobs Engineering Group Inc.

At Jacobs, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises safety and innovation. As a Principal Contractor Site Supervisor, you will not only contribute to vital infrastructure projects across the UK but also benefit from a competitive remuneration package, professional development opportunities, and a supportive environment that values employee well-being and community engagement. Join us in shaping a sustainable future while advancing your career in a technically rich and collaborative setting.

Jacobs Engineering Group Inc.

Contact Details:

Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Contractor Site Supervisor in Exeter

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Principal Contractor Site Supervisor role.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching Jacobs and their projects. Understand their values and how they challenge the status quo. We want you to show them that you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely aligns with their mission and can contribute to their high-impact work.

Tip Number 3

Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to health, safety, and site supervision. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to build your confidence and ensure you can articulate your experience effectively.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we often have exclusive opportunities listed there that you won’t find anywhere else. Let’s get you that job!

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Contractor Site Supervisor in Exeter

Site Supervision
Health and Safety Compliance
CDM Regulations
National Grid Standards
HSE Procedures
Stakeholder Liaison
Quality Assurance

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the job description. Highlight your supervisory experience in high-voltage substations and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your background aligns with our values at Jacobs. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!

Showcase Your Safety Knowledge:Since safety is a top priority for us, make sure to mention your understanding of CDM Regulations and HSE compliance. Share examples of how you've enforced safety standards in previous roles to demonstrate your commitment.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on our radar quickly. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!

How to prepare for a job interview at Jacobs Engineering Group Inc.

Know Your Safety Regulations

Familiarise yourself with CDM Regulations and National Grid Safety Rules before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you’ve enforced safety protocols in past roles, as this will show your commitment to maintaining a safe working environment.

Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of how you've successfully supervised teams and coordinated activities on site. Highlight specific instances where your leadership made a difference in project delivery or safety compliance.

Understand the Technical Aspects

Brush up on your knowledge of high-voltage substations and relevant engineering principles. Being able to read and interpret engineering drawings is crucial, so be prepared to discuss how you've applied this skill in previous projects.

Showcase Your Communication Skills

Effective communication is key in this role. Think of examples where you’ve liaised with project managers, engineers, and clients. Emphasise your ability to keep everyone aligned and informed, especially in a fast-paced environment.