At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HV operational safety and provide technical oversight across multiple projects.
- Company: Established contractor in data centres and critical infrastructure.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive package, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel across London and the South East.
- Why this job: Take a leadership role in ensuring safety and standards across exciting projects.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience with HV systems and strong leadership skills.
An established specialist contractor operating within the data centre and critical infrastructure sector is looking to appoint a Lead Senior Authorised Person to take overall responsibility for HV operational safety, SAP standards and electrical control across the business. This is a senior position for an experienced SAP who has spent significant time working directly with HV systems and is now ready to take a wider lead role across multiple projects. Rather than being permanently embedded on one site carrying out day-to-day switching, the Lead SAP will provide oversight, guidance and technical support to SAPs and APs working across the business. Based from the company’s Hertford office, the role will involve regular travel to projects across London and the wider South East, supporting live data centre environments, critical infrastructure upgrades and new-build schemes.
The Lead SAP will act as the senior point of contact for HV operational safety and switching standards across the business. Responsibilities will include:
- Leading and supporting the company’s team of SAPs and APs
- Providing technical oversight across multiple HV projects
- Reviewing SAP and AP competency and suitability
- Supporting the appointment and authorisation of SAPs and APs
- Reviewing switching schedules, isolation procedures and energisation plans
- Providing guidance on complex switching activities and shutdowns
- Reviewing RAMS, switching programmes, SOPs, MOPs and EOPs
- Ensuring HV activities are carried out in accordance with company electrical safety rules and client procedures
- Supporting initial energisation and commissioning activities
- Providing technical input during faults, abnormal operating conditions and complex isolations
- Carrying out site audits and reviewing compliance with electrical safety procedures
- Reviewing specialist HV subcontractors and their competency
- Supporting project teams with shutdown planning, temporary supplies and infrastructure upgrades
- Mentoring SAPs, APs and developing electrical personnel
- Working closely with Project Managers, Commissioning Managers and electrical engineering teams
- Supporting the transition of systems from construction through commissioning and into operation
- Driving consistent HV working practices across all projects
This is not intended to be a traditional project-based SAP role. The successful candidate will sit above the individual project SAPs and provide leadership, technical guidance and operational oversight across the wider business.
The successful candidate will be an experienced Senior Authorised Person with a strong practical background working on HV systems within data centres, critical infrastructure or similarly complex electrical environments. You should have strong experience across:
- HV and LV electrical distribution systems
- HV switchgear
- Transformers
- Generators
- UPS systems
- Protection and control systems
- HV switching and isolation
- Energisation and commissioning
- Electrical safety rules
- Permit-to-work systems
- SAP and AP responsibilities
- Shutdown and switching planning
- Contractor and project team management
Previous data centre experience would be particularly relevant, although candidates from other mission-critical or technically complex environments will also be considered. The role requires someone who remains technically strong but is equally comfortable overseeing others, challenging poor practice and taking ownership of HV standards across multiple projects. You will need to be confident dealing with SAPs, APs, project teams, commissioning teams, clients and senior management.
The position will be based from Hertford, with regular travel to projects primarily across London and the South East.
£80,000 – £100,000 basic salary, dependent on experience, plus company package.
Lead Senior Authorised Person (Lead SAP) in Hertford employer: James Lewis Recruitment
As a Regional High Voltage Manager at our Hertford office, you will join a forward-thinking company that prioritises safety and innovation in electrical delivery. We foster a collaborative work culture that encourages professional growth through continuous learning and development opportunities, while also offering competitive benefits to support your well-being. With a focus on shaping governance for both UK and international projects, this role provides a unique chance to make a significant impact in the high voltage sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Senior Authorised Person (Lead SAP) in Hertford
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like James Lewis Recruitment, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Lead Senior Authorised Person (Lead SAP) at James Lewis Recruitment.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Senior Authorised Person (Lead SAP) in Hertford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at James Lewis Recruitment
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
