Electric Project Manager (Strategic Projects) in Reading

Department: Operations
Reports to: Head of Strategic Project Delivery
Location: Southern England

The Strategic Electric Project Manager will lead the safe, compliant delivery of strategic electrical infrastructure projects, including works up to Extra High Voltage (EHV). This role provides a single point of contact across pre and post sales design, construction and commissioning activities, with a strong focus on quality of installation, compliance with approved designs, and adherence to current legislation and Codes of Practice. You’ll take full ownership of the pre and post sale delivery phase, acting on behalf of Leep with customers and stakeholders from tender support through to adoption. The role encompasses responsibility for SHE, CDM, design compliance and approvals, programme and cost control, subcontractor management, defect resolution and final asset handover - ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently and to the highest standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Take reasonable care for your own health and safety and that of others affected by your actions or omissions.
• Be accountable that all aspects of the Strategic Project aligns with UK SHE legislation and any regulatory licence obligations.
• Responsibility for following all Leep SHEQ policies and procedures.
• Embody and promote Leep Utilities' core values in all decisions and behaviour.
• Identify and raise process improvements and efficiencies with the Strategic UK Head of Project Delivery.
• Ensure activities are carried out in accordance with the team’s Table of Accountability (ToA) and RACI matrix.
• Promptly escalate issues using the correct channels and ensure resolution or acknowledgment.
• Support the budget-setting process within the Operations Directorate including forecasting for connections growth for their projects and any additional training needs.
• Support the ad hoc day to day business needs associated with safe, technically robust, regulatory, legislative and efficient adoption and construction for your allocated Projects.
• Produce accurate and timely forecast and project status reports for internal performance monitoring and Senior Leadership Team updates.

Role Specific

• Responsible for ensuring that all activities related to their pre and post sales activities comply with Leep’s agreed processes and procedures for the Strategic Projects Team.
• Accountable that all assigned project design activity is completed by accredited third parties and properly logged and reported in line with Guaranteed Standards of Performance (GSOP).
• Manage each project in line with the capital budget, tracking performance, and ensure compliance with financial, commercial, and regulatory requirements.
• Be accountable that financial controls are adhered to, including timely purchase order management, invoice review, and variance reporting are being undertaken across all assigned projects.
• Responsible for conducting regular audits of all sites and partners ensuring that any issues or defects are managed to resolution using the current company systems and procedures.
• Work closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure seamless asset handover with all documentation and contracts in place and that installation standards and pre-water on commissioning and testing meets or exceeds regulatory requirements.
• Provide ad hoc operational support to the Head of Strategic Project Delivery on all assigned projects.
• Compile plant replacement strategies ensuring a safe and efficient method of plant replacement is in place prior to energisation with key contractors involved set up on our procurement system allowing swift allocation of purchase orders.
• Assist in the collation of operationally based tender responses in a timely fashion to support the sales team on Strategic Project bids on assigned projects.

About You

• 10 years’ experience of working in Project Management or Team Supervision capacity within an ICP, IDNO or DNO.
• Demonstrable experience of the design and construction of electric Extra High Voltage (EHV), High Voltage (HV) and Low Voltage (LV) network infrastructure.
• A good working knowledge of the contestable and IDNO process.
• Excellent knowledge of multi utility industry asset standards such as NJUG.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills with experience of developing and managing personnel.
• Financial acumen and a track record of adhering to budgets, with strong computer and reporting skills.
• Working knowledge of H&S management and audits.
• Experience of undertaking the role of Principal Contractor (PC) under CDM 2015 and a good understanding of the Principal Designer (PD) role and requirements.
• An understanding of electricity regulatory standards applicable to the business and the processes required to be compliant with them.
• Expert knowledge of asset adoption and delivery legal documentation requirements.
• Expert knowledge of design, construction and commissioning activities and supporting documentation.

Your Development and Benefits

At Leep, we believe in stable growth and putting our people first. Our 5-year strategic growth plan gives us stability today and prepares us for the future, while nurturing a strong collaborative and supportive culture. Our Benefits include:

• Salary which aligns to your experience and skillset.
• 25 days paid holiday + bank holidays.
• An additional day off to celebrate your birthday.
• Annual discretionary bonus.
• Car allowance.
• Company pension plan.
• Health Cash plan through Westfield Health.
• Option to purchase additional holiday days through our Holiday Buying Scheme.
• Engagement committee with events throughout the year, including Christmas Party, Summer Party and individual team socials.
• Paid professional memberships relevant to your role and access to professional development opportunities.

Our Values

At the forefront of everything we do: Safety, Customer Promise, Accountability, Reliability, Respect, Flexibility.

Equal Opportunities

Leep Utilities is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants. We aim to create a working environment in which all individuals are able to make best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. If you require any appropriate accommodations during the application or interview process, please let us know.