Summary:
The Commissioning Manager is a technical expert responsible for leading and overseeing the commissioning testing of substation equipment, with a particular focus on protection systems, to ensure that network capital investments are safe, reliable, and fit for purpose. Reporting to the Lead Field Engineer, the role involves managing commissioning activities across multiple projects annually, with values ranging up to tens of millions of pounds. While the post holder does not have direct line management or budgetary authority, they provide technical supervision to contractors and consultants on site and may act as a senior commissioning engineer on large projects, offering technical leadership.
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Key responsibilities include planning, managing, and coordinating commissioning and plant acceptance testing programmes, ensuring safe energisation and successful project completion. The role requires diagnosing and resolving technical issues during commissioning, providing expert input at design reviews, and ensuring all protection schemes are correctly programmed, tested, and documented. The Commissioning Manager works closely with Network Control to authorise safe energisation and maintains comprehensive as-built records.
The role demands a high level of technical understanding, practical engineering judgement, and the ability to apply logical, disciplined problem-solving approaches. Effective communication and interpersonal skills are essential to lead site teams, manage conflicting viewpoints, and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders. xsngvjr Flexibility to work outside normal hours is required to minimise customer interruptions and meet project demands.
Skills:
* Degree or HNC/HND in Electrical Engineering or equivalent
* Power System Protection knowledge and relevant course completion
* Substantial operational experience as an Authorised Person (AP) and Senior Authorised Person (SAP)
* Strong technical expertise in commissioning substation and protection equipment
* Ability to programme, test, and interpret modern relay schemes and fault records
* Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills under pressure
* Effective communication and leadership skills to guide technical teams
* Ability to plan and coordinate network switching and energisation safely
* Strong customer focus with commitment to zero harm and safety compliance
* Proficient in managing multiple projects and prioritising resources effectively
Software/Tools:
* Relay programming and testing software
* Laptop-based diagnostic and commissioning tools
* Company-specific databases for protection settings and records
Certifications & Standards:
* Power System Protection Course
* Authorised Person (AP) and Senior Authorised Person (SAP) status
* Compliance with Distribution Safety Rules and associated Codes of Practice
* Health and Safety standards aligned with company policies and zero harm philosophy