Senior Authorised Person (UKPN - 11kv, 33kv, 132kv)

Posting date:	10 November 2025
Hours:	Full time
Closing date:	17 November 2025
Location:	Hertfordshire, WD18 7SA
Company:	Search Consultancy LTD
Job type:	Contract
Job reference:	Req/675587_1762776098

Summary

Job Title: Senior Authorised Person (SAP) - UKPN Substations (up to 132kV)

Location: UK Power Networks (UKPN) region - South East of England

Employment Type: Contract - OUTSIDE IR35 (LTD/CIS)

Contract Length: 6/12 month rolling contract

Role Overview

The Senior Authorised Person (SAP) is responsible for the safe control, operation, and management of HV and EHV electrical apparatus on UKPN's distribution network and associated projects, 11kv, 33kv, & 132kV. The SAP ensures compliance with the UKPN Distribution Safety Rules (DSR) and is accountable for the issue and control of all safety documentation, including Permits-to-Work and Sanctions-for-Test.

The role involves supporting the construction, commissioning, maintenance, and energisation of substations and associated equipment, ensuring all work is carried out safely, efficiently, and to UKPN's technical and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the Senior Authorised Person (SAP) under the UKPN Distribution Safety Rules up to 132kV.
• Plan, prepare, and execute HV switching programs, isolations, and earthing.
• Issue, receive, and cancel Permits-to-Work, Sanctions-for-Test, and Limitations-of-Access as required.
• Control all safety documentation on site and ensure compliance with safe systems of work.
• Liaise with the UKPN Control Centre and other SAPs regarding planned and emergency operations.
• Supervise and support Competent Persons (CPs), contractors, and other operational staff working under your control.
• Undertake and verify switching schedules, test schedules, and commissioning plans.
• Participate in the energisation and commissioning of new substations, transformers, switchgear, and protection systems.
• Ensure correct application of UKPN Engineering Design Standards (EDS) and Engineering Procedures (EPN/LPN/SPN).
• Conduct site audits, toolbox talks, and safety briefings.
• Maintain accurate and complete records, switching logs, and as-built documentation.
• Ensure that all works comply with CDM Regulations, UKPN standards, and Health, Safety & Environmental policies.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Extensive experience working on HV and EHV substations up to 132kV.
• Proven experience operating as a Senior Authorised Person (SAP) on UKPN or another UK DNO or private network.
• Thorough understanding of the UKPN Distribution Safety Rules (DSR).
• Strong technical knowledge of HV protection, control, and substation systems.
• Experience planning and executing HV switching programmes and energisation activities.
• Familiarity with UKPN commissioning processes, test documentation, and system handover requirements.
• Competent in reading and interpreting single-line diagrams, circuit diagrams, and protection schemes.
• Excellent safety awareness and risk assessment skills.
• Strong communication and leadership abilities, able to coordinate multi-disciplinary teams.

Required Authorisations / Certifications

• UKPN SAP Authorisation
• UKPN DSR Training and Assessment (mandatory for authorisation)
• HNC / HND / Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent industry experience
• Full UK Driving Licence
• ECS / CSCS card
• First Aid at Work certification
• Manual Handling / Asbestos Awareness training

Desirable Skills

• Experience with UKPN EPN/LPN/SPN networks and project delivery standards
• Knowledge of SCADA / RTU systems and protection relay commissioning
• Understanding of renewable / distributed generation connections
• Experience with contractor and client interface on DNO projects
• Competency with risk assessment (RAMS) and permit control systems

Search is an equal opportunities recruiter and we welcome applications from all suitably skilled or qualified applicants, regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/beliefs, sexual orientation or age