Authorising Engineer
Role Overview
As an Authorising Engineer within the private contracting sector, you will be responsible for overseeing the safe operation, maintenance, and control of high voltage electrical systems across multiple client sites. You will ensure all HV activities are carried out in compliance with statutory regulations, industry standards, and client-specific requirements, while maintaining a strong focus on safety, efficiency, and client satisfaction.
Responsibilities
- Act as the appointed HV Authorising Officer for PAYE staff and Contractors across Integrum Power safe system of work.
- Have an appreciation of relevant distribution networks, of safe working practices and NO Safety Distribution Safety Rules and shall have an understanding of the scheme and itsassociated Safety Management System
- Develop and review safe working procedures and risk assessments related to HV operations.
- Lead and manage a team of HV engineers, providing technical guidance, support, and performance management.
- Issue and manage Permits to Work (PTWs), switching schedules, and safety documentation in line with company and client procedures.
- Plan, coordinate, and supervise HV switching operations, isolations, and energisations.
- Ensure compliance with all safety protocols, legislation, and industry standards (e.g., BS EN 61936, IEC 61850)
- Liaise directly with clients, subcontractors, and internal teams to coordinate HV activities and ensure minimal disruption to operations.
- Maintain accurate records of HV operations, maintenance logs, and system schematics.
- Support project planning by providing technical input on HV systems and requirements.
- Deliver HV safety briefings and toolbox talks to site teams and subcontractors.
- Conduct audits, inspections, and investigations into HV incidents or near misses to prevent recurrence.
- Manage and Distribute NEDeRS (National Equipment Defect Reporting Scheme) notifications.
Qualifications & Experience:
Essential:
- Recognised electrical engineering qualification (e.g., NVQ Level 3, HNC/HND, or equivalent).
- Minimum 10 years of experience as a Senior Authorised Person (SAP) working on HV systems at 33kV or above.
- Previously appointed as an HV Authorised Person or Officer.
- Strong understanding of HV safety rules, switching procedures, and permit systems.
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to various sites.
Desirable:
- Experience working in commercial, industrial, or infrastructure projects.
- Knowledge of client-specific standards and procedures (e.g., DNO, MOD, or data centre environments).
- Health & Safety qualifications (e.g., IOSH, NEBOSH).
- Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
Company Information:
OCU leads the way in end-to-end infrastructure engineering in the utilities, digital, and energy markets, specialising in safely and efficiently delivering complex client requirements. Our breadth of capabilities and depth of operational capacity, paired with our cutting-edge technology, ensure that we are not just part of the market; we are leading it.
Working directly with many of the country’s leading power, energy transition, water, telecoms and digital clients, we are looking for the very best talent to join our growing team.
- Division
- OCU Connect
- Locations
- Leeds
- Employment type
- Full-time
- Employment Status
- PAYE/Staff

Our People, our Culture, our Values
As a business, we pride ourselves on operating a ‘People First’ culture, striving to constantly deliver on our 5 core company values.
1. We Care about Safety - It is our goal for everyone working on our behalf to go home healthy and safe at the end of each and every day.
2. We lead with Integrity - Integrity is central to everything we do. Without it, we wouldn’t have the relationships with our clients, nor would we have built an enviable reputation within the industry.
3. We strive to be Better everyday - We take pride in everything we do. This involves a meticulous approach to our work, endeavouring to make each day better than the last.
4. We make a Positive Impact - We want to make the places we work in better; leaving a lasting infrastructure and social legacy. We believe in proactivity to maximise impact.
5. We Deliver to Grow - The successful delivery of frameworks and contracts feeds our ability to grow strategically and strengthen OCU to expand the business and capabilities even further.
About OCU
Established in 1994, OCU Group is one of the fastest growing utility engineering contractors in the UK, with a long successful track record in delivering customer-focused civil engineering solutions.
Working directly with many of the country’s leading blue-chip power, water, telecoms and rail clients, we are looking for the very best talent to join our growing team.
We pride ourselves on empowering our employees and offering opportunities for them to take control of their own personal development and career progression in a supportive environment.
We believe that being successful is a choice.
We choose to be successful.
We are OCU, ‘One Company United’.
Authorising Engineer
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