Overhead Manager

The Overhead Linesman Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating teams of overhead linesmen working on the construction, maintenance, repair, and inspection of overhead lines (LV/HV/). 

The role ensures all works are delivered safely, efficiently, and in compliance with UK electrical safety regulations, industry standards, and DNO procedures.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership:

• Manage and supervise overhead line teams carrying out installation, refurbishment, and maintenance works on LV and 11kV overheads.
• Plan and allocate daily work schedules, ensuring resources, materials, and equipment are available.
• Oversee fault response and restoration activities during network outages.

Safety Management:

• Ensure all works comply with DNO safety rules, and H&S policies.
• Lead site safety briefings, toolbox talks, and risk assessments.
• Monitor teams’ adherence to safe systems of work, including working at height and live-line restrictions.
• Support incident investigations and implement corrective actions.

Technical & Quality Control:

• Provide technical guidance on overhead line construction standards, conductor work, pole installations, stays, and insulator systems.
• Ensure work is completed to industry standards and internal quality specifications.
• Inspect completed works and manage defect rectification.
• Support technical training and competency development of linesmen and apprentices.

Planning & Coordination:

• Work closely with planners, engineers, and control rooms to coordinate outages and switching schedules.
• Review job packs, drawings, and method statements prior to work commencing.
• Ensure accurate reporting of job progress, materials usage, and labour hours.
• Liaise with landowners, local authorities, and other stakeholders when required.

People Management:

• Lead, support, and develop overhead line teams.
• Conduct performance reviews, manage training needs, and support competency assessments.
• Manage absence, performance issues, and recruitment where necessary.

Compliance & Documentation:

• Maintain accurate records of inspections, maintenance activities, and safety documentation.
• Ensure teams follow company procedures for environmental compliance and asset reporting.
• Support audits and compliance checks.

Skills & Experience

Essential:

• Significant experience as an overhead linesman/linesperson (LV/HV).
• Strong understanding of UK overhead line construction standards and DNO safety rules.
• Experience supervising teams in a utility or contractor environment.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, line layouts, and construction packs.

Driven by values, powered by inclusion.

At OCU, our values guide everything we do: integrity, collaboration, respect, innovation and one company united. They shape how we work with our clients, communities, and each other. We believe that inclusion is more than a principle — it’s the foundation of our success. By embracing equity and ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to thrive, we create a workplace where diverse perspectives are valued, and everyone feels they belong. 

Together, we build stronger teams, deliver better outcomes, and grow in ways that reflect the communities we serve. If you want to be part of a culture where values matter and inclusion is at the heart of everything we do apply now and help us shape the future together.

If you are invited to progress in the recruitment process, will you require any reasonable adjustments to support you? Please let us know so we can ensure the process is accessible and fair for you. Any information you share will be treated confidentially and will only be used to support you during the recruitment process.