HV Authorising Engineer / SAP

HV SAP / Authorising Engineer Location: Southampton Rate: Up to £650 per day (DOE) - Outside IR35/LTD company Duration: 12 months + Indsutry: Water Treatment The Opportunity We are currently looking to strengthen the project team with an experienced HV SAP / Authorising Engineer to support the safe delivery of a major £150m water and wastewater infrastructure project in Southampton on behalf of Southern water. This is a senior technical position, responsible for overseeing electrical safety throughout the construction, testing and commissioning phases of the project. You will play a key role in ensuring that HV/LV systems, safe systems of work and electrical activities are delivered in accordance with statutory requirements, industry standards and project procedures. Working closely with the project, engineering, commissioning and SHEQ teams, you will act as a key point of authority for electrical safety, providing technical guidance and ensuring the appropriate competencies, controls and documentation are in place across the project and supply chain.

Key Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for the administration and implementation of the project's LV/HV Electrical Safety Rules.
• Ensure Electrical Safety Rules remain aligned with legislative, regulatory and industry changes.
• Monitor the application of LV/HV Electrical Safety Rules and ensure Responsible Persons and Authorised Persons understand their requirements.
• Provide technical and quality support to Project Managers, M&E Managers, Site Managers and commissioning teams.
• Provide specialist guidance on electrical construction, installation, testing and commissioning.
• Manage and audit electrical subcontractors and supply chain partners to ensure safety, quality and design requirements are met.
• Act as a key point of contact for the project SHEQ team on electrical safety matters.
• Review project resources and competencies, ensuring appropriate levels of Permit Issuers and Authorised Persons are available.
• Identify specialist electrical activities and ensure the appropriate controls and competencies are in place.
• Support the identification of process areas requiring independent hazard studies and ensure associated programme hold points are captured.
• Work closely with stakeholders responsible for related safe systems of work, including hydraulics and ATEX/DSEAR.
• Participate in Authorising Engineer review panels.
• Undertake regular Authorised Person audits and provide feedback on findings.
• Support incident investigations and ensure lessons learned are incorporated into procedures and communicated across the project.
• Oversee electrical documentation, inspection and testing processes to maintain project quality.
• Review and contribute to project Quality Plans and commissioning documentation.
• Support procurement and supply chain teams with competence vetting of electrical contractors and specialists.
• Review and comment on NICEIC and BS7671 certification and model forms.
• Provide technical input into commissioning and electrical quality assurance.
• Provide regular technical feedback to the project commissioning and MEICA management teams.
• Deliver technical briefings, toolbox talks and electrical safety bulletins where required.
• Identify competency gaps and support project-specific training requirements through GAP analysis.
• Support the interview, training, competence assessment and appointment of Authorised Persons.

About You

We are looking for an experienced HV SAP / Authorising Engineer with a strong electrical installation and construction background, ideally gained within major infrastructure, utilities, water or similar technically complex environments. Essential Experience

• Minimum 10 years' on-site experience within the electrical installation industry.
• Minimum 2 years' recent experience as an Authorising Engineer, or 5+ years' experience as an Authorised Person with the technical capability to operate at AE level.
• HND, HNC, City & Guilds Level 3 Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• Strong technical knowledge of LV electrical systems and BS7671.
• Good understanding of earthing systems and BS7430.
• Strong HV awareness, including switching schedules, HV equipment, fault currents, signal injection and safe systems of work.
• Proven experience in verifying and implementing safe systems of work.
• Strong understanding of UK health and safety legislation, risk assessment and risk control.
• 18th Edition IET Wiring Regulations.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (EAWR).
• Knowledge of PUWER, COSHH and portable appliance testing requirements. Desirable Experience
• Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status with a relevant professional institution.
• DSEAR / ATEX training or experience.
• LV City & Guilds AP1/AP2 qualification.
• HV City & Guilds AP1/AP2 qualification.
• Proven electrical auditing experience.
• Experience working within the water sector and familiarity with Water Sector Regulations.
• Previous responsibility for HV safety management and development of HV safety controls and procedures.
• Field experience across LV/HV power system commissioning, testing and operation. Why This Opportunity?
• £600 per day
• Major £150m infrastructure project
• Southampton-based project
• Senior technical position with significant responsibility for electrical safety
• Opportunity to work across construction, commissioning and project delivery
• Long-term opportunity within a major infrastructure environment