Operations Engineer

The Operations Engineer is part of a focused team committed to the efficient design, construction, operation and maintenance of compliant and safe gas and electricity distribution networks.

The Operations Engineer is responsible for the management of all asset related matters within his/her remit, ensuring compliance with safety, operational and technical requirements including national, industry and ESP’s own internal policies, procedures and processes. Operations Engineers will also provide technical support to customers.

As ESPUG is a multi-utility business, continued personal and professional development in both gas and electric networks is essential to build resilience and sustainability within the Operations team.

Location and Approach

Role is remote home-based working within strategic territories across England (London, Surrey, Bucks, South East, South West). Position comes with company car and requires significant travel with occasional overnight stays required. You will also be required to travel to the Head Office for meetings or locations outside your territory, as required.

Key Accountabilities

1. Ensuring that the requirements of the ESPUG’s Health and Safety Policy are met.
2. Ensuring that the requirements of the ESPUG’s Asset Management System are met.
3. Ensuring compliance with ESP’s internal design and construction policies and standards. Ensuring compliance with IGEM/ENA/ESP’s design, construction and safety standards as appropriate.
4. Attending and participating in reviews and updates of the current operational procedures and technical standards.
5. Providing support to give assurance that all company, industry and national requirements are understood by all UIPs/ICPs, Contractors and Service Providers and any non-conformities are managed.
6. Assist in maintaining current accreditations, qualification of new accreditations and industry compliance for all ESPUG assets.
7. New assets - Provide assurance that assets being designed, installed, tested and commissioned are fit for business purpose, complying with Industry/Regulatory and Legislative Standards and requirements.
8. Existing assets – Provide assurance that assets being maintained, repaired, diverted or replaced are fit for business purpose, complying with Industry/Regulatory and Legislative Standards and requirements.
9. Ensuring that service provider Health and Safety requirements are suitable, sufficient and implemented.
10. Providing data, information and reports through audit, inspection and review to enable Asset Management System objectives to be met.
11. Provide effective monitoring, operational support and guidance to ensure that asset to be adopted are constructed safely, efficiently and cost effectively.
12. Management of supply and service contracts and oversight of any outsourced works.
13. Carry out ESP’s technical and safety audit/inspections pre and post construction for all assets, including ESP’s suppliers.
14. Undertake and support technical investigations e.g. interference damage, network incidents and other issues that may arise.
15. Functionally test and check to ensure the competent deployment of people, plant and processes.
16. Participate in Safety Technical and Competency (STC) reviews of new and existing UIPs/ICPs, Contractors and other service providers to ESP.
17. Assist with the authorisation process of personnel working on ESPUG assets.
18. Assist with UIP SCO compliance including CP and AE duties as required.
19. Participate in the ESP and ESPE out of hours standby rota(s).

Person Specification

1. Demonstrate several years’ experience in the gas/electric distribution business.
2. Knowledge and experience of working in gas/electricity distribution networks including key underpinning knowledge of the relevant industry standards, regulations, specifications and legislative requirements.
3. A recognised H&S qualification such as IOSH or NEBOSH would be desirable for this role.
4. Authorised SAP would be desirable for this role.
5. Skilled in establishing and managing relationships with our customers and stakeholders, and able to influence customer behaviours and outcomes.
6. Knowledge of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (NRSWA), and the monitoring of Customers that are using the ESPUG electronic noticing system.
7. Knowledge of Wayleave, Easement and Land Transfer requirements and negotiations.

Benefits include:

• Holidays: 26 days, going up to 27 after 3 years and up to 28 after 5 years of employment. The company gives you the opportunity to buy/sell up to 3 days per year.
• Bonus
• Enhanced Pension
• Private Medical Insurance
• Life insurance
• Employee Rewards Portal: access to exclusive discounts and flexible benefits such as Cycle to Work and EV car Salary Sacrifice Scheme.
• Enhanced Family Friendly benefits: Enhanced maternity and paternity pay and paid time off when receiving fertility treatment.
• Volunteering day: one day a year fully paid.