Operational Accreditation and Competence Manager

Are you a seasoned operational engineer passionate about safe, consistent practices on or near the distribution network? UK Power Networks is seeking an Operational Accreditation and Competence Manager to lead the strategy, governance, and delivery of operational accreditation across our business. This is a unique chance to shape the future of operational competence and set benchmarks for safety and technical excellence.

Reporting to the Head of Technical Training and Assurance, you'll be part of the Technical Training & Assurance team and can base yourself at any of our Eastern, Southern, or London offices: London, Bury St Edmunds, Sundridge, Crawley, Maidstone, or Colchester, with other locations considered. This permanent role offers a competitive salary (DOE), car allowance, flexible benefits fund, and a 10% bonus.

In this pivotal position, you will lead the strategy, governance, and implementation of operational accreditation for employees, contractors, and ICPs. Your remit will be to ensure all staff are competent, appropriately authorised, and fully compliant with all safety, technical, and regulatory standards. You will oversee the governance of operational competence by guiding a core team as well as a network of assessors and Operational Authorising Engineers. A key responsibility will be to maintain and continually improve the Worker Accreditation Process and Operational Catalogue, keeping them accurate and accessible. Your leadership will extend to supporting both routine operations and emergency response requirements, always ensuring readiness. You will design, implement, and assure operational training and assessments for safe network operations while representing UK Power Networks in national forums, helping to influence sector-wide standards and drive best practice. Managing budgets and resources confidently, you will deliver accreditation programmes efficiently and on schedule, and spearhead continuous improvement through data-driven audits and feedback. Embracing practical digital solutions, you will enhance visibility and efficiency in accreditation activities.

To succeed in this role, you will be a 132kV Senior Authorised Person (UG & OH) with substantial operational experience. Your expertise will be supported by a Level 4 Electrical Engineering (HNC) qualification and a formal HSS qualification such as IOSH Managing Safely. You'll have strong knowledge of building and maintaining distribution networks, as well as extensive familiarity with the Distribution Safety Rules and operational policies. Above all, you'll bring a proactive, solutions-focused attitude, fresh thinking, and a commitment to self-development in a changing environment.

If you're ready to drive operational accreditation and competence at scale and help shape safe, harmonized working practices across UK Power Networks, apply by 11/05/2026