Field Operations Manager

Spaces, 100 Avebury Boulevard,
Milton Keynes,
MK9 1FH

Electricity connections are complex by nature. Our group's innovative, forward-thinking energy solutions make everything easier: from design to connection and beyond.

Our Group consists of Eclipse Power Networks - an OFGEM licenced Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO) that provides an effective alternative to the local Distribution Network Operator for getting projects connected to the electricity grid; Eclipse Power Solutions - an expert Grid Consultancy who support customers through the grid connection process, and Eclipse Power Optimise; focussed on microgrids and private network solutions in the unlicenced market.

We design, own, operate and maintain extra high, high and low voltage electricity distribution network assets, providing innovative power connections to residential, industrial, renewable and commercial customers across the UK.

We care about our people and the talent and personality they bring. We are continuing to strengthen our talent, leadership, training, and recognition for people as they are the core of what we do and how we operate. We have an inclusive culture where people are rewarded and recognised for their inputs, innovation, and customer centric solutions. We also have fun at work and want people to enjoy what they do and what they are helping to create. To continue to do this we need strong diverse thinking and having people from a range of backgrounds, careers, and expertise help us do this.

As an Operations Manager you will lead a team of Field Operations staff responsible for the delivery of Maintenance and inspections, reactive maintenance and assurance auditing across our network. This is unique opportunity offering the the chance to build and shape your own team, and benefits from an asset base mostly

You will play a key role during the construction phase by ensuring your team undertake assurance audits of our assets under construction to confirm suitability for energisation and adoption. This supports the organisation to ensure that our assets have been constructed against designs and meet the standards we expect.

Post Energisation and adoption you will lead the operations and maintenance of our networks delivering ESQCR inspections, condition monitoring, oil sampling, asset inspections, operational checks and delivery of periodic maintenance under outage conditions.

You will take the lead in setting up contracted services to support the delivery of our operations and maintenance and ensure service levels are maintained throughout.

• Lead a field team of 6 direct reports, increasing in line with our asset base.
• Responsible for ensuring health, safety and environment policy and procedures are implemented and followed at our sites
• Manage fault response procedures and resources
• Manage contracted frameworks
• Ensure operational substations meet statutory requirements
• Maintain substation compliance documents (fire RA, environmental RA, emergency plans, site inductions and so on)
• Maintain strategic spares to ensure downtime periods are minimised
• Provide commissioning assurance services during EHV substation commissioning pre Eclipse adoption
• Ensure field staff are trained and equipped to deliver service requirements
• Manage outage and non outage defects, corrective maintenance and equipment modifications and upgrades
• Delivering key performance indicators aligned to the field operations team
• Delivery of maintenance and inspections in line with our maintenance policy
• Ensure all networks to be adopted by Eclipse are built to approved design standards and conform to industry legislation.
• Ensure nonconformity audit reports are managed through to closure prior to network adoption.
• Maintain a working knowledge of all legislation applicable to design, ownership and operation of high and low voltage electricity distribution networks
• Support the design team ensuring all operational requirements are captured in the design phase
• Be the front face of Eclipse and Interface with our customers on site and at customer locations representing our values
• Development and mentorship for direct reports

• Good knowledge of legislation appertaining to utility assets, site health and safety and environmental requirements
• Good knowledge and experience of the electrical distribution industry or a similar industry with a strong emphasis on site operations, site safety and maintenance of HV/EHV equipment
• Previously held (or holding) an authorisation under DSR's (Distribution Safety Rules), SAP >11kV favourable
• Hold a formal health & safety qualification, minimum IOSH or similar
• Hold a level 4 or above qualification in an engineering discipline i.e HNC/HND, FD Eng.
• Effective communicator across all levels of the business and key stakeholders
• Previous experience of managing remote based operational teams
• Experience with Safe Systems of Work including Point of Work Risk Assessment, Risk Assessments, Safety Rules and associated Safety Documents.
• Proficient in the use software packages such as Microsoft 360, Project Management Software ( Auditing Applications (Safety Culture) and EAM systems (Ultimo EAM)
• Full UK Driving Licence
• Desirable backgrounds: IDNO/DNO/TO, ICP, Renewables, Generation, Continuous Process and Armed Forces.
• Experience working in new network connections including above and below ground civil and building works, cable installation, substation plant and equipment.
• Understanding of construction techniques and legislations, particularly related to civil /foundations
• Understanding of OFGEM GSOP requirements (Guaranteed Standards of Performance)

We are looking for people who embody our personalities:

Friendly experts: When it comes to technical knowledge and experience, customers couldn't be in better hands. We're friendly, approachable and always eager to help.

Collaborative solution finders: We work closely with customers to find a solution that meets their needs in a way that's compliant with standards.

Confidently flexible: We know the rules for every DNO. And we also know just how flexible we can be to interpret them in ways that save both time and money.

Naturally curious:In our book, there's always a better way. We're always curious to explore every avenue before we arrive at a clear solution.

Relentlessly innovative: Looking for new ways to deal with challenges is part of our DNA. If a conventional route is the best option, we're not afraid to say it. But if there's a way to do something more quickly, more efficiently or more cost effectively, we'll find it.

We strongly encourage applications from a variety of candidates - we believe that different experiences result in increased ideas, collaboration and success.