SAP (senior authorised person)

Job description

Job Description – Senior Authorised Person (SAP) – Solar PV (UK)

Location: UK (multiple sites – project based)

Type: Contract / Permanent (project dependent)

Start: ASAP / rolling mobilisation

Hours: Site hours (typically Mon–Fri) + flexibility for outages/energisation windows

Role Purpose

The Senior Authorised Person (SAP) is responsible for the safe planning, control, and execution of electrical switching, isolations, and access on HV/LV systems associated with solar PV projects. You will act as the Authorising Engineer’s on-site representative (where applicable) and ensure all electrical work is carried out under an approved safety rules framework, enabling safe energisation, testing, commissioning, and handover.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate as SAP under the relevant Safety Rules (e.g., client/ICP/DNO/National Grid rules as applicable).
• Plan and execute HV/LV switching operations, isolations, earthing, and restoration.
• Prepare, issue, control, and cancel safety documentation (as applicable): Permits to Work (PTW), Sanction for Test (SFT), Limitation of Access (LOA), Switching Schedules, Isolation Certificates.
• Produce and approve switching programmes aligned with commissioning and energisation activities.
• Maintain strict control of keys, locks, tagging, and access to HV compounds, substations, inverters, transformers, RMUs, and switchgear.
• Lead interface with DNO/IDNO/ICP, client representatives, and commissioning teams for energisation and outage planning.
• Ensure compliance with legislation and standards (e.g., Electricity at Work Regulations) and the project’s H&S requirements.
• Support construction-to-commissioning transition: review RAMS, ensure competence of personnel, and coordinate safe access.
• Participate in incident/near-miss investigations and drive corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate records: switching logs, permit registers, test authorisations, and handover documentation.
• Coach and supervise APs/CPs where present (Authorised Persons / Competent Persons), ensuring discipline and compliance.

Interfaces

• Project/Site Management
• Commissioning Manager & Electrical Package Leads
• DNO/IDNO/ICP / National Grid (project dependent)
• OEMs (inverters, transformers, protection relays)
• HSE and QA/QC

Essential Requirements

• Proven experience as a Senior Authorised Person on HV systems (solar PV, BESS, or substations/grid connection preferred).
• Current SAP authorisation under a recognised Safety Rules system (client/utility/ICP specific).
• Strong knowledge of HV switching, isolations, earthing, and safe access principles.
• Experience with energisation / first power / grid connection activities.
• Ability to produce and follow switching schedules and manage permit systems.
• Excellent safety leadership and communication on live sites.

Desirable

• Experience with solar PV grid connections (33kV/66kV/132kV typical, project dependent).
• Protection & control familiarity (relay testing interface, intertripping, SCADA interface).
• Experience working directly with DNO/ICP processes (outages, witness testing, compliance packs).
• HV Authorised Person (AP) background with progression to SAP on multiple projects.

Qualifications / Certifications (Project Dependent)

• Relevant electrical qualification (NVQ Level 3 / HNC / equivalent).
• HV Switching / SAP certification/authorisation evidence.
• CSCS/ECS (site access dependent).
• First Aid (desirable).
• Full UK driving licence (highly desirable).

Deliverables / Outputs

• Approved switching schedules and execution records.
• Permit registers (PTW/SFT/LOA), isolation/earthing logs.
• Safe energisation readiness support and sign-offs.
• Interface documentation with DNO/ICP and commissioning team.
• Contribution to commissioning/handover packs.

Behavioural Expectations

• Safety-first mindset and zero-compromise approach.
• Calm under pressure during outages/energisation windows.
• Strong stakeholder management (client, utility, OEM, commissioning).

Extra information

Status

Closed

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

England

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English