## Opportunity Review: Overhead Operational Engineer - SAP For aspiring engineers seeking to make a tangible impact within the critical UK electricity distribution network, the Overhead Operational Engineer - SAP position presents a compelling career opportunity. Reporting to the Lead Operational Engineer and based in Chatham, this permanent role offers a solid foundation for professional growth within a highly respected organisation. Key Advantages for Candidates: * Competitive Remuneration & Benefits: This role offers an attractive starting salary of £80,574, complemented by a car allowance and a 3% bonus. Beyond the base compensation, UK Power Networks provides a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and financial security. This includes a generous 25 days of annual leave (plus bank holidays), enhanced reservist leave, and a robust Personal Pension Plan with significant employer contributions (8% or 10% on personal contributions of 4% or 5%). * Diverse and Impactful Work: The core of this role lies in planning and delivering a wide range of essential projects. You'll be involved in new connections, diversions, fault location and repair, lifecycle replacement schemes, and general construction activities for electrical distribution equipment and infrastructure. This variety ensures continuous learning and exposure to different challenges within the power sector. * Career Development & Training: UK Power Networks demonstrates a commitment to employee development. The description explicitly states that "there may be an opportunity for further training to equip you" if you don't possess the full range of essential skills. This indicates a willingness to invest in your growth and potentially help you bridge any competency gaps. * Emphasis on Safety and Quality: A fundamental aspect of this role is ensuring safety management throughout all responsibilities and delivering work to high standards of quality. This commitment to best practices provides a structured and secure working environment, crucial in the operational field. * Strategic Importance: As an Overhead Operational Engineer, you'll be at the forefront of maintaining and upgrading critical infrastructure. Your contributions will directly influence the reliable supply of electricity, impacting countless individuals and businesses. * Supportive Environment: The role involves technical support to field staff, collaboration with control teams, and management of contractors, fostering a team-oriented approach. You'll also benefit from access to occupational health support, employee assistance programs, and a range of tax-efficient benefits and discounts. Key Considerations for Candidates: * Essential Qualifications & Experience: While training opportunities exist, candidates should ideally possess an HNC level qualification in Electrical Engineering or equivalent and experience in distribution systems ranging from 400v to 33kV. Preference will be given to those holding OHL Senior Authorised Person status (ideally 33kV). * Security Clearance: Successful candidates will be required to achieve full Ministry of Defence Security Clearance. This is a crucial requirement for the role and candidates should be aware of the process involved. * Out-of-Hours Response: The role includes a requirement for out-of-hours safety/emergency response (standby). Candidates should be prepared for this commitment. * Physical Demands & Safety: For roles involving working at height, there is an upper weight limit of 116Kg due to the maximum safe working load of safety equipment. Candidates should consider this aspect. * Customer Focus & Problem-Solving: The success of this role hinges on a high level of customer focus, the ability to identify and investigate problems, and strong analytical skills. You'll need to manage customer expectations effectively and contribute to project delivery aligned with their needs. * The SAP Element: The "SAP" in the job title refers to the Senior Authorised Person status within the Distribution Safety Rules. This signifies a high level of responsibility and requires a thorough understanding of safety procedures and network operations. This Overhead Operational Engineer - SAP position offers a rewarding career path for proactive and skilled individuals within the vital energy sector. With a strong emphasis on safety, quality, and employee development, it provides an excellent platform for those looking to contribute to a critical national infrastructure while advancing their professional journey.