Senior Authorised Person - Mechanical

Role Overview

The Senior Authorised Person – Mechanical (SAP) is responsible for the safe control of hazardous energy (COHE) for mechanical and electro‑mechanical systems on site. The role focuses on the implementation, management, and governance of mechanical Safe Systems of Work (SSoW) across complex, high‑risk environments such as data centres and multi‑fuel power generation facilities.

The SAP will coordinate closely with mechanical and electrical Authorised Persons, vendors, client and vendor commissioning managers, and health & safety teams to ensure all mechanical activities are planned, executed, and reinstated safely and compliantly.

• Multi‑fuel generating plant
• Diesel fire pumps and sprinkler systems
• Fuel oil, lubricating oil, oily water, and urea systems
• Treated water and compressed air systems
• Cooling systems (HVAC, chilled water)
• Exhaust and air inlet/outlet systems
• Fire suppression systems
• Natural gas systems

• Act as the Senior Authorised Person for mechanical systems, managing and enforcing Global Commissioning’s Safe Systems of Work.
• Implement and control mechanical isolations, lock‑out/tag‑out (LOTO), drain‑downs, pressure relief, testing, and safe reinstatement.
• Issue, manage, suspend, and cancel mechanical Permits to Work and associated safety documentation.
• Review and approve Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS) for mechanical works.
• Oversee pre‑functional testing, pressure testing, flushing, chemical cleaning, and commissioning readiness activities.
• Attend and contribute to commissioning, coordination, and safety meetings.
• Coordinate mechanical commissioning activities with electrical and controls teams.
• Attend and support Functional Performance Testing (FPT) of critical systems.
• Carry out final inspections and “white glove” reviews prior to system handover.
• Ensure compliance with site safety procedures, mechanical standards, and applicable legislation.
• Maintain effective communication between contractors, vendors, and client stakeholders.
• Support incident response, emergency situations, and high‑risk operations when required.

• Provide leadership and supervision to mechanical teams, contractors, and subcontractors.
• Manage complex and high‑risk mechanical activities in live or operational environments.
• Demonstrate strong decision‑making under pressure, particularly during isolations, reinstatements, and fault conditions.
• Promote a strong safety culture and proactive hazard identification.

• Essential - Completion of a recognised mechanical trade apprenticeship or equivalent hands‑on mechanical qualification.
  
  - CSCS / Safe Pass.
  
  - SMSTS or SSSTS.
• Desirable - HNC, HND, or BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering or Building Services Engineering.
  
  - Certified Mechanical AP/SAP training.

• Extensive hands‑on experience with industrial mechanical plant, systems, and equipment.
• Proven expertise in mechanical isolations, LOTO, and hazardous energy control.
• Strong working knowledge of:
  • HVAC and cooling systems
  • Natural gas and fuel oil systems
  • Pressure systems and rotating equipment
  • Mechanical plant associated with power generation and data centres
• Sound understanding of commissioning processes and documentation (Cx Plans, FAT, SAT, ITPs).
• Familiarity with ATEX and DSEAR regulations.
• Strong understanding of Irish, UK, and EU health, safety, and environmental legislation, including HSA requirements.
• Fully proficient in Microsoft Office applications.

Essential

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in mechanical commissioning, maintenance supervision, or as a Mechanical Authorised Person / Senior Authorised Person.
• Proven ability to manage multiple contractors and coordinate complex mechanical systems during commissioning.

Desirable

• Experience in data centres, power generation, pharmaceutical, offshore, or other high‑hazard / critical infrastructure environments.
• Previous roles such as Mechanical AP, Mechanical Maintenance Supervisor, Plant Shift Leader, or Lead Commissioning Engineer.

Global Commissioning is committed to developing its people. We will fully support candidates with the potential to grow into or strengthen this role through further education, CPD, mentoring, and structured training pathways.