Senior Commissioning Manager - Electrical; Substation

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Commissioning Manager with a strong electrical background to lead and manage commissioning activities across a mission critical data centre and associated high voltage substation. You will oversee the full commissioning lifecycle from planning and readiness reviews through energisation, integrated systems testing and operational handover. This role requires technical authority, leadership and the ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders in a live, safety-critical environment.

• Lead development and implementation of the overall commissioning strategy across data centre and substation infrastructure
• Manage commissioning activities for HV/MV electrical systems including switch gear, transformers, protection systems, UPS, generators and distribution networks
• Coordinate energisation planning, switching procedures and utility interface requirements
• Oversee Level 1–5 commissioning processes including FAT, SAT, pre-functional testing, functional testing and integrated systems testing (IST)
• Chair commissioning readiness reviews ensuring construction completion and documentation quality meet entry criteria
• Direct specialist vendors, contractors and commissioning engineers to deliver testing safely and to programme
• Ensure compliance with electrical standards, commissioning specifications and safety regulations
• Manage risk during energisation and live testing activities including lock-out/tag-out and permit procedures
• Track and resolve defects, snags and system integration issues through to closure
• Provide reporting on commissioning progress, risks and operational readiness to senior stakeholders
• Coordinate handover to operations teams including training, O&M manuals and final documentation
• Align commissioning milestones with overall project programme and data centre operational readiness targets
• Promote a strong safety culture throughout all testing and energisation activities

• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Building Services Engineering or related discipline
• Minimum 10+ years’ experience commissioning mission-critical electrical infrastructure
• Strong understanding of HV/MV systems, protection coordination, generators, UPS and critical power distribution
• Experience commissioning substations and data centres or similar critical environments
• Familiarity with Level 1–5 commissioning methodology and integrated systems testing
• Strong stakeholder coordination skills across client, contractors, vendors and utilities
• Experience working within structured project frameworks and contract environments (FIDIC, NEC or similar)
• Excellent problem-solving, leadership and communication skills
• Proficient in commissioning documentation and reporting systems
• Professional certification or commissioning accreditation desirable