The Head of Technical Support & Electrical Authority is responsible for leading the Critical Power Technical Support function, providing technical leadership, engineering governance, design authority and High Voltage safety management across all business activities.
The role acts as the technical authority for the business, ensuring all engineered solutions are safe, compliant, commercially robust and operationally deliverable. Working closely with Sales, Operations, Commercial, Project Management and Engineering teams, the position supports the successful delivery of Critical Power projects across data centres, utilities, renewables, infrastructure, industrial and mission-critical environments.
The role is accountable for maintaining technical excellence, supporting profitable business growth, reducing project risk, driving innovation and ensuring compliance with all engineering, HV safety and regulatory requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Leadership & Governance
- Act as the senior technical authority for Critical Power operations across the UK, Ireland, Europe and the Nordics.
- Establish and maintain engineering, design and technical standards across the business.
- Lead technical governance reviews for major opportunities and projects.
- Ensure all engineered solutions comply with applicable legislation, standards, customer requirements and company procedures.
- Provide technical oversight throughout the project lifecycle from concept through to commissioning and handover.
- Develop and maintain technical policies, procedures and best practice guidance.
- Manage technical risk assessments and ensure appropriate mitigation strategies are implemented.
- Support QHSE, ISO and compliance audit activities relating to engineering and technical delivery.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives across engineering processes and technical standards.
Technical Sales Support
- Provide technical leadership on major bids, tenders and strategic opportunities.
- Conduct customer site surveys, feasibility studies and technical assessments.
- Support customer presentations, design workshops and solution reviews.
- Validate technical proposals, engineering assumptions and equipment selections.
- Review and approve system architecture, equipment configuration and delivery methodology.
- Support the sales team with technically compliant and commercially attractive solutions.
- Work closely with manufacturers and strategic partners to develop innovative customer solutions.
- Increase bid success rates through effective technical engagement and qualification.
Engineering Design & Delivery Support
- Oversee the production of preliminary and detailed design packages.
- Review and approve technical drawings, calculations and engineering documentation.
- Ensure all systems are designed to meet operational, maintenance and customer requirements.
- Support operational teams during mobilisation, installation, commissioning and demobilisation activities.
- Provide technical guidance during complex installations and major project delivery.
- Lead technical problem solving and fault investigation activities.
- Ensure technical lessons learned are captured and implemented across future projects.
- Work closely with Project Managers and Operations teams to ensure successful delivery of complex projects.
High Voltage Authorised Person (HVAP) & Electrical Safety Management
- Act as the business lead for High Voltage safety, governance and operational compliance.
- Hold HVAP responsibilities or provide management oversight of the company's HVAP framework.
- Develop, maintain and implement High Voltage Safety Rules and associated procedures.
- Ensure compliance with Electricity at Work Regulations and all applicable electrical safety legislation.
- Review and approve switching schedules, permit-to-work documentation and isolation plans.
- Authorise and oversee HV switching, energisation and de-energisation activities.
- Provide technical authority for commissioning and energisation of HV and LV systems.
- Lead electrical risk assessments and ensure robust control measures are implemented.
- Conduct audits of High Voltage activities and contractor compliance.
- Manage relationships with DNOs, IDNOs, ICPs, utility providers and customer electrical authorities.
- Investigate electrical incidents and ensure corrective actions are implemented.
- Maintain competency frameworks, authorisations and training programmes for personnel involved in HV operations.
- Ensure safe delivery of electrical works across all project environments including data centres, utilities and industrial facilities.
What can we offer you in return? You’ll be joining a highly successful company, the UK’s largest equipment rental provider. We provide an Industry leading flexible rewards package including generous holiday allowance (with the opportunity to buy and sell annual leave), life assurance, retail discount scheme, employee recognition awards and a great Company pension scheme.
If you join the team we’ll provide you with everything you need and ensure you are equipped for success. We’ll talk to you about your training and personal development needs and what you’d like to do to further your career and support your future aspirations.
To be considered for the role, we’re looking for someone who has the following:
Essential
- Degree, HNC/HND or equivalent qualification in Electrical Engineering or related discipline.
- Significant experience within Critical Power, Power Generation, Data Centres, Utilities or Electrical Infrastructure sectors.
- Proven experience leading technical, engineering or support teams.
- Strong working knowledge of:
- LV & HV electrical systems
- UPS systems
- Loadbanks
- Generator systems
- Synchronisation systems
- Power distribution
- Energy storage systems (BESS)
- Data centre commissioning
- Authorised Person (AP), Senior Authorised Person (SAP) or HVAP qualification.
- Experience supporting technical sales and major project delivery.
- Strong understanding of engineering risk management and compliance.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
Desirable
- Chartered Engineer status or working towards professional registration.
- Experience operating across multiple European countries.
- Experience within mission-critical and data centre environments.
- Knowledge of grid-connected power systems and renewable energy infrastructure.
Sunbelt Rentals is the leader in equipment rentals in the UK, Ireland, US and Canada - as well as specialist operations in Europe. We provide a range of solutions to every market and sector, including construction, industrial, energy, infrastructure, government and events. Our teams make the impossible possible and the unthinkable doable. Turning what if into what is.
Our people are at the heart of our values and they’re our greatest asset. We rely on you to look after our customers so in return, we take good care of you. We recognise the value and uniqueness of our team-mates and are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive Sunbelt Rentals, providing equality of opportunity and a culture of fairness and respect.
Your health, safety and wellbeing is really important to us. We’re raising awareness and providing support through initiatives such as our mental health awareness campaign and first-aider programme. You’ll also be able to access a 24-7 employee assistance helpline, counselling services and financial wellbeing support.
