Sector: Power Utilities (Civils)
Job Overview
Petroff Ltd is a fast‑growing civils contractor with big ambitions in the power utilities sector. We’ve built our reputation delivering complex, high‑volume telecoms civils across the UK – and we’re now investing heavily to become a key delivery partner for DNO/IDNO clients.
To make that step properly, we’re looking for a Project Manager who genuinely knows power utility work and can help us “do it right first time” – technically, commercially and safely.
The opportunity
This is a senior, hands‑on role where you will have real influence from day one. You will:
- Lead the delivery of new power utility civils projects (predominantly LV/HV and EV‑related works) from award through to completion.
- Act as both Project Manager and Quantity Surveyor, owning the commercial performance of your projects – from tender review and cost build‑up, through change control, to final account.
- Be Petroff’s in‑house power utilities expert, helping shape our standards, procedures and delivery model as we scale with DNO/IDNO and other clients.
If you like the idea of joining a business early in its utilities journey – where your knowledge will actually set the benchmark – this is exactly that role.
Duties:
- Taking full responsibility for allocated projects – safety, time, cost, quality and client satisfaction.
- Interpreting DNO specifications and drawings (UKPN / SSEN / NGED or similar) and translating them into clear scopes and buildable plans for our civils teams.
- Surveying projects, building BoQ/BoM requirements and pricing accordingly
- Building realistic programmes, labour/plant/resource plans and tracking progress against them.
- Producing and managing cost plans, valuations and forecasts:
- Reviewing enquiries and tender packs from DNO/IDNO and others.
- Building rates and prices from first principles where needed.
- Managing change, early warnings and compensation events.
- Protecting margin while maintaining long‑term client relationships.
- Owning the commercial reporting for your jobs – CVRs, earned value, cost to complete, final accounts.
- Driving a strong safety culture on site, with particular focus on power‑related risks:
- Safe excavation around LV/HV apparatus.
- Compliance with DNO procedures, CDM and relevant legislation.
- Reviewing and contributing to RAMS, permits and method statements.
- Working closely with supervisors, foremen and gangs – many from a telecoms background – to lift standards and embed power‑sector best practice.
- Acting as the main point of contact for the client’s PMs, planners, QSs and engineers, always representing Petroff professionally.
Requirements
We’re looking for someone who is confident in their knowledge of power utilities and comfortable taking real ownership.
You will need:
- Solid experience delivering power utility projects in the UK – ideally civils works associated with LV/HV cables, substations, connections or EV charging infrastructure.
- Direct exposure to at least one major network area – UK Power Networks, Scottish & Southern (SSEN), National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) or similar.
- Strong commercial skills: you might currently be a PM with QS responsibilities, or a QS who has moved into PM, but you must be comfortable with cost build‑up, valuations, change control and final accounts.
- Good working knowledge of H&S in a power environment – safe digging practices, DNO procedures, permits to dig, CDM duties, and how to manage risk on the ground.
- The ability to read and challenge drawings, specifications and programmes – and turn them into clear instructions for site teams.
- Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills – you’ll be just as comfortable in front of a gang of operatives as you are in a client progress meeting.
Nice to have (but not essential):
- Time served in the field – for example as a site engineer, supervisor, or civils operative on utility jobs before moving into management.
- Experience leading or mentoring teams who are transitioning from telecoms or other civils sectors into power.
Qualifications (flexible, but any of the below would be beneficial):
- HNC/HND/Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or similar.
- SMSTS/SSSTS, NRSWA, IOSH/NEBOSH or other relevant safety qualifications.
- DNO or ICP‑specific authorisations or training
Salary
Highly competitive, fully negotiable for the right person.
Why join Petroff?
- Real influence: you won’t just inherit a system – you’ll help design how Petroff delivers power utility work as we grow this part of the business.
- Varied work: a mix of EV, LV, HV and associated civils projects, primarily for DNO/IDNO but with scope to expand to other clients.
- Supportive environment: you’ll work closely with an experienced civils leadership team who know how to deliver at scale and are serious about doing utilities properly.
- Hybrid working: office‑based in Staines‑upon‑Thames with flexibility to work from home part of the week and regular site visits as required.
- Package that reflects your value: salary is fully negotiable for the right person, with a package aligned to your experience and the impact you can bring.
How to apply
If you’re an experienced power utilities professional who wants to help build something, not just manage it, we’d really like to hear from you.
Please apply via Indeed with:
- Your CV; and
- A short covering note outlining your experience with UKPN / SSEN / NGED (or similar), your commercial responsibilities to date, and your current notice period.
- Please send all EOI with accompanying CV to [email protected]
All applications will be treated in strict confidence.
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Staines-Upon-Thames
