The Senior Authorised Person – Electrical (SAP) is responsible for the safe control of hazardous energy (COHE) for electrical systems and associated infrastructure on site. The role focuses on the implementation, management, and governance of electrical 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 electrical and mechanical Authorised Persons, vendors, client and vendor commissioning managers, and health & safety teams to ensure all electrical activities are planned, executed, and reinstated safely and compliantly.
Systems under the SAP's control may include, but are not limited to:
- High Voltage (HV) and Medium Voltage (MV) distribution systems
- Low Voltage (LV) distribution systems
- Transformers, switchgear, and protection systems
- Generators and associated synchronisation systems
- Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems
- Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
- Power Monitoring Systems (PMS)
- Building Management Systems (BMS) and Electrical Monitoring Systems (EMS)
- Emergency Power Off (EPO) systems
- Earthing and lightning protection systems
- Data centre critical power infrastructure
- Act as the Senior Authorised Person for electrical systems, managing and enforcing Global Commissioning's Safe Systems of Work.
- Implement and control electrical isolations, lock-out/tag-out (LOTO), switching operations, proving dead procedures, testing, and safe reinstatement.
- Issue, manage, suspend, and cancel Electrical Permits to Work and associated safety documentation.
- Review and approve Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS) for electrical works.
- Plan, coordinate, and supervise HV/MV/LV switching activities.
- Oversee pre-functional testing, electrical energisation, protection testing, and commissioning readiness activities.
- Attend and contribute to commissioning, coordination, and safety meetings.
- Coordinate electrical commissioning activities with mechanical, controls, and automation teams.
- Attend and support Functional Performance Testing (FPT) and Integrated Systems Testing (IST) of critical systems.
- Carry out final inspections and "white glove" reviews prior to system handover.
- Ensure compliance with site safety procedures, electrical 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 electrical teams, contractors, and subcontractors.
- Manage complex and high-risk electrical activities in live or operational environments.
- Demonstrate strong decision-making under pressure, particularly during switching operations, isolations, energisations, fault conditions, and system reinstatements.
- Promote a strong safety culture and proactive hazard identification.
- Completion of a recognised electrical trade apprenticeship or equivalent hands-on electrical qualification.
- CSCS / Safe Pass.
- SMSTS or SSSTS.
- Appropriate HV Authorised Person/Senior Authorised Person certification or demonstrable experience operating under an electrical safety rules system.
- HNC, HND, or BEng (Hons) in Electrical Engineering, Power Engineering, or Building Services Engineering.
- Certified Electrical AP/SAP training.
- IOSH Managing Safely or NEBOSH qualification.
Extensive hands-on experience with electrical power systems, plant, and equipment.
Proven expertise in electrical isolations, LOTO, switching operations, and hazardous energy control.
Strong working knowledge of:
- HV, MV, and LV power distribution systems
- Generators, synchronisation systems, and emergency power systems
- UPS systems and battery installations
- Transformers, switchgear, protection relays, and metering systems
- Electrical infrastructure associated with power generation and data centres
Sound understanding of commissioning processes and documentation (Cx Plans, FAT, SAT, IST, ITPs).
Familiarity with electrical safety rules, arc flash mitigation, and safe switching procedures.
Strong understanding of Irish, UK, and EU health, safety, and environmental legislation, including HSA requirements.
Fully proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
- Minimum of 5 years' experience in electrical commissioning, electrical operations, maintenance supervision, or as an Electrical Authorised Person / Senior Authorised Person.
- Proven ability to manage multiple contractors and coordinate complex electrical systems during commissioning and energisation activities.
- Experience operating under formal electrical safety rules within critical environments.
- Experience in data centres, power generation, pharmaceutical, utilities, renewables, offshore, or other high-hazard / critical infrastructure environments.
- Previous roles such as Electrical AP, Electrical SAP, Electrical Maintenance Supervisor, Control Room Operator, Plant Shift Leader, Lead Commissioning Engineer, or Critical Facilities Engineer.
- Experience managing HV switching programmes and critical power system energisation.
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.
Skills Required
- Recognised electrical trade apprenticeship or equivalent hands-on electrical qualification
- CSCS or Safe Pass
- SMSTS or SSSTS
- HV Authorised Person or Senior Authorised Person certification, or demonstrable experience operating under an electrical safety rules system
- Minimum five years of experience in electrical commissioning, electrical operations, maintenance supervision, or as an Electrical Authorised Person/Senior Authorised Person
- Experience managing multiple contractors and coordinating complex electrical systems during commissioning and energisation
- Experience operating under formal electrical safety rules within critical environments
- HNC, HND, or BEng in Electrical Engineering, Power Engineering, or Building Services Engineering
- Certified Electrical AP/SAP training
- IOSH Managing Safely or NEBOSH qualification
- Experience in data centres, power generation, pharmaceutical, utilities, renewables, offshore, or other high-hazard or critical-infrastructure environments
- Experience managing HV switching programmes and critical power system energisation
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
What We Do
Global Commissioning is a specialist firm providing independent commissioning management, certification, and verification services for data center projects. They operate across the UK, Europe, and South Africa, focusing on ensuring that complex data center systems are safe, compliant, and ready for operation. Their team of technical authorities applies rigorous standards to project delivery, supporting clients throughout the lifecycle of their infrastructure projects to ensure performance and reliability.
