Technical Support Engineer

This Technical Support Engineer will report to the General Enquiries & Smart Metering Manager and will work within Network Operations based in our Maidstone office. You will be a permanent employee., To provide technical support and advice to the Schedulers and Business Support staff within the General Enquiries & Smart Metering Department at Maidstone. This will include all technical matters associated with UK Power Networks' Distribution Network with a focus on General Enquiries (Small Works) jobs including, Disconnections, Cut-out changes and Service Replacements. Liaison with internal and external customers plus partners from local government and the wider business community will form an important part of the role.

DIMENSIONS:

• Check and authorisation of jobs electronically following the Putting People to Work policy


• Check work programmes and utilisation of field teams


• Coach staff in Distribution Network Awareness including site visits


• Participation in weekly operational conference calls with local Area representatives


• Liaison with contractors, Powercare and DCD internals team


• Attend business related meetings representing the department


• Financial control of associated activities within budget giving attention to achievement reporting and unit cost control of LV activities


• Produce Risk Assessments and Method Statements


• Undertake all aspects of safety management including office inspections and behavioural exchanges


• Produce designs for jobs following site visits.


• Liaise with customers providing follow up advice


• Work with the Scheduling team to ensure prioritisation of works


• Provide technical support to the scheduling team


• Work with Field Staff Supervisors / Small Works Engineers to maximise efficiency of direct staff


• Manage own workload


• Carry out operational standby duties


PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• To safely schedule staff (direct and contractors) in the Region.


• Achieve full utilisation of the resources and updating scheduling tools or any new scheduling systems.


• Operate work management tools (NETMAP), (SAP) and PC systems to assist with the issuing and completion of work.


• Provide regular feedback to the Field Engineers and Field Staff Supervisors.


• Take and resolve telephone queries from internal and external customers.


• Liaise with other Directorates to ensure working at the Regional Office.


• Help investigate customer complaints.


• Record and co-ordinate Electricity Guaranteed Standards.


• Record annual leave and other absence.


• Liaison with Local Authorities regarding NRSWA and Section 74 issues.


• Liaise with contactors to ensure compliance with section 74 of the New Roads and Street Works Act.


• To work as a team with other Delivery & Business Services Administrators, Field Staff Supervisors and Field Engineers to ensure staff are scheduled and utilised.


• Ensure compliance with procedures.


• Carry out a storm role during emergencies.
  
  BTEC Level 3 National Certificate in Electrical/Electronic Engineering or higher.


• Asolid understanding of Overhead and Underground Low Voltage field activities is essential.


• Knowledge of the important elements of NRSWA the UKPN Streetworks activity.


• Previous operational experience on the Distribution Network, e.g. LV/HV Authorisation and working knowledge of the Distribution Safety Rules. In particular, the Identification of LV and HV underground cables.


• Work as part of a team.


• Organise own workload and that of the field staff.


• An understanding of basic financial procedures including Income and Cost Analysis plus Budget preparation and monitoring.


• Good level PC literacy, and use a variety of systems.


• Team working - The ability to work co-operatively with others to achieve shared goals and improve the contribution of all members of the team.


• Flexible attitude to work and working hours.


• Work with other staff and other teams within UK Power Networks and external partners.
  
  You will attract a salary of £51,245 per annum (Dependant on experience) and a bonus of 3%.


Close Date: 2nd May 2024.

We also provide the following additional benefits

• Annual Leave


• Personal Pension Plan - Personal contribution rates of 4% or 5% (UK Power Networks will make a corresponding contribution of 8% or 10%)


• Tenancy Loan Deposit scheme


• Tax efficient benefits: cycle to work scheme


• Season ticket loan


• Occupational Health support


• Switched On - scheme providing discount on hundreds of retailers products.


• Discounted access to sports and social clubs


• Employee Assistance Programme.