Principal Contractor Site Manager

Principal Contractor Site Manager (PCSM)

Location: Ashford

Project Type: Substation Extension – National Grid Critical Infrastructure

Engagement: Contract – Inside IR35

Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00–17:00 (45 hrs/week)

Rate: £60/hour (negotiable)

Start Date: ASAP

Duration: 2–3 months initially, with strong potential extension to March–June

 

Overview:

A Principal Contractor Site Manager (PCSM) is required for an essential National Grid substation extension project in Ashford. The substation is regarded as nationally critical, supporting major energy infrastructure including Heathrow Airport.

The project is currently in the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) stage, with survey and investigative works ongoing. Due to immediate operational pressures, an additional dedicated PCSM is required to separate the site management and engineering functions currently being handled by one individual.

This is a high‑priority appointment requiring someone with strong National Grid experience, robust safety leadership, and in‑date authorisations.

 

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as Principal Contractor Site Manager in a live, high‑voltage substation environment.
• Manage and coordinate ongoing survey works, ground investigations, and early‑phase construction activities.
• Ensure compliance with National Grid Safety Rules, CDM regulations, and internal processes.

Oversee works including:

• 4SGT replacement
• Extensive cabling (CV war cabling)
• Substation upgrade activities
• Early involvement in design discussions for the future GIS building (though not delivering the build itself).
• Lead site safety, quality, and environmental compliance.
• Manage subcontractors, logistics, permits, and work sequencing.
• Conduct and chair site meetings, including SR163 if required.
• Maintain accurate site records, RAMS reviews, and reporting.
• Support coordination with National Grid, Balfour, and internal engineering teams.

 

Required Certifications & Competencies

• All certificates must be in‑date.
• National Grid Safety Instructions (NSI) 6 & 8 – Competent Person
• Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC)
• CAT 1 & CAT 2, including Substation High Voltage (HV) module for utility excavation
• SMSTS – Site Management Safety Training Scheme
• SHEA – Safety, Health & Environmental Awareness

 

Additional Requirements

• Must pass Balfour Beatty’s SR37 assessment, based on National Grid Supplier Requirement 137.
• Candidates with prior National Grid site management experience and familiarity with SR163 meetings typically pass without difficulty.

 

Candidate Profile

• Extensive experience managing construction activities within live National Grid substations.
• Strong understanding of HV safety protocols and complex permit environments.
• Proven ability to manage multiple workstreams in early‑stage engineering and investigation projects.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Able to mobilise on short notice and step into ongoing works seamlessly.

 

About NRLv

The NRL Group connect global companies with the right people to bring engineering projects to life. Supporting contracting companies with energy transition plans and working with our clients to create a cleaner, greener future.
 
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