Job Description

Senior Protection Engineer

Department: Distribution

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Guernsey

Reporting To: Team Lead

To oversee, deliver, advise and manage various operations associated with the electricity transmission and distribution system for Guernsey Electricity. This includes construction, operation and maintenance works associated with the entire electricity supply network and all associated assets owned by the company. The post holder will be responsible for delivering excellent service and be a sound communicator.

Key Responsibilities

1. As the Senior Protection Engineer this role is directly accountable for the operation of the Protection sub-function within the Distribution Department. Managing and delivering the distribution network protection programme including inspections, defects, monitoring, replacement, and enhancements. Whilst acting as a key support to the Engineering Team Lead and the other Senior Engineers including cover during absences.

2. Control and carry out High and Medium voltage switching and make safe apparatus for the issue and cancelling of safety documents.

3. Monitoring maintenance activities and look at new processes and technologies including reporting and forecasting for BLT.

4. The post holder will be expected to approve and manage planned and unplanned switching programmes.

5. Carry out fault finding, investigation, repairs and modifications to the conveyance and supply systems to ensure reliability of all equipment.

6. Contributes to the Company’s business planning.

7. Works closely with Distribution, Generation and Assets to ensure that transmission and distribution equipment is specified, maintained, and operated effectively and to develop effective long-term management of company network assets.

8. Be aware of and comply with local legislation, specifically related to Health & Safety, Equal Opportunities and Data Protection.

9. To promote high standards of risk assessment and effectively manage risks within distribution work by creating a risk management culture and implementing effective controls into day-to-day activities.

10. Advise on electrical design schemes for substation replacement and distribution network upgrades.

11. Participate in a compulsory formal standby rota.

12. Has a high level of Health & Safety responsibility and works within the company’s Health and Safety policies and procedures, also supervises and coaches on-site staff in Health and Safety matters.

13. Communicate with customers, developers, contractors, local authorities, and legal professionals for the purpose of projects, outages, and road works.

14. Acting as an embedded asset manager for the specific field of work. To support the Asset Management Lead.

15. Good understanding of distribution protection systems.

16. The role has responsibility for managing a team, acting as a mentor and inspirational leader that will motivate others and contribute to the development of the team. Including training plans, regular progress reviews and support.

17. Maintain accurate documentation, relay setting files, and commissioning records.

18. Demonstrate the core values and behaviours of Guernsey Electricity Limited.

The Senior Protection Engineer will provide technical leadership and management for the specification, design, settings, commissioning, assurance, and lifecycle management of protection and control schemes on the distribution network.

The Senior Protection Engineer is engaged in the delivery of the Distribution maintenance programme and technical support for operations associated with the electricity networks owned and operated by GEL. This includes construction, maintenance and operation of installed network plant and apparatus including all network LV, MV and HV cabling systems and protection systems.

The Senior Protection Engineer will advise on the safe, reliable, and continuous availability of electrical plant and machinery on all electricity supply systems. He/she will represent the Company in negotiations with members of the public and equipment suppliers.

The Senior Protection Engineer will support operational teams during incidents, lead investigations into protection mis‑operations, and implement corrective actions.

The Senior Protection Engineer ensures designs meet UK legislation and ENA engineering standards, supports integration of new customer and generation connections, and works closely with planning, operations, and field teams to maintain network performance and system resilience.

The Senior Protection Engineer will work closely with Distribution, Generation and Assets to ensure that transmission and distribution equipment is specified, maintained, and operated effectively and to develop effective long-term management of company network assets.

The post holder will be an Senior Authorised Person and preferably a Control Person for GEL or working towards being a Control Person.

The post holder will be flexible in approach to managing operations and will be required to also take part in engineering operational activities on HV/LV plant and equipment as required to deliver excellent service to all stakeholders.

The post holder will be required to be part of the Standby Rota system for out of hours work.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Minimum of HNC/HND in electrical and electronics or similar
• At least 5 years post training experience of the Distribution systems
• At least 5 years post training experience with Distribution protection systems
• Demonstrable experience in designing, commissioning, or maintaining protection schemes for 11kV–90kV networks.
• Expertise in setting and configuring protection relays (Siemens, ABB, Schneider, GE, or equivalent).
• Knowledge of UK DNO standards, ENA TS, G99/G100, and statutory regulations.
• Must have a formal safety qualification from a recognised institution e.g. IOSH – Managing Safely or NEBOSH
• Must be a Distribution Authorised Person (AP) under the GE Safety Rules
• Preferably a Distribution Control Person (CP), or working towards
• Must be self-motivated to agree and deliver against defined output targets.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities.
• Ability to lead, mentor, and support trainee engineers.
• High level of organisational and planning capability.
• Good business sense and an understanding of contract procedures
• Good interpersonal skills
• The post holder has a duty to keep up to date with industry practice and new technologies.
• Demonstrates a current knowledge of the functional structure of Guernsey Electricity, its mission, objectives, strategies, and critical success factors.
• Ability to communicate and manage people effectively; continually improving the performance of indirect reports by providing feedback, mentoring and coaching
• To project manage major enhancements when required to ensure time and budget targets are met.
• Excellent project management and planning experience
• An enthusiastic, co-operative and positive behaviour, with an ability to work independently and results orientated.
• Be proficient with computers and software.
• Experience in assessing detailed financial and technical data

Why join Guernsey Electricity Limited

Now is an exciting time to join Guernsey Electricity and you can play a critical role in helping Islanders transition to a more sustainable future.