Senior (Design) Electrical Engineer

Vacancy Type

Permanent

Location

Headquarters/Hybrid

Pay Band

G

Salary

£59,798 - £65,786

Closing Date

15/12/2025, 00:00

Hours of work

Normal Office Hours

Full or Part Time

Full-Time

Weekly Hours

35

Job Purpose

The postholder shall provide support to the SPS Estates Head of Professional and Technical Services – providing strategic direction for and delivering electrical and specialist systems design advice service on behalf of Estates and Technical Services, progressing initiatives as requested. The postholder shall act as design champion and ensure that a standard suite of suitable design standards are available and kept under review, providing project specific guidance, advice and assistance in the delivery of projects with the aim to ensure the delivery of high quality outcomes; promotion of quality design in its role in contributing to the aims of the SPS and in ensuring delivery of positive outcomes for the users of the SPS buildings and estate; and co-ordinating business and design improvement initiatives, including transition to Net Zero. The job shall include maintaining contact with UK, other prison and judicial authorities, other governmental groups (Scottish and UK) and advisory organisations.

To provide technical support to Project Managers and Estates Maintenance teams on design, operation, maintenance and safety of electrical systems. Undertake inspections of installed systems and audits of working practices to ensure compliance with statutory requirements and ensure safe operating conditions are maintained.

To provide specialist knowledge and experience to ensure SPS remains compliant across its Low and High Voltage networks

Responsibilities

Strategy – Inputting into development plans, option and feasibility studies, research and investigations to develop strategic and/or specific responses to Estates business needs.

Resource Management - Overseeing the provision of an internally resourced design service in support of business cases, new developments, initiatives and minor projects. Undertaking the management of any external consultants appointed to provide design or other professional services; directing design commissions in support of projects where appropriate; and overseeing the direct appointment and management of consultants for specific appointments and tasks. Line Management of Specialist Systems Engineer (Building Services).

Design Standards – developing and maintaining the set of SPS Estates Design Standards including specialist systems and specifications. Using a continuous improvement process and gathering data from a number of sources and, working with other Estates specialists, maintaining the standards up to date reflecting SPS requirements and best practice; disseminating information as required regarding content and use of standards; and initiating the development of new standards as required.

Project Assistance – Tailoring design standards to meet specific project needs - Inputting into initial stages of projects at business case and feasibility stages; assisting appointed Project Sponsors and Project Managers throughout design stages, attending design meetings as required; advising on design needs and co-ordination, assessing design outputs and deliverables, assisting in the preparation of tender documentation, tender / proposal evaluation and providing continual assistance through construction and handover / commissioning stages, in regards to design and installation issues.

Maintenance Support – In support of Area Maintenance Managers, local and HQ maintenance teams, the post holder shall provide a specialist advice service to ensure maintenance regimes are appropriate and compliant; provide advice on defects or failures; assist in the development of maintenance specifications; ensuring surveys, tests and checks are undertaken to ensure that installed systems meet statutory requirements and comply with industry standards; undertake periodic audits of maintenance systems and records.

Specialist knowledge – Knowledge and experience to ensure SPS remains compliant, specifically relating to its High and Low Voltage networks, as well as developing specialist Electrical and Specialist Systems knowledge of the SPS estate for input into FOI's, investigations and enquiries as well as supporting Climate Change Team with delivery of Net Zero and degasification of establishments. Maintaining expert knowledge of Scottish Government strategies and policies relating to the built environment, planning and construction, building standards and related statutory legislation. Developing contacts with other SG or UK governmental organisations including MOJ/NOMS/Home Office, HMPS, NIPS, police and other security or custody related organisations. In addition, initiating trials of new products and providing investigation reports.

Person Specification

SPS recruitment and selection practice is based on the fundamentals of our Competencies for Success Framework. This identifies behaviours and standards required both of applicants seeking to join us, and our staff in their respective roles. Assessment of specific behaviours, of which there are eight, will be determined by the role you are applying for. Whilst it is unlikely you will be assessed on all of them, you will be assessed on those identified as key to role.

Qualification Requirements

Degree level qualification in a relevant Electrical discipline. (Essential)

Member of a relevant professional body. (Essential)

Knowledge, Skills and Experience Requirements

Design - Comprehensive experience of Electrical Systems design, design management and process, specifically related to significant building infrastructure projects. Demonstrating your ability to negotiate with and positively influence others to achieve desired project outputs and deliverables. (Essential)

Strategy - Experience in undertaking, researching and developing strategic and/or specific responses to an estates business needs. (Essential)

Specialist Knowledge - Specialist knowledge and experience to undertake the role of 'Senior Authorised Person', qualified to authorize the switching and isolation of High Voltage networks OR Specialist knowledge and experience, to ensure SPS's remains compliant across its High Voltage network. (Essential)

Design Standards - Experience of defining and setting technical standards and monitoring performance, progress and delivery, initiating corrective actions and improvements as required. (Desirable)

Behaviour Requirements

Relationships & Collaboration

Listen & Communicate

Plan & Organise

Selection method 1

Presentation

Selection method 2

Interview