Operational Training & Workforce Development Manager (Overhead Lines)

We are seeking an experienced professional looking to transition or already have transitioned from a hands-on operational role into a leadership position focused on workforce development, operational excellence, and training delivery.

This role is ideally suited to an experienced Overhead Lines Foreman, General Foreman, Site Supervisor, or Operations Supervisor who has built a successful career delivering projects in the field and now wants to utilise their practical expertise to develop the next generation of operatives.

The successful candidate will act as the link between operations and learning & development, ensuring field teams are competent, compliant, and equipped with the skills required to safely deliver projects across the transmission and distribution sector. You will work closely with operational managers, site teams, and training providers to drive workforce capability, support career progression, and maintain industry-leading standards.

Key Responsibilities

Workforce Development & Training

• Identify operational skills gaps and competency requirements across the workforce.
• Develop and implement practical training programmes for field-based personnel.
• Support the onboarding and development of new starters, trainees, apprentices, and progressing operatives.
• Deliver or coordinate technical training, toolbox talks, mentoring programmes, and competency assessments.
• Assist in creating structured career pathways for operational staff.
• Support succession planning initiatives across operational teams.

Operational Support

• Work closely with site teams and operational managers to understand workforce requirements.
• Conduct site visits to monitor standards, identify development needs, and support best practice.
• Provide technical guidance and coaching based on operational experience.
• Support mobilisation of new projects by ensuring workforce competence and readiness.
• Assist in the development and implementation of operational procedures and standards.

Compliance & Competency Management

• Maintain workforce competency records and training matrices.
• Ensure compliance with client, industry, and company training requirements.
• Support internal and external audits relating to workforce competence.
• Monitor certification expiry dates and mandatory training compliance.
• Promote a strong safety culture throughout the business.

Apprenticeships & Early Careers

• Support apprenticeship, trainee, and development programmes.
• Act as a mentor to developing operatives and future supervisors.
• Liaise with training providers and colleges to support workforce growth.
• Help attract and retain talent within the utilities and overhead lines sector.

Continuous Improvement

• Capture operational lessons learned and integrate them into training programmes.
• Identify opportunities to improve workforce capability and performance.
• Promote best practice across all operational teams.
• Support the implementation of innovative training and development solutions.

About You

This role would suit someone who has spent their career in the field and is now looking to take the next step into an operational leadership and workforce development position.

You may currently be working as:

• Overhead Lines Foreman
• General Foreman
• OHL Supervisor
• Site Supervisor
• Operations Supervisor
• Senior Linesperson
• Team Leader
• Utilities Supervisor

You will bring significant operational experience and a genuine passion for developing people.

Essential Experience

• Extensive experience within overhead lines, utilities, transmission, distribution, power, or infrastructure projects.
• Previous experience leading site teams and managing operational activities.
• Strong understanding of workforce competence, safety, and operational standards.
• Experience mentoring, coaching, or developing operatives.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to build credibility with field-based teams through practical experience.
• Strong organisational and planning skills.

Desirable Experience

• Experience supporting apprentices, trainees, or development programmes.
• Experience delivering toolbox talks, technical briefings, or training sessions.
• Knowledge of competency management systems.
• Exposure to learning and development, workforce planning, or training coordination activities.
• Understanding of National Grid, DNO, or utility client requirements.

Qualifications

Essential

• Relevant utilities, transmission, distribution, or overhead lines qualifications.
• Full UK Driving Licence.