Project Snapshot
Location: Normandy coast, France
Work mode: Offshore
Contract type: Contract
Start date: 1 October 2026
Duration: 21 months (until 30 June 2028)
Rotation: To be confirmed with the team
Compensation: Competitive
Right to work / visa: Right to work in the EU required; French work permit if applicable
Equipment: Computer and offshore-specific PPE provided by client; personal PPE provided by consultant
Project reference: Offshore wind farm commissioning - Normandy coast, English Channel
Client: Confidential - Offshore wind developer, Northern France
Description
About the client
An established offshore wind developer bringing one of France's largest offshore wind farms online in the English Channel off the Normandy coast. Operating as part of a consortium backed by a major European energy group, the client is responsible for the construction, commissioning, and long-term operation of a flagship renewable energy asset central to France's energy transition ambitions.
Project scope
This assignment covers the offshore commissioning phase of a large-scale wind farm located in the English Channel off the Normandy coast. The commissioning team is responsible for the sequential energisation and functional testing of all electrical systems - from inter-array cables and offshore substation equipment to individual wind turbines - ensuring compliance with project specifications, electrical safety rules, and HSE standards ahead of commercial operation and O&M handover.
Required Qualification
Role overview
The Senior Authorized Person (SAP) / Commissioning Supervisor supports the offshore wind farm commissioning team in executing safe switching operations and commissioning activities across the full electrical system, from 33kV inter-array cables to 225kV equipment. The role combines rigorous electrical safety accountability with active site coordination, documentation, and HSE compliance.
Reporting line: Reports to the Commissioning Manager; interfaces with the Control Engineer, HSE team, O&M team, and subcontractors on site.
Key responsibilities
Electrical Safety and Switching Operations
• Ensure switching activities are safely executed and fully documented in compliance with project procedures and electrical safety rules
• Prepare, review, and follow switching schedules; manage the LOTO process for isolations and de-isolations
• Energise and de-energise electrical equipment up to 225kV, including WTG switchgear and inter-array cables, within the Permit to Work system
• Coordinate de/energisation sequences with the Control Engineer and verify all isolations are correctly documented before execution
Commissioning Execution and Quality
• Follow the inter-array cable test programme and ensure electrical equipment up to 33kV is prepared for safe test execution
• Participate in commissioning tests to verify compliance with project specifications and record all switching activities
• Perform site walk-downs and condition checks on offshore substation, foundations, inter-array cables, and wind turbine equipment
• Identify and report outstanding works and quality issues; escalate technical arbitration or solution validation when required
HSE, Reporting and Site Coordination
• Ensure all work is conducted in accordance with project HSE rules, local legislation, and Employer requirements
• Attend and lead toolbox talks and asset inductions; contribute to and enforce Electrical Safety Rules on site
• Report HSE issues promptly and maintain required safety standards throughout all commissioning activities
• Take part in daily site meetings and submit end-of-shift handover reports; contribute to proactive communication between all parties
Documentation and O&M Handover
• Review, prepare, and align HSE, commissioning, and maintenance documentation to project templates
• Perform and record pre-energisation and post-energisation inspections; perform cargo operations as required
• Act as Employer on-site representative when required
• Prepare and facilitate a structured handover between the commissioning team and O&M teams
Key deliverables
• Switching schedules prepared, reviewed, and executed safely in compliance with project electrical safety rules
• LOTO processes implemented and all isolations verified and documented correctly before energisation
• Commissioning tests conducted and compliance with project specifications confirmed and recorded
• Site walk-down reports completed and outstanding quality issues raised in daily progress reporting
• End-of-shift handover reports submitted and commissioning-to-O&M handover prepared and facilitated
Requirements
Education
• Technical degree, BTS, or vocational qualification in electrical engineering - or equivalent practical background
• Electrical habilitation per NF C18-510: H2V, B2V, HC, BC, BR - mandatory
Experience
Must-have:
• Minimum 3 years' experience in offshore wind and/or electrical commissioning
• Proven hands-on experience in switching operations on electrical equipment up to 225kV, including WTG switchgear
• Experience in LOTO procedures and working within a Permit to Work system in an offshore environment
• Valid GWO certifications: 5 standard modules (BST/BOSIET, FAW, MH, FA, WAH), plus EFA and ART
• Valid offshore medical certificate
Nice-to-have:
• Experience on offshore substation (OSS) commissioning or inter-array cable HV testing
• Familiarity with SCADA systems and/or electrical protection commissioning/testing
• Previous experience on a Service Operations Vessel (SOV)
Technical skills
• Switching operations and LOTO management on MV/HV equipment up to 225kV
• Commissioning documentation, Permit to Work systems, and progress reporting
• MS Office (Word, Excel) for reporting
• SCADA and/or electrical protection commissioning/testing (desirable)
Soft skills
• Rigorous and methodical; strong attention to safety-critical procedures
• Team player; works effectively in multicultural offshore environments
• Clear communicator; able to escalate issues efficiently and coordinate across multiple parties
• Fluent English required; French highly desirable
Summary
- Normandie, France
- Freelance
- Based on experience
- Offshore