In this guide you will find the top 9 roles in the UK power sector.

You’ve probably heard whispers that the UK power sector is hiring like crazy and you want the inside track.

The rumours are true.

Britain is racing to decarbonise and keep the lights on.

That means building, a lot.

Energy-from-waste plants already process 16.8 million tonnes of rubbish each year, with more than four million extra tonnes of capacity in late-stage development. Gas turbines and industrial CHP schemes are popping up nationwide to back up record renewable generation and cut industrial heat emissions.

All that kit needs people.

Energy & Utility Skills reckons the industry must add 150,000 heads by 2030, an eighty-three per cent jump. CIWM says resources and waste will want another 200,000 by 2040.

Translation:

Employers are scrambling for talent right now, across every stage from EPC through to long-term operations.

So I did the digging for you.

In this guide you will find the nine permanent roles hiring managers lose sleep over, why demand for each one is exploding, and exactly what skills and salaries you will need to land them.

1. Project Manager – EfW (Energy from Waste)

Why demand is high

The UK is investing in new EfW facilities and other low-carbon projects, driving a surge in demand for experienced project managers to lead complex builds.

With multiple EfW plants in planning and construction, the project pipeline is strong – residual waste processed by EfW rose 4.3% in 2024 (16.8 million tonnes at 63 plants) with +4.85 million tonnes of capacity in late-stage development.

These factors, coupled with a nationwide shortage of engineering project talent, mean rising salaries and competition for skilled project managers (Energy & Utility Skills Partnership, 2024).

Core responsibilities for Project Managers in Power Generation:

Oversee planning, design, and construction of new power plants (budget, schedule, quality)
Coordinate EPC teams, contractors, and suppliers to meet technical and environmental standards
Manage project risks, stakeholder communication, and commissioning to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery

Essential skills and certifications for Project Managers:

Project management expertise – proven track record on large energy/infrastructure projects (Prince2 or APM certification valued)
Engineering background – degree in mechanical, electrical, or chemical engineering; understanding of power plant systems
Regulatory knowledge – familiar with UK environmental permitting and HSE regulations for construction (CDM, planning consents)

Typical salary range for Project Managers (UK-wide): Experienced Project Managers within the Power sector typically earn £60,000–£80,000, often with performance bonuses.

2. Commissioning Engineer – CCGT (Combined Cycle Gas Turbine)

Why demand is high

Commissioning engineers are critical for bringing new power stations and major upgrades online, yet they are in short supply.

This role has been on the UK’s official Shortage Occupation List for years, indicating chronic talent scarcity and prolonged hiring times.

In the past 12 months, multiple CCGT, OCGT, and CHP projects (including grid stability schemes and efficiency upgrades) have created high posting volumes for commissioning specialists.

Employers are responding with notable salary increases – e.g. CCGT commissioning roles often pay £45–60k (above industry averages) to attract talent.

Strong future sector growth is also a factor: national projections show power engineering roles expanding significantly this decade.

Core responsibilities of Commissioning Engineers in the Power Sector:

Develop and execute commissioning plans for gas turbines, HRSGs (Heat Recovery Steam Generators), and balance-of-plant systems
Test and calibrate control systems, protection devices, and safety interlocks to verify performance and compliance
Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues during startup, and hand over a fully operational plant to the operations team

Essential skills and certifications for Commissioning Engineers in the Power Sector:

Technical engineering skills – degree or HND in electrical/mechanical engineering; deep knowledge of CCGT systems and instrumentation
Certification & safety – Qualified Commissioning Engineer status; ECS or COMPEX (for hazardous areas) and IOSH/NEBOSH awareness for safe energisation
Analytical & procedural ability – adept with commissioning procedures, test documentation, and grid compliance standards (e.g. National Grid codes)

Typical salary range (UK-wide): Commissioning Engineers in the UK power sector earn £45,000–£60,000 (higher with experience), reflecting a premium on this scarce skill.

3. Plant Manager – CCGT Power Station

Why demand is high

UK power stations face a leadership succession challenge as many plant managers approach retirement – about one-third of the energy workforce is over 50.

Fewer candidates possess the mix of technical, regulatory, and managerial expertise to run large CCGT or EfW facilities.

This talent gap, combined with intense pressure to improve efficiency and reliability, has led to prolonged vacancies and rising salaries for station managers.

In fact, the average power plant manager earns around £60k (with upper ranges £70k+), well above UK norms – a reflection of high demand.

Continued growth in new energy projects and O&M complexity keeps demand strong for experienced managers to steer these plants through the energy transition.

Core responsibilities:

Overall accountability for power station performance – safety, output, efficiency, and regulatory compliance
Lead and develop the operations and maintenance teams, setting strategy for training, staffing, and contractor management
Financial and asset management of the plant, including budgeting, outage planning, and capital improvements to meet business and environmental targets

Essential skills and certifications:

Extensive power generation experience – typically 10+ years in plant operations, with deep knowledge of gas turbine systems or boiler-steam cycle (for EfW/CHP)
Leadership & communication – strong people management skills; ability to coordinate across engineering, commercial, and regulatory stakeholders
Qualifications – often a degree in engineering or equivalent; IOSH/NEBOSH certification for safety leadership, and Senior Authorized Person (HV) status for grid systems is common

Typical salary range (UK-wide): ~£50,000–£70,000 annually (plus bonuses), depending on plant size and complexityuk.talent.com. Larger CCGT stations or multi-plant portfolios can offer £80k+, reflecting the high responsibility.

4. Shift Team Leader – EfW Plant

Why demand is high

The rapid expansion of EfW and biomass plants has created high demand for experienced shift leaders to run 24/7 operations.

These supervisors are the backbone of safe and efficient plant running, yet the talent pool is limited.

Many veterans from coal and older plants are retiring, and few new operators have comparable experience.

As a result, companies report talent shortages and longer hiring times for shift team leader roles.

In the past year, several new EfW facilities have come online, each requiring multiple shift teams. Employers have responded with higher pay (some EfW shift leaders now command £60k+ including shift allowances) and accelerated training programs to attract candidates.

This role is especially in demand in regions with new waste-to-energy plants (e.g. the Midlands and North West).

Core responsibilities:

Lead an operations shift team (control room and field operators) to ensure the plant meets power output and environmental targets
Make critical real-time decisions on load changes, waste feed control, and issue response, deputising as Operations Manager when needed
Enforce safety procedures and coordinate with maintenance during shift, including permit-to-work issuance and incident response management

Essential skills and certifications:

Operational expertise – strong background as a control room operator or similar, with detailed knowledge of steam turbine, boiler, and flue gas systems (EfW or power station experience)
Leadership and training – ability to supervise and train multi-skilled teams; excellent communication for shift handovers and reporting
Certifications – IOSH or NEBOSH safety certification (often required for shift supervisors); Senior Authorised Person (HV) status is a plus for managing high-voltage equipment

Typical salary range (UK-wide): £55,000–£70,000 (including shift allowances). EfW and biomass plants commonly offer packages in this range to secure experienced shift leaders, given the responsibility of the role.

5. Control Room Operator – CCGT Plant

Why demand is high

Control room operators are in short supply as the UK’s fleet of gas-fired plants and large CHP sites require round-the-clock staffing, yet fewer young operators are entering this specialised field.

With the rise of renewables, modern CCGTs must cycle on/off frequently, increasing the skill required to operate them safely and efficiently.

Employers have noted talent shortages for control room staff, especially those adept with advanced digital control systems. Over the last year, job postings for power plant operators have grown (even as overall energy hiring cooled), and salaries have seen notable growth.

Median pay for a power plant control room operator is now around £42k – often supplemented by 20–30% shift premiums.

This reflects the premium on experienced operators who can respond to grid demands and ensure compliance with strict operating procedures.

Core responsibilities:

Monitor and control all plant systems from the central control room (turbines, boilers/HRSG, generators, emissions controls)
Adjust output and operating parameters in response to grid instructions or plant conditions, maintaining stability and efficiency
Handle alarms and upsets by executing approved procedures – initiating shutdowns, start-ups, and emergency responses in coordination with field technicians

Essential skills and certifications:

Technical proficiency – thorough understanding of power plant thermodynamics and control logic; able to operate Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and SCADA interfaces
Situational awareness – strong focus and decision-making under pressure; capable of managing complex processes and multiple alarms simultaneously
Training/certification – typically trained through an apprenticeship or NVQ in power plant operations; additional certification such as BOAS (Boiler Operation Accreditation Scheme) or specific OEM simulator training is valued

Typical salary range (UK-wide): Approximately £40,000–£50,000 including shift allowance. Actual base salaries tend to be in the mid-£30k’s, with substantial uplifts for 24/7 shift work pushing total compensation into the £40k+ range.

6. Maintenance Technician – EfW (Mechanical/Electrical)

Why demand is high

High-skilled maintenance technicians are among the most in-demand roles in UK power generation.

As new EfW plants come online and older stations strive to improve reliability, there is surging demand for multi-skilled mechanical and electrical technicians to keep equipment running optimally.

However, the supply hasn’t kept up – the energy sector faces a well-documented shortage of skilled trades.

Industry surveys flag maintenance technicians as a shortage role in power, leading to prolonged hiring and rising wages for these positions.

In the past year, advertised salaries for EfW maintenance techs have risen, with typical packages from £35k up to £45k plus benefits.

Employers also report time-to-hire challenges, as competition with other industries (e.g. petrochemicals, manufacturing) for electricians and fitters intensifies.

This shortage is nation-wide, though regions with multiple new energy facilities (e.g. Yorkshire, Teesside) are particularly competitive markets for talent.

Core responsibilities:

Execute planned and reactive maintenance on plant equipment: turbines, boilers, grate/furnace systems, generators, pumps, conveyors, etc.
Diagnose faults and carry out repairs or component replacements, minimising downtime and adhering to safety and permit-to-work procedures
Perform routine inspections, calibrations, and testing on electrical systems (motors, switchgear) and instrumentation (sensors, control loops) to ensure compliance and reliability

Essential skills and certifications:

Trade qualifications – NVQ Level 3 or apprenticeship in mechanical fitting, electrical engineering or similar; 17th/18th Edition wiring certification for electrical technicians
Multidisciplinary skills – ability to work across mechanical, electrical, and C&I tasks (EfW plants value cross-skilled technicians who can troubleshoot across systems)
Safety credentials – Confined space and lifting operations training; IOSH Working Safely or equivalent; familiarity with PTW (Permit to Work) and isolation procedures is essential

Typical salary range (UK-wide): ~£35,000–£45,000 base for EfW maintenance technicians. With shift rotations or overtime, total compensation can reach £50k. (This range has grown as employers offer more to attract scarce skilled trades.)

7. EC&I Engineer – CCGT (Electrical, Control & Instrumentation Engineer)

Why demand is high

EC&I engineers, who specialise in the electrical and control systems of power plants, are in consistently high demand across CCGT, OCGT, and CHP facilities.

These professionals ensure the integration of complex instrumentation, automation (DCS/PLC), and high-voltage electrical systems – skills that are also sought in other sectors (oil & gas, renewables), leading to talent competition.

Over the last year, vacancies for EC&I roles have stayed high, with employers often citing difficulties finding candidates with both electrical engineering qualifications and hands-on control systems experience.

The skills gap is such that recruitment firms highlight EC&I Engineers as key targets for talent sourcing.

In addition, the ongoing digitalisation and retrofitting of aging gas plants (for efficiency and flexibility) are boosting demand.

As a result, salaries have shown notable growth – senior EC&I engineers in power can earn £50k+, and even mid-level roles offer competitive pay to secure the right skills.

Core responsibilities:

Design, maintenance, and fault diagnosis of electrical systems (generators, transformers, switchgear) and control systems (SCADA/DCS, PLCs) at the power station
Lead calibration and testing of instrumentation (flow, pressure, temperature sensors) and protective relays to ensure accurate control and safety interlocks
Support plant performance by implementing control logic improvements, software updates, and ensuring compliance with grid codes and electrical standards (e.g. BS 7671, IEC codes)

Essential skills and certifications:

Qualifications – Degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering or similar; or HND with extensive experience. Chartered Engineer status (CEng) is a plus for senior roles
Technical proficiency – deep knowledge of control theory and automation; experience with DCS/PLC programming (e.g. Siemens, ABB systems) and HV electrical distribution systems
Certifications – HV Authorised Person training (for switching up to 132kV) is often required; CompEx or similar for hazardous area instrumentation (especially in gas turbine sites with gas fuel systems)

Typical salary range (UK-wide): £45,000–£65,000 for EC&I engineers in power generation (higher for senior/principal roles). This reflects the premium on combined electrical and controls expertise, with many employers offering packages at the upper end to attract talent.

8. HSE Manager – Power Generation

Why demand is high

Health, Safety & Environment (HSE Managers) managers are critical in power generation, overseeing rigorous safety standards in environments with hazardous equipment and materials.

Demand for HSE professionals has remained high due to both regulatory pressures and a shortage of seasoned candidates.

Every new EfW, CHP, or gas plant project requires HSE oversight from construction through operations, and existing stations must comply with ever-tightening safety regulations.

Over the past 12 months, companies report talent shortages for HSE roles – part of the broader green skills gap – as many experienced HSE managers retire and too few new specialists have sector-specific knowledge.

High demand is evident in recruitment listings and salary trends: HSE manager roles in power often offer £40–50k to attract candidates (IOSH Jobs, 2025), and some employers now provide additional incentives (e.g. flexible working, bonus schemes) to secure talent.

The importance of this role is especially pronounced in energy-from-waste and large gas sites, where safety and environmental compliance are under close public and regulatory scrutiny.

Core responsibilities:

Develop and implement the plant’s health and safety management system – safety policies, risk assessments, and procedures (Work Permits, Lockout/Tagout, Confined Space, etc.)
Conduct regular site HSE audits and inspections; lead incident investigations and ensure corrective actions to prevent recurrences
Ensure compliance with all relevant HSE legislation (e.g. COMAH, Environmental Permits) and reporting to authorities; provide HSE training and guidance to all staff and contractors

Essential skills and certifications:

Professional qualifications – NEBOSH Diploma or NVQ Level 5 in Occupational Health & Safety (essential), and ideally IOSH Chartered Membership for senior roles
Industry knowledge – familiarity with high-hazard industry standards (e.g. process safety, ATEX directives for explosive atmospheres in gas plants, etc.); experience in power or heavy industrial sites strongly preferred
Communication and leadership – ability to promote a positive safety culture on-site, deliver training, and influence staff at all levels to follow HSE best practices

Typical salary range (UK-wide): ~£40,000–£55,000 for HSE Managers in power generation. Larger sites or multi-site roles can exceed £60k. (These roles are often permanent to ensure ongoing compliance and continuous safety improvement.)

9. Environmental Manager – EfW (Compliance & Sustainability)

Why demand is high

Environmental managers are in high demand as the power sector pushes to meet stricter environmental regulations and sustainability goals.

In EfW plants and CHP facilities, this role is crucial for compliance with emissions permits, waste handling rules, and carbon reduction initiatives.

Over the past year, multiple EfW projects have come online or entered planning, each needing an environmental compliance lead – a trend driving up job postings.

At the same time, the UK’s green agenda has spotlighted a skills gap in environmental roles: the waste and resources sector alone may need 200,000 additional workers by 2040, with environmental management competencies central to this growth.

This shortage, coupled with rising ESG expectations, has led to notable salary growth for qualified candidates.

Companies are increasingly seeking environmental managers with experience in permitting and carbon management, and offering competitive pay (~£45k and above) to secure them.

All regions with EfW or heavy industrial activity (e.g. Midlands, North East) are reporting strong demand for this skillset.

Core responsibilities:

Ensure the plant’s operations comply with all environmental regulations and permit conditions – monitoring air emissions, effluent water quality, and waste outputs
Manage environmental reporting and audits: compile emissions data, submit reports to regulators (EA/SEPA), and address any non-compliance issues with corrective action plans
Lead sustainability initiatives on site, such as improving energy efficiency, implementing waste reduction/recycling programs, and coordinating any carbon capture or offset projects for the facility

Essential skills and certifications:

Technical expertise – degree in Environmental Science/Engineering or similar; in-depth knowledge of UK environmental laws, permitting (Environmental Permitting Regulations), and ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems
Analytical skills – ability to analyse emissions monitoring data and performance trends; proficiency with environmental monitoring equipment and reporting software
Certifications – NEBOSH Environmental Management or IEMA certification is often required, demonstrating competence in managing environmental compliance and sustainability programs

Typical salary range (UK-wide): £40,000–£55,000 for Environmental Managers in EfW/CHP. This can vary with plant size and region – large metropolitan waste-to-energy facilities may offer higher ranges to attract experienced professionals.

Get in touch

You made it to the end, so you already have an edge on most.

Now comes the action part.

If you need engineers who can commission turbines, operators who keep EfW lines humming or project leaders who turn paper plans into megawatts, Astute has the network to make it happen.

Our consultants speak power sector, understand the pressure you are under and can tap talent that never hits the job boards.

Ready to stop worrying about head-count and start focusing on output?

Get in touch, tell us the gaps you need to fill and we will put the right people on your shortlist.