Client Representative - Cable/Drilling

Client Representative – HDD Cable Projects

Department: Project Delivery / Construction Oversight
Reports To: Project Manager / Construction Manager
Location: On-site (Field-based, Fully Onshore)
Employment Type: Full-time / Contract
Rotation: 4 on 4 off (2 representatives per rotation for 24-hour coverage)

Project Timeline
Project 1: April start (4 representatives required)
Project 2: June start (4 representatives required)
Duration: 4 – 6 months

About the Role
The Client Representative serves as the on-site delegated authority for the client, ensuring Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) cable installation activities are executed safely, to specification, on schedule, and in full compliance with contractual, environmental, and regulatory requirements. This is an oversight and assurance role focused on coordination, verification, and quality leadership—not hands-on operation.

Key Responsibilities
Technical Oversight & Quality Assurance

• Monitor HDD operations including pilot hole drilling, steering, reaming, and pullback activities
• Validate bore path design, allowable bend radii, and geotechnical suitability
• Review and approve method statements, execution plans, and risk assessments
• Oversee cable pull calculations, tensile limits, and sidewall pressure compliance
• Ensure proper duct installation, conduit integrity checks, swabbing, mandrel testing, and proofing
• Interface between HDD works and electrical cable installation teams

HSE Leadership & Compliance

• Enforce client HSE expectations and foster a strong site safety culture
• Manage permit-to-work systems, site inductions, toolbox talks, and Safe Job Analysis (SJA)
• Identify hazards specific to HDD: high pull operations, drilling fluid management, pipe handling, confined space, and pressure systems
• Oversee environmental controls: drilling fluid containment, spill response, waste management, and watercourse protection
• Manage Inadvertent Fluid Release (IFR/frac-out) incidents and mitigation strategies
• Ensure compliance with land access permits, environmental regulations, and utility guidelines

Project & Contract Management

• Monitor contractor performance against method statements, risk assessments, and daily progress plans
• Track critical path activities and schedule adherence
• Identify deviations from specification and authority to escalate or stop work when required
• Produce daily reports on meterage drilled, drilling parameters, issues, risks, incidents, and equipment downtime

Stakeholder Management

• Serve as primary on-site liaison between client, contractor, landowners, environmental regulators, and cable installation teams
• Translate complex technical issues for non-technical audiences
• Resolve conflicts between contractor crews and client expectations professionally and effectively

Required Competencies
HDD Technical Knowledge: Pilot hole drilling, steering, reaming, pullback; drilling fluids and recycling systems; bore tracking systems (Walkover, Gyro, Wireline); HDD failure modes (lost circulation, frac-outs, stuck pipe, over-pull)
Geotechnical Understanding: Interpret geotechnical reports, soil logs, ground conditions, rock strength; survey data and as-built requirements
Quality Assurance: Pre/post-reaming logs, drilling fluid logs, pullback records, alignment reports; standards compliance (UKSTT, EN 16228, DCA, API RP 13, ASTM F1962, NASTT)
Safety & Environment: HSE certification, hazard recognition, spill response, IFR management
Project Management: Contractor oversight, progress monitoring, schedule awareness, technical documentation review

Qualifications & Experience
Education

• Degree or diploma in Engineering, Construction, Telecommunications, or related technical field

Certifications (Required/Preferred)

• IOSH Managing Safely or NEBOSH General Certificate (or equivalent HSE certification)
• NASTT HDD Good Practices or industry-recognized HDD training
• Confined Space certification (site-dependent)
• Lifting Operations certification (site-dependent)
• First Aid certification (site-dependent)

Experience

• 3–5 years in HDD operations, trenchless construction oversight, or cable installation projects
• Minimum 1–2 successful HDD cable projects completed in a supervisory or client representative role

Personal Attributes
Integrity: Objective representation of client interests with unwavering ethical standards
Assertiveness: Ability to enforce requirements professionally without unnecessary escalation
Attention to Detail: Rigorous review of critical parameters and documentation
Decision Making: Sound judgment with clear technical justification
Adaptability: Resilience in challenging field conditions
Proactivity: Forward-thinking risk identification and mitigation

Working Conditions

• Physical Requirements: Ability to conduct site walks, work in varying weather conditions, and wear required PPE
• Schedule: 4 on 4 off rotation with 24-hour coverage provided by 2 representatives per rotation; project-driven schedule that may include extended hours or shift work to meet construction timelines