Technical & Grid Director

Technical & Grid Director – Renewable Energy

Location: Hybrid / Oxfordshire

Package: £Competitive Salary – circa £150k + % Substantial Bonus and package

The Role

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Technical Expert with significant grid connection experience to join our client’s dynamic project development team, with a particular focus on late stage development, moving into construction and operations of solar PV, onshore wind and BESS projects. As a Technical Lead, you will play a pivotal role in the organization, responsible for ensuring late stage development is optimised, including site design and grid connections, and overseeing technical elements specific to utility scale PV, onshore wind & BESS projects as the owner’s representative once in construction and operations.

You will work closely with the CEO, COO, and CFO, providing the engineering expertise and commercial rigour to ensure all contracts and projects are both commercially and technically best in class.

Key Responsibilities:

Grid Integration: Collaborate with project teams to develop and implement grid integration strategies for solar PV projects. Ensure compliance with grid codes, regulations, and industry standards.

System Design: Work with external consultants to manage the design and engineering of solar PV, BESS and wind systems, including grid interconnection requirements.

Grid Connection Studies: Manage grid connection studies to assess the impact of solar PV projects on the electrical grid. Analyse system performance, voltage stability, power quality, and fault ride-through capability. Propose and implement necessary solutions to address any identified issues.

Grid Applications : Prepare and submit grid applications to relevant distribution and transmission companies..

Grid Connection Agreements: Review distribution and transmission grid connection offers. Liaise with relevant distribution and transmission company on any clarifications required. Seek opportunities to advance grid connection dates, where required. Once accepted ensure stage payments and design/construction milestones are complied with

Contract Negotiation: Form part of team leading negotiations with external partners, including for grid connection, land leases, and various project-related contracts. Representing the company in procurement, construction and operations discussions with the equity partners.

Risk Assessment: Conduct thorough risk assessments for proposed contracts and agreements, identifying potential legal and financial risks in compliance with UK regulations. Develop strategies to mitigate these risks.

Grid Compliance: Stay up-to-date with relevant grid regulations in the UK renewable energy sector, ensuring that all contracts and agreements are in full compliance. Collaborate with UK-based legal counsel when necessary.

Financial Analysis & Reporting: Collaborate with finance team to assess the financial implications of contracts, analysing cost structures, revenue streams, and potential impacts on project economics within the context of solar PV, onshore wind and BESS initiatives. Provide DD documentation and information to equity partners.

Contract Documentation: Prepare, review, and maintain comprehensive contract documentation, ensuring that all parties involved are aware of their obligations and responsibilities within the UK legal framework.

Relationship Management: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders in the UK, including government agencies, utility companies, DNOs, consultants, and project partners in the solar PV, onshore wind and BESS sectors.

Contract Administration & Performance: Oversee contract administration activities within the solar PV and BESS market, including contract amendments, extensions, and terminations, ensuring compliance with UK law. Ensure all suppliers are performing to the specification of their contracts.

Qualifications:

Bachelor\’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.

Minimum of 8 years of experience in a technical role, in the renewable energy industry with a focus on renewable energy projects within the UK.

Strong understanding of UK solar PV and BESS project development and financing. Onshore wind would be a bonus.

Experience of securing and managing grid connections for renewable energy projects.

Experience of procurement and construction management for renewable energy projects.

A strong network of technology suppliers, expert consultants and DNO/TNO contacts.

Ability to adapt to evolving grid requirements and stay updated on industry trends.

Strong communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams, external stakeholders, and regulatory authorities

Demonstrated problem-solving and analytical skills.

Knowledge of UK renewable energy regulatory frameworks and policies specific to solar PV and BESS. Onshore wind a plus.