At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and optimise Battery Energy Storage Systems and High Voltage infrastructure.
- Company: Join Downing, a fast-growing investment manager focused on impactful investments.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic team environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities to travel and represent the company.
- Why this job: Be part of the renewable energy revolution and make a real difference.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in asset management or technical energy roles, strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
About Downing
Downing is a fast-growing, entrepreneurial, responsible investment manager with headquarters in central London. We believe a great investment opportunity isn’t just financial - it’s a chance to invest in things that matter: our environment, our health, our society, our communities, and our economy. This aligns with our B CORP status. Our ability to adapt and innovate to create products for our investors is key to our growth and success, and our core values are vital to everything we do - from the businesses we invest in to the people we hire.
About the team
The Solar and Storage team is a dynamic and diverse group of professionals dedicated to advancing renewable energy solutions. The team includes asset management experts, investment specialists, and technical professionals who work together to optimize the performance and growth of our solar and storage assets. Our team members are located in key offices in London, Glasgow, and Stockholm, fostering a collaborative environment that leverages a wide range of expertise and perspectives.
Role and responsibilities
We are seeking a proactive and detail‑oriented Portfolio Executive (Energy) to join our Energy Transition team. Reporting to the Portfolio Lead, the successful candidate will support the management, optimisation, and compliance of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and High Voltage (HV) grid infrastructure, including shunt reactors. This role requires strong organisational skills, technical understanding, and the ability to collaborate across multiple internal and external stakeholders.
- Portfolio Performance & Asset Management:
- Work closely with Technical Asset Managers (TAMs) to ensure optimal performance and maintenance of BESS and HV assets.
- Oversee Long-Term Service Agreements (LTSAs) with OEMs, ensuring contractual compliance and continuous improvement.
- Monitor asset performance, analyse KPIs, and identify optimisation opportunities.
- Participate in technical due diligence for new acquisitions and support onboarding into internal systems.
- Contribute to lifecycle planning, reinvestment prioritisation and long‑term asset strategy.
- Support budget tracking and cost efficiency analysis for asset-level OPEX and CAPEX.
- Oversee refurbishment projects and ensure all procurement governance requirements are met.
- Monitor regulatory and market developments relevant to BESS and HV assets and provide input into strategic asset planning.
- Prepare and contribute to internal asset performance reports, including monthly dashboards, board papers, and investor updates.
- Support external reporting obligations, including lender reporting, Capacity Market submissions, Grid Code compliance documents, and technical summaries.
- Stakeholder Relationships:
- Maintain strong working relationships with OEMs, contractors, DNOs/TSOs, and internal teams.
- Support external and internal stakeholder communication, ensuring transparent and timely updates.
- Conduct site visits to oversee asset condition, contractor activities, and operational performance.
- Act as a reliable point of contact for queries related to BESS and HV asset performance.
- Operations & compliance Support:
- Manage operations and maintenance (O&M) agreements, monitoring both financial and non‑financial KPIs.
- Oversee National Grid compliance obligations, including Grid Code requirements, operational notifications, and Capacity Market commitments.
- Support safety, environmental and regulatory compliance across all assets.
- Contribute to incident tracking, contractor coordination, and issue resolution.
- Support reporting processes, governance meetings, and internal performance reviews.
- Identify and escalate operational, technical, or compliance risks, ensuring accurate updates to asset risk registers.
- Additional Responsibilities:
- Support the development and improvement of internal management systems and reporting tools.
- Participate in wider digitalisation and efficiency initiatives across the Energy Transition portfolio.
- Occasionally travel to asset sites, OEM facilities, and contractor offices.
- Represent the team at workshops, conferences, and company events.
- Act as an ambassador for Downing, demonstrating professionalism, integrity, and alignment with company values.
Education, experience and skills
The ideal candidate will have the following:
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in asset management or a technical energy‑sector role, ideally with exposure to BESS, Gas Peakers, Renewables, HV Infrastructure 400KV/132KV, or DNO/TSO operations.
- Broad understanding of the power value chain, including TAM and OEM interactions.
- Strong negotiation, interpersonal, and communication skills.
- High attention to detail with the ability to balance strategic priorities and day‑to‑day operational tasks.
- Proficiency in English and competence with digital tools and asset management systems.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multi‑site team.
Non-essential but desirable attributes:
- Technical awareness of HV equipment or grid‑connected assets.
- Experience in asset management, Operations & Maintenance (O&M) oversight, or engineering roles in the energy transition.
- Familiarity with monitoring systems, SCADA alarms, or Capacity Market operations.
Portfolio Executive - BESS High Voltage in Nottingham employer: Downing
Downing is an exceptional employer that champions a collaborative and innovative work culture, particularly within the dynamic Solar and Storage team based in London. Employees benefit from a strong commitment to professional growth, with opportunities to engage in meaningful projects that contribute to renewable energy solutions, all while being part of a B CORP certified organisation that prioritises environmental and social impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Portfolio Executive - BESS High Voltage in Nottingham
✨Get Involved with Industry Events
The energy and utilities sector is always buzzing with events, trade shows, and networking opportunities. We should hit up conferences and exhibitions like Energy UK or Utility Week Live—these are prime spots to mingle with industry professionals and even snag some insider info on job openings!
✨Join Energy-focused Online Communities
Let's tap into online platforms and forums like LinkedIn groups or Reddit communities specifically for energy and utilities. Not only can we showcase our knowledge, but we can also stay updated on company announcements or job leads from people already in the know.
✨Consider Industry Certifications
Pushing ahead with certifications like the NEBOSH National Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health (if you’re into safety) can give us a leg up in this competitive field. It not only builds our credibility but also shows employers that we’re serious about our career in energy and utilities.
✨Apply ThroughDowning's Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through Downing's website for the full-time Portfolio Executive - BESS High Voltage role. Many companies prioritise candidates who show initiative by going straight to the source. Make sure we tailor our application to highlight our passion for the energy sector!
We think you need these skills to ace Portfolio Executive - BESS High Voltage in Nottingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Energy Knowledge:When crafting your CV and cover letter, make sure you highlight any knowledge or experience related to the energy-utilities sector. Whether it’s coursework, internships, or projects that showcase your understanding of energy management, sustainability, or regulatory frameworks, we want to see that passion and expertise shine through.
Quantify Your Achievements:In our field, numbers speak volumes! Don’t just tell us about your previous roles; quantify your achievements where possible. For instance, mention how you improved energy efficiency by a percentage or contributed to cost savings. This makes your application more compelling and shows us just how impactful you can be.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at Downing. Tailor it to reflect how your values align with our mission in the energy sector. Share why you're excited about this specific role and how you envision contributing to our goals.
Demonstrate Your Team Spirit:Collaboration is key in the energy-utilities industry. In your application, emphasise any team projects or experiences where you worked effectively with others, especially on sustainability initiatives or technical projects. We're looking for someone who can mesh well with our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Downing
✨Show Your Passion for Renewable Energy
In the energy-utilities sector, it’s vital to demonstrate your enthusiasm for sustainable practices and innovations. Share experiences where you've worked on or studied renewable energy projects, whether that’s through coursework, past internships, or personal initiatives. Let us see how your passion aligns with the ethos of Downing.
✨Brush Up on Industry Regulations
Being familiar with industry standards and regulations is crucial in energy-utilities interviews. Make sure to know the basics of relevant policies and frameworks, like the Energy Act or environmental legislation. This will not only show you’ve done your homework but will also prepare you for potential technical questions about compliance during your interview.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Project Management Skills
Most roles in the energy sector involve collaboration with diverse teams. Be ready to discuss examples where you’ve successfully worked in teams or led projects, especially those involving energy initiatives. This is particularly important for a full-time position, as employers want to see you bring a collaborative spirit to Downing.
✨Prepare for Technical Assessments
Expect some technical questions or even practical assessments during your interview, especially about energy efficiency methodologies or basic engineering principles relevant to the role. It’s a good idea to brush up on key concepts and be prepared to explain them clearly, as this will demonstrate your technical proficiency and readiness to jump into your new role.
