Principal Consultant – Advisory

About Eclipse: Electricity connections are complex by nature. Our group’s innovative, forward-thinking energy solutions make everything easier: from design to connection and beyond.

Our Group consists of Eclipse Power Networks – an OFGEM licensed Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO) that provides an effective alternative to the local distribution network operator; Eclipse Power Solutions – an expert Grid Consultancy who support customers through the grid connection process; and Eclipse Power Optimise; our new business focussed on microgrids and private networks; in the unlicensed market.

We design, own, operate and maintain extra high, high and low voltage electricity distribution network assets, providing power connections to residential, industrial, renewable and commercial customers across the UK. We care about our people and the talents and personality they bring. We are continuing to strengthen our talent, leadership, training, and recognition for people as they are the core of what we do and how we operate. We have an inclusive culture where people are rewarded and recognised for their inputs, innovation, and customer‑centric solutions. We also have fun at work and want people to enjoy what they do and what they are helping to create. To continue to do this we need strong diverse thinking and having people from a range of backgrounds, careers, and expertise help us do this.

We are looking for people who embody our personalities:

• Friendly experts: When it comes to technical knowledge and experience, customers couldn’t be in better hands. We’re friendly, approachable and always eager to help.
• Collaborative solution finders: We work closely with customers to find a solution that meets their needs in a way that’s compliant with standards.
• Confidently flexible: We know the rules for every DNO. And we also know just how flexible we can be to interpret them in ways that save both time and money.
• Naturally curious: In our book, there’s always a better way. We’re always curious to explore every avenue before we arrive at a clear solution.
• Relentlessly innovative: Looking for new ways to deal with challenges is part of our DNA. If a conventional route is the best option, we’re not afraid to say it. But if there’s a way to do something more quickly, more efficiently or more cost‑effectively, we’ll find it.

Job Purpose: Following a year of growth and success, we are looking to expand our Advisory team. We are looking for a Principal Consultant with experience in electricity transmission and distribution planning, operation, technical and regulation aspects of distribution and transmission networks, with good commercial awareness and a track record of excellence in consulting. This is a customer‑facing role that will provide expert consultancy to external customers as well as supporting other businesses within the Eclipse Power Group. This role is a Principal within the Advisory Eclipse Power Solutions consultancy business. The role will support developing service offerings for Advisory and work to grow a team to deliver success. General grid connection assistance and support of the grid and commercial service line will also be expected.

The candidate must have good knowledge of the engineering and regulatory requirements of grid connections at both distribution and transmission. This role would suit somebody with a design, engineering or network planning background at either a developer, ICP, network company or consultant. Line management experience is also desired.

Main responsibilities will include:

• Providing expert advice to customers – technical, commercial, regulatory
• Project Manage external engineering, technical and Regulatory projects in Eclipse Power Solutions.
• Deliver and grow Advisory service offering to the market.
• Implement processes and systems to deliver the above.
• Managing and leading the team of consultants to deliver services.
• Active contribution to the strategy, direction and leadership of the Advisory business unit.
• Supporting customers through Eclipse Power network adoption for either EPN or EPOP through our consultancy services.
• Supporting Senior Management to grow and build the overall EPG business.
• Representing Eclipse Power Group at industry and code technical working groups and events as necessary.
• Supporting utilities, transmission and distribution operators, and generation companies with institutional strengthening, governance frameworks, and capability development.
• Driving technical input to the development, interpretation and implementation of grid codes, market rules, and technical regulation.
• Aiding with technical and commercial due diligence on new and existing asset bases, including regulated and merchant infrastructure.
• Developing the electricity advisory service offering in line with market and regulatory developments.
• Leading, mentoring and developing a high‑performing team of consultants and analysts.
• Building and maintaining relationships with key industry stakeholders, including regulators, system operators, investors and developers.
• Supporting a growing team with responsibility for:
• Project Managing and delivery of regulatory advisory services, including price control modelling, benchmarking, and regulatory finance support.
• Preparation and review of regulatory submissions, business plans, and supporting evidence for utilities and network operators.
• Assisting with technical and economic appraisal of capital investment programmes and asset management strategies.
• Undertaking due diligence on electricity infrastructure assets, including condition assessment, performance benchmarking, and risk evaluation.
• Assisting with feasibility and pre‑feasibility studies for new infrastructure projects, including generation, storage, and network reinforcement.
• Supporting clients in tariff design, revenue modelling, and cost recovery mechanisms within regulated frameworks.
• Project managing multi-disciplinary project teams across engineering, economics and regulatory specialisms.
• Engaging with investors and lenders to support technical due diligence and bankability assessments.
• Supporting Eclipse Power Optimise:
• Providing technical advice and inputs to a team responsible for the below:
• Network planning support in line with good industrial practice.
• Interface support with DSOs.
• Advising on integration of BESS and renewables into microgrids and private networks in relation to load and generation.
• Advising on integration of BESS and renewables into microgrids and private networks.
• Supporting Eclipse Power Networks:
• Supporting the Eclipse Power Networks design assurance team as necessary to assist with grid connection engineering.
• Supporting Eclipse Power Networks’ Technical Director on technical aspects relating to grid connections.
• Providing technical advice and assistance for EPN’s EHV pipeline in relation to network interfaces, protection, constraints, communications etc.

Other responsibilities will include:

• Assessing grid connection feasibility as needed.
• Liaising with DNOs, NESO and TOs in the delivery of professional services.
• Securing new business and maintaining existing industry and customer relationships.
• Managing pipeline and workload effectively, communicating with customers, upstream network operators and the wider Eclipse group.
• Owning and inputting key data into company business management systems.
• Keeping up to date with industry developments, influencing for improvement.
• Business development activities.
• Preparing complex proposals.

Knowledge and Skills Requirements

Essential:

• Has professional consulting experience of operating predominantly within challenging consulting environments and where a component of that experience should be from the management of sales portfolios and/or solution designs as well as from the management of projects and tenders.
• Has experience of leading consulting projects and in acting as an engineering / technical / functional resource.
• Demonstrates strong consulting and business acumen as well as strong engineering, technical and functional acumen, in relevant domains of knowledge.
• Has excellent English language skills (written and oral), coupled with strong communication (written and oral) and negotiating skills.
• Demonstrates the ability to engage with clients and build relationships and support the winning of business opportunities and development of proposals.

Desirable:

• Chartership, or working towards.
• Engagement with industry initiatives and workgroups.
• Strong network of industry contacts.
• Full driving licence valid in the UK.

Remuneration:

• Salary – dependent on skills and experience, but circa 75k.
• Discretionary annual bonus up to 10% of salary.
• Pension – 5% employer contribution (after the 3-month probation).
• 26 days annual leave + bank holidays.
• Salary sacrifice EV car scheme available after 12 months service.
• Other incentive plans may be developed at company discretion.