Senior DNO Interface Manager

The role of Senior DNO Interface Manager is crucial in fostering and maintaining robust relationships with network operators in the UK, ensuring seamless collaboration and optimised project delivery. It will lead a team that manages the connection application process and provide commercial and programme support to the grid connection activities for Elgin’s project pipeline through the origination, feasibility, development, delivery and operational phases.

The Senior DNO Interface Manager will:

• Lead the commercial and programme engagement with network operators across Elgin's pipeline, ensuring effective communication to optimise grid connection strategies and project delivery.
• Facilitate collaborative working relationships with Network Operators, Project Managers and Design Engineers to ensure pro‑active communication takes place throughout the grid connection process.
• Manage and coordinate the connection process for Elgin’s portfolio of solar PV and energy storage projects from preliminary feasibility studies through the grid connection process and into construction, inclusive of programme alignment with DNO outage windows and ensuring favourable outage scheduling.
• Leverage industry experience to advance/improve connection solutions to be more technically/economical advantageous.
• Assess grid connection options for both distribution and transmission connected Solar PV and energy storage projects to ensure optimal connection strategies are pursued for both contestable and non‑contestable works in line with project requirements.
• Input to a database of grid connection costs for primary, secondary and auxiliary electrical equipment associated with the connection of Solar PV and energy storage projects to assist in financial evaluation of projects.
• Support the delivery of Elgin’s project pipeline to energisation by coordinating with the DNO in relation to the commercial and programme aspects of the non‑contestable works and ensuring this is incorporated into the project throughout the design, procurement, construction, and commissioning phases.
• Support the review of documentation and providing input as required at the concept design, detailed design and construction phases to ensure complete alignment between the non‑contestable costs and programme and the rest of the project requirement and documentation.
• Support the procurement and engineering teams with ICP screening and shortlisting, scope definition, contractor division of responsibility and relationship management to ensure alignment project requirements and programme.
• Maintain productive relationships with network operators; monitor policy and connection process changes; shape consultation responses where relevant.
• Act as the primary interface between the network operators and internal development, engineering, construction and commercial teams.

Your profile

Skills:

• Ability to manage relationships with multiple stakeholders effectively.
• Excellent inter‑disciplinary communication and presentation skills.
• Strong understanding of project management principles relating to renewable energy projects.
• Good decision‑making ability, negotiating skills and engineering judgement.
• Ability to understand the complex techno‑economic impacts of grid connections on renewable project financial models and delivery programmes.

Experience Required:

• Appropriate degree in Electrical/Energy Engineering or related discipline.
• Ideally 7+ years’ experience working in a connections‑focussed environment within a DNO, TNO, power system engineering consultancy or other IPP.
• Experience interpreting and negotiating connection offers, managing cost allocations and de‑risking connection‑related commercial and programme matters as they relate to project investment and delivery.
• Knowledge of the technical fundamentals relating to grid connections.
• Knowledge of the DNO/ICP process for embedded generator connections in the UK.
• Evidence of working successfully on multiple projects to demanding deadlines.