Grid Connections Manager e-Centre, Cooperage Way, Alloa, FK10 3LP

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking to appoint a Grid Connections Manager to play a leading role in securing and managing grid connections for our generation and demand projects at both distribution and transmission level. The Grid Connections Manager will be expected to manage the full lifecycle of connection activity from feasibility studies, to submitting applications, through to the review and interpretation of connection offers, administering the necessary payments, and managing the grid connection programme. The Grid Connections Manager will operate within an increasingly complex commercial environment shaped by the National Energy System Operator (NESO) and Distribution Network Operators (DNOs). It is therefore critical that the postholder can effectively navigate the new requirements of NESO’s recent Connections Reform initiative to acquire and maintain a place in the connections queue. This role will be responsible for coordinating all grid connection activity across the portfolio, including both generation and demand projects, as well as the use and supervision of external technical specialists to undertake detailed electrical engineering assessments where required. The role will also include responsibility for understanding and supporting compliance with relevant grid and renewable technology regulatory requirements for our various operational and development projects, across a range of renewable technologies.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Grid Connections Manager will be responsible for the following areas of work:

• Management of pre-application assessment process for all of GreenPower’s generation and demand projects including but not limited to:
• Undertaking preliminary assessment of prospects for connection in areas identified by the development team.
• Procuring appropriate technical advice using one or more of:
• Feasibility study (undertaken by the utility).
• Studies performed by an external Technical Advisor.
• Management of connection application processes for all renewable technologies including onshore wind, solar, battery storage, hydrogen and EV. There will also be co-location of technologies in some sites.
• Advisory support to the development & construction teams in the post-acceptance processes to coordinate the grid connection:
• Ensuring that all relevant payments / securities are met and maintained.
• Ensuring the grid connection milestones are well understood by the development and construction teams and are properly represented in the relevant programmes.
• Maintaining compliance with the connection arrangements.
• Reporting on grid progress, both through written status reports and verbal / graphical presentations at project meetings.
• Supporting development project managers by providing design and other technical information to support the development of projects and the planning process.

Whilst a significant amount of the work will be desk-based, you will be required to undertake site visits and attend meetings which will include overnight stays and travel both within the UK and, occasionally, overseas. The job will also entail various other duties and responsibilities as may be reasonably required from time to time as directed by your line manager.

ABOUT THE CANDIDATE

We are interested to hear from candidates with relevant experience and qualifications for this role and good interpersonal skills. We are seeking an experienced professional who should be able to demonstrate a track record of management of grid connections at both distribution and transmission level along with knowledge of the corresponding development and planning processes. The ideal candidate is degree or higher educated, has direct UK project experience and professional qualifications. We are seeking an experienced professional who will thrive in a dynamic environment, working well under pressure with a keen desire to learn and broaden their experience.

Degree-level qualification, ideally in electrical engineering or a related discipline. Candidates with alternative qualifications may be considered where supported by relevant career progression in the energy industry. Experience with the UK grid system and how it governed in the relationships amongst the various parties. Experience with all of the processes for application and administration of grid applications. Experience in grid and power regulatory matters, including the grid code. Experience of how the environmental, technical, and commercial aspects of projects interact. Experience of project management processes, including planning, budget control and reporting. Hold a full, current driving licence valid for driving in the UK. Experience of providing support, in collaboration with your construction team, to the delivery of grid connection works including but not limited to:

• Specification of Contestable Works.
• Tendering for ICP.
• Coordination of ICP works in collaboration with the Construction Project Manager (“CPM”).
• Liaison with the grid utility and CPM to ensure smooth progress to commissioning and timely energisation.
• Grid connection & on-site electrical works.
• Experience of battery storage and/or hybrid energy systems (design and/or grid requirements).
• Experience of the renewable energy industry.
• Track record of the design and preliminary assessment of grid capacity availability at candidate development sites.
• Experience of the contractual process for tendering and project delivery and familiarity with at least one industry-standard form of contract.
• Knowledge of the role of safety in project design and implementation and how the obligations of the CDM regulations can be met in practice.
• Knowledge of co-location (including hydrogen) site requirements from a regulatory perspective.

Candidates should also have the following personal attributes and general aptitude:

• Strong negotiation and interpersonal communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proficient use of Windows based IT systems and basic office software such as word processing (Word), spreadsheets (Excel) and PowerPoint.
• Ability to be self‑motivated but a strong collaborator within a team environment.
• Ability to prioritise work, set and meet targets, and manage time effectively.
• Smart, professional appearance at all times.
• An eye for detail and precision.
• Adaptability and willingness to learn and engage in other areas of the business.