Senior Connection Contracts Specialist

Position status: This opportunity is for a secured role that is due to commence in June subject to approval. If you would like to be considered as we progress with this position, please click to apply.

At Mace, our purpose is to redefine the boundaries of ambition. We believe in creating places that are responsible, bringing transformative impact to our people, communities, and societies across the globe. To learn more about our purpose, culture and priorities, visit our strategy site.

Within our consult business, we harness our unique combination of leading-edge practical expertise and project delivery consultancy to unlock the potential in every project.

The project:

The role is within the chief infrastructure office of a semi-state organisation in Ireland. The role holder will prepare and issue strategic level connection contract offers to new and existing customers connecting directly to the transmission system and to the distribution system operator for those connecting indirectly to the transmission system via the distribution system. The role holder will also oversee the preparation and issuance of transmission use of system offers for customers using the transmission system and co-ordinate the contract management of all connection and transmission use of system contracts to ensure compliance and that all parties meet their contractual obligations.

Key to success in this role is collaboration, working with industry and teams across client to drive out appropriate solutions to a range of complex technical and commercial issues. Building and maintaining strong professional relationships both externally and internally, as well as having the people skills to influence others and to find workable solutions, is key to success.

Our values shape the way we consult, and define the people we want to join us on our journey:

Safety first – Going home safe and well:

• You will be a leading advocate of Mace\’s value of safety first, and be accountable for leading and maintaining exceptional safety, quality, cost, programme, sustainability and project compliance standards.
• You will possess advanced technical expertise in local health and safety rules and regulations relevant to project portfolio.
• You will champion a diverse and inclusive working environment, and understand the importance of the wellbeing of the people you manage.

Client focus – Deliver on our promise:

• You will manage the delivery of key assignments and defined business areas, providing strategic direction and monitoring delivery aligned with overall vision and objectives.
• You will prepare contract documents, warranties, bonds and licenses to achieve formal execution by appropriate parties.
• You will prepare costing associated with design changes, contract awards, construction activities and client charges, and present these to clients.
• Use your technical and industry expertise to process connection applications and prepare and issue connection offers to parties seeking to connect to the transmission system and to the Distribution System Operator for generators seeking to connect to the distribution system incorporating key elements of technically focused reports into standard connection contract templates.
• Provide a professional, quality and consistent contract service to customers connecting to and using the transmission system. This includes a significant portfolio of complex, high profile and diverse customers and connection projects – working with some of the largest companies in the world.
• Manage high volume of complex contracts for transmission connected generators/demand customers, using in-house systems.
• Monitor contractual compliance to ensure client and its customers meet their contractual obligations.
• Build strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure delivery against objectives.
• Collaborate effectively to continuously improve contracts so they remain it for purpose and related work procedures, so they remain effective and efficient performance to ensure delivery of contractual obligations in accordance with the regulatory framework and with an appropriate level of corporate governance.
• Act as the main point of contact with customers on contract related issues and deliver the highest standard of customer service to customers and stakeholders at all times.
• Liaise with other teams to ensure that the customers’ requirements are understood.
• Coordinate and host meetings between customers and client.
• Work with other team members to ensure that all key performance indicators for the delivery of connection offers are met.
• Support the team leads in identifying and managing risks to client arising out of the offer process and/ or contract management activities.
• Attend and present to the relevant boards with client managers and directors from time to time as required.
• Train and support other team members as required.

Integrity – Always do the right thing:

• You will manage operations that are fiscally and ethically viable, and in accordance with the terms contracts agreed with contractors.
• You will work collaboratively towards the common goal of net zero carbon transition, and share responsibility for the proactive identification and management of the associated carbon emissions and reductions during the delivery of work.
• You will commit to making a positive impact for our people, our clients, and our planet, and take ownership for holding others to account who do not uphold the Mace values.

Create opportunity – For our people to excel:

• You will develop effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders and seek opportunities to implement improved working practices.
• You will actively network, innovate, and seek understanding of best practice, utilising the full depth of knowledge of Mace group, the centres of excellence, Mace way control centre and knowledge hub.
• You will use problem solving and analytical skills for resolving contract and procurement issues within the consultancy pratice.

You’ll need to have:

• Relevant degree or equivalent qualification, typically with 4+ years relevant experience.
• Broad understanding of the technical and commercial aspects of the power industry.
• Strong customer and commercial awareness.
• Excellent interpersonal skills along with the ability to work collaboratively across business areas with a proven ability to influence others.
• Strong ability to guide, persuade and influence others and experience in resolving contentious disputes through mediation.
• Proven commercial awareness with strong stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent communicator, able to quickly grasp technical and/or commercial concepts, and capable of articulating these concepts to non-technical audiences and business leaders.
• Skilled in communicating effectively with customers and stakeholders, (including senior management team), via meetings, presentations, conversations and reports.
• Excellent analysis, judgement and problem-solving skills along with an ability to make decisions promptly and effectively.
• Experience in conceiving and introducing innovative ideas, solutions or new ways of doing things to solve business problems, enhance business performance and collaborating with business experts to drive successful outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team, while also being able to define and guide work under minimal supervision.
• Passionate and engaging with a drive to deliver the client Strategy with and through others.
• Demonstrated flexible working approach with the ability to lead and prioritise a wide range of demands and activities whilst maintaining a professional and positive focus.
• Ability to work on own initiative.
• Strong attention to detail and quality-oriented.

You’ll also have:

• Professional membership or working towards i.e. MRICS/RICS, or equivalent demonstrable professional or personal development.
• Developed commercial and financial acumen.
• Knowledge of how carbon and sustainability considerations will shape the outlook of the projects you are working on.

Mace is an inclusive employer and welcomes interest from a diverse range of candidates. Even if you feel you do not fulfil all of the criteria, please apply as you may still be the best candidate for this role or another role within our organisation.

We are also open to discussing part-time, flexible, and hybrid working options if suitable within the role.

Please remember the Employee Referral Scheme and if there are any talented people you can recommend, just click the button and use the ‘Refer a friend’ feature found within the relevant job.

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