Head of Commissioning

The Opportunity

As Head of Commissioning, you will own the client-side commissioning process for Zenobe's BESS assets ensuring every project moves from construction completion to commercial operation safely, on schedule, and to the performance and quality standards Zenobe's assets are known for.

You will act as Zenobe's senior representative throughout commissioning working closely with EPC contractors, NESO, TO’s and BESS Integrators to ensure successful delivery and accountability against contractual and technical requirements, while giving internal stakeholders (asset management, engineering, commercial and project delivery) confidence that each site will perform as designed from day one of operations.

You will lead and develop a team of two Commissioning Managers, building the structure, standards and capability needed as Zenobe's construction pipeline continues to scale toward its multi‑gigawatt target across the UK and wider international regions (US and Germany).

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in the commissioning of electrical infrastructure, ideally up to 400k V, with a good understanding of the requirements of connecting energy infrastructure on to the UK transmission network.

This is a hybrid working role, splitting your time between various sites, home and office working. Some international travel will be required.

• A Taste of the Day to Day
• Own the client-side commissioning strategy and process across Zenobē's portfolio of BESS projects, from pre‑commissioning readiness through to commercial operation date (COD), including standard operating procedures, commissioning plans and processes.
• Review and approve EPC/OEM commissioning plans, test procedures (FAT/SAT) and documentation, ensuring compliance with contractual specifications, grid code and safety standards.
• Act as the primary client-side point of contact during commissioning, chairing progress meetings, commissioning panels and managing the interface between EPC contractors, OEMs, TO’s, NESO, and Zenobē's internal teams.
• Oversee witnessing and sign‑off of commissioning test results, punch lists and performance/reliability testing.
• Identify, elevate and resolve technical, contractual and schedule risks during commissioning, working closely with Project Managers and Construction teams on any contractual implications.
• Ensure a smooth, well‑documented handover from construction/commissioning into asset management and operations.
• Support quality control through design and installation phases, ensuring ITP’s are in place, followed and signed off.
• Act as the client representative on the Transmission Operator commissioning panel meetings and ensure all requirements are met in order to achieve site EON, ION and FON.
• Manage and develop two Commissioning Managers, allocating projects, setting priorities and supporting their professional growth.
• Build consistent commissioning processes, templates and standards that can scale across a growing project pipeline.
• Recruit, onboard and mentor additional commissioning resource as the portfolio grows.
• Provide regular commissioning status reporting to senior leadership, investors and lenders' technical advisors.
• Work closely with Engineering, Health & Safety, Asset Management and Commercial teams to feed lessons learned back into future project design, procurement and contract terms.
• Represent Zenobē in discussions with contractors, OEMs (e. g. Wärtsilä and other BESS/inverter suppliers) and grid operators on commissioning matters.
• Health and Safety
• Actively contribute to Zenobe's commitment to health and safety, wellbeing and sustainability by integrating these principles into daily responsibilities, ensuring a safe and supportive work environment, promoting both the physical and mental health of self and colleagues, and adopting sustainable and energy‑efficient practices to minimize environmental impact.

What We're Looking For

• Significant experience in commissioning of electrical infrastructure, preferably BESS, substations, or other high‑voltage electrical infrastructure, including experience acting on the client/owner side.
• Strong working knowledge of HV electrical systems, UK grid code, and BESS‑specific equipment (batteries, inverters/PCS, transformers, switchgear, SCADA/control systems).
• Experience managing or mentoring a team, with the ability to set direction while staying close enough to the detail to unblock problems.
• A track record of managing EPC/OEM contractors through complex testing and handover programmes, including commercial and contractual awareness.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills—comfortable communicating with contractors, site teams, and senior leadership/investors alike.
• Relevant electrical/power engineering qualification (degree or equivalent); Chartered Engineer status desirable.
• Willingness to travel and spend extended periods at project sites across the UK (and internationally as the portfolio grows).

What We Offer

• Up to 33% annual bonus.
• 25 days holiday, increasing with length of service up to 30 days, plus bank holidays.
• Private Medical Insurance.
• £1,500 training budget per year.
• EV Salary Sacrifice Scheme.
• Pension scheme, up to 8% matched contributions.
• Enhanced parental leave.
• Cash back health plan.
• Our Approach to Diversity and Inclusion

Our people are our strongest asset and the key determinant of our success, and we value a range of skillsets and perspectives.

As an equal opportunity employer, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute.

We work to provide equal opportunities and an inclusive work environment, where everyone is fairly treated in the application process and through their career at Zenobē.

If there are any adjustments that would help improve your experience with Zenobē, please let us know when you apply.

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