Senior Grid Connections Manager

Job Title Grid Connections ManagerLocation of Work Hybrid WorkingHours of Work
37.5 hrs per weekAre you looking to supercharge your career? Do you want to feel energised and amp up your career prospects? If this has sparked your interest then look watt we have here, this is an opportunity you won’t be able to resist…We’re proud to be supporting a progressive leader within the motorway services arena as they continue to grow into the future. With exciting plans to design, build, operate and maintain a Solar & Energy storage portfolio as well as continue to lead the High Power EV Charging well across the UK.You now have the opportunity to join them at this exciting time as Grid Connections Manager.The Company
Our client is leading the Electric Vehicle (EV) revolution on the UK motorway network, as the UK decarbonises the transport network across the UK. They are the largest Motorway Services Operator in the UK. Their EV hubs are strategically placed across the UK’s major motorway routes creating a dynamic and future proofed high power charging network for cars, vans and trucks. To support this, they are also actively progressing with a number of exciting renewable energy initiatives across the UK that will progressively provide the energy to support their EV plans over the coming years.The Role As Grid Connections Manager, you will be responsible for leading the development and efficient operation and management of their energy grid. As one of the first strategic hires in this newly created team you have the unrivalled opportunity to grow and progress as the business evolves.This role involves strategic planning, coordination of grid activities, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and the day-to-day management of the grid development activities. The Grid Manager will collaborate with internal teams, external partners, and regulatory bodies to optimise grid performance and support the integration of renewable energy sources, particularly focusing on solar and battery assets.The Responsibilities: Grid Operations:Manage all existing grid connections offers.Pro-actively work with the DNO’s to obtain grid capacity to support the demand for power to drive the growth in EV charging cross the network.Assess new grid connection offers and work with the DNO & transmission operators to make them as commercially viable as possible.Ensure compliance with accepted grid offers.Manage the ICP/iDNO activities and manage the process to optimise designs and associated costs.Support the Property and Development teams in the design of projects and any requirements that may affect the planning process.Provide direction and support to partners in the design of their projects including requirements from network operators and customer sub-station and balance of plant with ability to assess designs up to 132kV.Manage the day-to-day operations of the energy grid, ensuring stability, reliability, and optimal performance working with the DNO’s, IDNO’s and EV charging partners.Develop strategies for the seamless integration of renewable energy, with a focus on solar and battery assets, into the existing grid infrastructure.Regulatory Compliance:Stay abreast of energy regulations and standards, ensuring the grid’s compliance with all relevant requirements.Engage with regulatory bodies to address compliance issues and participate in regulatory proceedings.Grid Planning and Expansion:Develop long-term grid expansion plans based on energy demand forecasts and changes in the energy landscape.Coordinate with DNO’s and others for the implementation of grid expansion projects.Grid Security and Resilience:Implement measures to enhance grid security and resilience against potential cyber threats and physical disruptions.Develop and update contingency plans to address emergencies and unexpected events.Collaboration and Stakeholder Management:Foster collaboration with internal departments, external energy producers, and distribution entities.Engage with local communities and stakeholders to address concerns and communicate grid-related initiatives as needed.Data Analysis and Reporting:Utilise data analytics tools to analyse grid performance, identify trends, and propose optimization strategies.Prepare regular reports for management and regulatory authorities on grid performance and key metrics.The Requirements:Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Energy Management, or a related field.Proven experience in grid operations, preferably in the renewable energy sector.Good experience working with 11kV, 33kV and 132kV connection designStrong knowledge of energy regulations, standards, and grid technologies.Excellent project management and leadership skills.Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret complex data.Effective communication and interpersonal skills.Desired Skills:Familiarity with smart grid technologies and energy storage systems.Experience in working with renewable energy integration projects.Knowledge of grid automation and control systems.Certification in grid management or related fields is a plus. The OpportunityAs the successful Grid Connections Manager, you will join this newly created team in its embryonic stage as it grows into an exciting business. Playing a key role in its development and growth you will support the Managing Director and be involved key strategic decision with the opportunity to progress as they grow. In this Hybrid working role, and in addition to the competitive base salary, you will also receive a company car (or car allowance), pension, private healthcare and bonus scheme. Get in touch now to register your interest!