Grid Connections Manager - Renewable Energy

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Our client is a specialist renewable development platform focusing on grid-scale Battery Energy Storage Schemes ("BESS") and renewable energy projects in Great Britain. It is led by experts in renewable energy project development and investment. Their objective is to play a key role in enabling the UK to decarbonise efficiently, cost-effectively, and reliably. They currently have a UK pipeline that exceeds 400MW projects consented to or is in planning and includes battery energy storage and solar schemes across England, Wales, and Scotland.

Due to continued growth, they are seeking a Grid Connections Manager to assist in the origination and development of solar PV and Long Duration Storage BESS projects, and broader support across the existing portfolio.

Given the expanding nature of the business and their projects, your focus will be on helping enhance the grid connection strategy for the business in light of the political focus and reforms. You will support the lifecycle growth of the projects in our development pipeline and help identify and evaluate new and emerging opportunities. Over the next two to three years, they aim to deliver a pipeline of market-leading energy storage, and renewable energy projects in support of the UK's net zero transition. As the business grows, the individual will have the opportunity to be instrumental in supporting the team in delivering against the client's future phases of growth. The role offers a compelling opportunity for the right individual to diversify their skill sets, create growth opportunities, and develop into a technical leadership position with the business.

Responsibilities include:

1. Identification and origination of new connections and support in determining the potential for grid capacity at potential development sites via existing relationships and intelligence.
2. Engagement with Distribution Network Operators (DNOs), developing insights and monitoring publicly available data.
3. Drive the grid connection strategy for the business, harnessing your network, experience, and aspirations for ongoing professional development.
4. You will represent the business on relevant working groups to stay plugged into all current topics, consultations, and network evolutions.
5. Optimise grid connection design and costs, including grid connection feasibility studies to identify the available capacity and the most economical grid connection option.
6. Management of all aspects of grid connections within the development portfolio, coordinating external resources and support as required. This will include the preparation, submission and management of electrical grid connection documentation, connection applications, quotations, innovations and connection agreements, and managing the existing portfolio through the Grid Reform process, ensuring all milestones and requirements are understood and met by the business.
7. Build and maintain strong and productive relationships with key stakeholder contacts.
8. Provide technical assistance during project development and ensure the factors influencing and influenced by the grid connection are considered.
9. Assist with the timely response to investor/funder due diligence queries.

• A thorough understanding of the UK distribution and transmission industry, and grid connection process, requirements, and regulations, including the emerging reforms.
• Knowledge and understanding of the technical performance parameters which interact with the connectivity of assets to the network, with a specific focus on flexible and low-carbon generation technologies such as energy storage and solar PV.
• Knowledge and experience in power flow studies and simulation techniques.
• Demonstrable experience in a similar role either with consultancy, utility, developer, or distribution or transmission operator.
• Organised and pragmatic with an ability to find solutions to challenging problems.

• An exciting and dynamic role for an organised and commercially minded Connections Manager. You will join a growing, ambitious team operating in a fast-paced environment.
• The role offers candidates the opportunity to immerse themselves in challenging tasks, and develop breadth and depth of experience, whilst having the platform to directly influence the growth and direction of the business.
• The role requires a highly organised, solution-focused and driven individual with the ability to build strong relationships and contribute effectively as part of a small team.
• You are an effective and confident communicator, with the ability to create strong relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Candidates should be adaptable and confident in identifying priorities, working autonomously when required.

Climate17 is a purpose-led, international Renewable Energy & Sustainability recruitment firm. We provide specialist talent acquisition services to organisations seeking to reduce their environmental footprint, as well as those working towards the decarbonisation of the energy sector.

Climate17 is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace. We believe there is no solution to climate change without people. We aim to increase diversity across all areas and as such, we are committed to partnering with clients and candidates to create an inclusive and sustainable regenerative world.