Grid Connection Manager (4082)

Job Title: Grid Connection Manager

Department: Grid EMEA

About Lightsource bp

Lightsource bp is a global leader in the development and management of solar energy projects. We are a 50:50 joint venture with bp with a mission to help drive the world’s transition to low carbon energy. With solar set to increase tenfold in the next 20 years, we are well-positioned to capitalize on this growth. By joining the Lightsource bp team, you will ‘be the change’ on the world’s energy transition to a more sustainable future.

We pride ourselves on our entrepreneurial spirit as we continue to push the boundaries of an ever-changing energy landscape. By choosing a career with us, you can expect a challenging and fulfilling role surrounded by people who are passionate and have brilliant ideas about sustainable technology, innovation and making the world a better place.

What You’ll do (the role)

Summary

• To provide technical assistance during project development and ensure the factors influencing and influenced by the grid connection are considered.
• To carry out technical due diligence and risk assessment on grid connection schemes/grid offers received from TSO/DNO
• Manage Technical Advisors and Consultants to support Grid and Delivery related activities across the UK.
• To provide the cost estimates and grid connection delivery timescales to business development teams.
• To manage and be responsible for the process of grid applications ensuring they are submitted in a timely manner and progress through the DNO/TSO and National processes without delay.
• To maintain relationships with DNO/TSO to support the grid application and delivery process for the company’s projects in country of operation.
• To maintain relationships with HV/MV contractors and EPCs to drive performance and ensure they deliver their services to Lightsource standards.
• To review the technical designs submitted by HV/MV contractors or EPCs to Lightsource bp’s requirements and to achieve cost efficiency without compromising quality.
• To be responsible for “grid intelligence” and also implementation of new connection methods arising from DNO/TSO policy changes and changing industry standards.
• To negotiate and develop grid connections design that reduce installation time and cost whilst maintaining or improving plant.
• To support the operation and maintenance of the plants by providing grid expertise to the Asset Manager & O&M team managers throughout the life of the plant.
• Develop and maintain excellent relationships with the TSO/DNO design and delivery teams ensuring Lightsource projects progressing smoothly through the project lifecycle.
• To be responsible for the updating and optimization of Quickbase/M-Files to support team activities.
• Develop and maintain key processes.

Who we’re looking for

Knowledge

• Strong technical knowledge of HV (60-400kV) and MV (11 – 30kV) connection work in the UK
• Knowledge of securing interconnection capacity in the auction or during the interconnection process.
• Knowledge of the transmission grid operations in the UK.
• Knowledge of HV/MV substation and circuit design and construction standards.
• Candidates with knowledge of UK grids would be given preference.
• Knowledge of the dynamic and power quality compliance studies.
• Candidates with power flow/voltage and stability simulations in PSSE would be given priority on of the grid in platforms like PLEXOS other economic dispatch software would be given priority.

Qualifications

• Preferably a degree level qualification associated with electrical power systems and/or electrical engineering.
• Candidates with additional qualification in renewable energy (especially PV) would be preferred.

Experience

• Proven track record & experienced in a similar role.
• Candidates with experience of working directly for DNOs and/or power system consultancies will be preferred.
• Full conversant with the end-to-end DNO/ICP process for generator connections.
• Commercially astute.
• Good network of contacts across the DNO and ICP environment.
• Established relationships with DNOs.
• Previous experience in the design and construction of PV solar plant.

Why you’ll make a great member of the team

Personal qualities

• Effective communicator
• Strong computing skills
• A good team player
• Proactive and positive work attitude
• Keen and dynamic approach to innovation
• Able to coordinate with multiple internal and external teams
• Able to work independently with minimum supervision

Why you’ll want to work for us

Our company is a place where you can be yourself and grow; a place where your ideas and opinions matter.

Be you

We pride ourselves on being an inclusive community, where every individual is valued and treated with respect.

Be responsible

Our culture is driven by our core values. From operating safely to ensuring our solar projects are  responsible and promote biodiversity.

Be recognized

Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a variety of benefits including annual bonus, retention bank, health insurance, pension and other local benefits.

Be inspired

Beyond your day-to-day working life at Lightsource bp, there’s a variety of initiatives that will contribute to your own personal development. Initiatives to get involved with including our charitable causes, supporting our solar honey project or our sustainability initiatives.

Our Core Values

Lightsource bp truly cares about creating a sustainable future through safe, responsible, and meaningful low carbon energy projects. Our core values of Safety, Integrity, Respect, Sustainability and Drive are the guiding principles for everything we do.