This job listing is currently live, please email info@exagen.co.uk for more information on the application process.
Grid Engineering Manager
London
- Full-time
- Competitive base salary, commensurate with experience
- Bonus
- Incentive scheme
- Comprehensive package of benefits
- Reports directly to Head of Grid
Who We Are
Exagen is a renewable and battery storage developer, owned by Octopus Energy. Our dedicated team has successfully built a pipeline of 2.3GW in the UK, with a number of these projects being ready for construction in the next 3 years.
We’re now entering an exciting phase where we’re aiming to build, own and operate assets, while diversifying our services and expanding our reach on an international scale.
We understand the increased importance of securing grid capacity and therefore we are now searching for a talented grid expert to join our team and work alongside our Head of Grid to help us achieve our mission to transform energy for a sustainable future.
About the Role
We believe that all projects should be grid led, by this we mean: developed in accordance with our in-house view on where grid capacity is today and where it will be in the future, and designed and built in a way that maximises grid opportunity. We believe that taking a grid-first approach will mean that we are connecting projects in locations that will be helpful to the electricity networks now and in the future and that this will therefore help everyone achieve net-zero ambitions.
We’re looking for an experienced grid engineering manager who can support with our grid connection management processes, technical due diligence (grid aspects) on potential acquisition targets, and stay up to date with changes in the industry that could impact our strategy and long-term performance.
The successful candidate will support our Head of Grid to secure grid capacity, coordinating with iDNOs and DNOs, selecting and managing ICP partners to deliver projects.
This is a key hire for the business and a great opportunity to join a dynamic organisation backed by a leading market player.
Responsibilities
- Support Exagen’s Head of Grid to develop our in-house grid targeting strategy and negotiate grid offers on pricing, milestones, payments, etc.
- Support ICP tender and selection processes, including establishing scope of work and reviewing responses.
- Work with Exagen’s Development team to assess suitability of grid for early-stage projects, as well as project acquisitions and disposals.
- Develop and maintain relationships with industry leading ICPs.
- Provide grid/connection technical support during the construction of assets.
- Develop and manage in-house grid technical standards and tools.
- Assist during project development activities, ensuring the factors influencing and influenced by the grid connection are considered.
- Support grid capacity searches on the UK distribution and transmission networks, as well as grid connection costs and timescales.
- Support the managing and updating of grid related project information on Exagen’s management system and grid records.
- Produce grid applications (DNO and NESO) and ensure they are submitted in a timely manner and progress through the DNO/NESO connection processes.
- Prepare project progression and/or Mod-app applications to progress with the grid connection process and actively seek variation offers.
- Support the acceleration of grid connection dates following the UK connection reform process.
- Develop and maintain excellent relationships with the DNO/NESO during the grid connection process as well as during design and delivery of grid connection.
- Support with the preparation and submission of Request for Information (RFI) and Request for Proposals (RFP) documents for engagement of grid consultants and/or ICPs.
Required Skills & Experience
- At least 5 years’ industry experience (DNO/NGET/NESO, Renewable developers/IPPs, Grid consultancy or ICPs).
- Experienced in sourcing grid capacity, solving grid challenges and finding solutions for grid connection issues or delays.
- Understanding of grid connection policies and regulations including grid acceleration and queue management processes.
- Understanding of ICP design and construction and experience in negotiating these contracts.
- Strong commercial acumen and proven track record managing grid offer and connection agreement processes.
- Electrical Engineering or similar university degree supplemented by industry experience.
- Knowledge of market-standard construction and equipment costs (grid connection focused).
- Good knowledge of technical best practice with regards to connection work in the UK, as well as awareness of GB DNO/NESO generator connection application processes and rules.
- Previous experience carrying out due diligence activities for potential project acquisitions, highlighting grid connection risks (focused on grid connection costs and timelines).
- Strong strategic-thinking and problem-solving skills, ability to navigate challenges and propose creative solutions.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to build rapport with and credibly engage with a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders.
- A true team-player, who is able to work collaboratively with others.
- Hands-on approach, willingness to roll sleeves up and get stuck into a range of tasks and projects, as well as ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.
- Self-motivated and able to manage own workload and clearly communicate progress.
Entrepreneurial with commercial awareness and acumen. - Well-organised and process-orientated with strong attention to detail.
Why Join
Exagen provides a collaborative, dynamic and ambitious workplace, where every member of the business is a valued member of the team. As a people-focused company, our benefits include:
- Financial incentives: On top of a competitive base salary and discretionary bonus scheme, Exagen operates an incentive scheme, enabling staff to share in the success of the company.
- Health cover: Premium private health insurance for employees, partners and their children; and Medicash offering cashback for minor and regular medical expenses.
- Annual leave: 25 days’ annual leave, plus all UK bank holidays.
- Wellbeing support: Access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and 24-hour online private GP service.
- Life and income protection: Life Assurance and Income Protection .
- Commuting: Cycle to work by purchasing a Halfords bike via a salary sacrifice pay back scheme.
- Keeping active: Subsidised gym membership.
- Learning and development: We value your ongoing professional development and will fund relevant training and certifications.