Grid Connections Manager

Elgin is seeking a Grid Connections/Application Manager to oversee the grid connection process for its pipeline of Irish projects. This role will be responsible for managing the process from early-stage optioneering of connection methods through to the execution of a signed grid connection agreement. The role involves a wide range of skills including commercial, cost and schedule, non-technical and basic technical aspects of grid connections, and especially how the connection method influences the success of a solar or BESS project development. It also includes a good knowledge of policy and the influencing of same for the success of Elgin’s pipeline of solar and BESS projects in Ireland.
  
The role reports to the Senior DNO Interface Manager who owns the full grid interface from development through to operations across both UK and Ireland.  The role will primarily focus on Irish projects but will support UK projects also, where required.
 
 Key responsibilities of the Grid Connections Manager include:

• Grid connection strategy owner for development project pipeline
• Engagement with ESB and Eirgrid and internal teams to determine optimal grid connection methodology for projects
• Completion of grid connection applications and supporting information
• Act as the primary interface between the ESB and Eirgrid and Elgin’s development team
• Schedule, milestones and payment negotiation and optimisation with  ESB and Eirgrid.
• Policy advice within Elgin to protect Elgin’s pipeline of development projects and to maximise opportunities for project commercialisation
• Appointment and management of specialist consultancy support where required to progress a grid connection application
• Assessing grid connection options for both distribution and transmission connected solar PV and energy storage projects to ensure optimal connection strategies are pursued for both contestable and non-contestable works in line with project requirements
• Leverage industry experience to advance/improve connection solutions to be more technically/economical advantageous

Skills:

• Ability to manage relationships with multiple stakeholders effectively
• Good inter-disciplinary communication and presentation skills
• Understanding of project management principles and development processes relating to renewable energy projects
• Good decision-making ability, negotiating skills and engineering judgement
• Knowledge of grid connection processes, local and national codes and standards

Experience Required:

• Appropriate degree in Electrical/Energy Engineering or related discipline
• 3+ years’ experience working in a connections-focussed environment within a DNO, TNO, power system engineering consultancy or other IPP
• Experience interpreting and negotiating connection offers, managing cost allocations and de-risking connection-related commercial and programme matters as they relate to project investment and delivery
• Knowledge of the technical fundamentals relating to grid connections 
• Knowledge of the  ESB and Eirgrid ICP process for connections in  Ireland
• Evidence of working successfully on multiple projects to demanding deadlines