Grid Asset & Planning Manager

About VIRTUS

VIRTUS Data Centres is a leading European data centre developer and operator, delivering secure, energy-efficient and flexible infrastructure for the rapidly growing demands of cloud, AI and digital services.

With an established UK presence and a growing footprint across Europe, including Germany and Italy, VIRTUS is investing in next-generation, AI-ready infrastructure at scale.

Our ambition is to lead the industry by being different by design , underpinned by our values: Clarity & Quality, Accountability, Customer Commitment, Purposeful Innovation, and Capability & Growth .

Job Summary:

The Grid Asset & Planning Manager is a senior technical role responsible for strategic grid asset planning, electrical engineering leadership, project delivery support, lifecycle asset management and regulatory compliance for VIRTUS grid-related power infrastructure in Germany and across EMEA.

The role combines the responsibilities of a Grid Asset Manager with those of an Electrical Project Lead. It provides technical authority and support to VIRTUS Design & Build Project Managers for all electricity network-related topics, including grid connections, substations, HV/MV/LV infrastructure, power supply projects and utility interfaces.

The position shall also assume the function of Technical Responsible Person for Electricity according to VDE-AR-N 4001 (S 1000) for the area of planning and construction of electricity supply networks, including 380 kV, 110 kV, 30 kV and 0.4 kV networks, substations and local distribution transformer stations.

Main Duties:

The role includes, but is not limited to, the following:

Strategic Asset Planning:

• Develop and manage long-term grid infrastructure plans aligned with capacity forecasts, risk profiles, campus expansion and business growth requirements.

• Support feasibility studies for new grid connections, load forecasting, utility applications and network development scenarios.

• Own the grid-related asset roadmap, integrating lifecycle planning, capital upgrades, replacement strategies, resilience requirements and performance optimisation.

• Develop CAPEX and OPEX forecasts for grid-related electrical assets and provide input into business cases and investment decisions.

Asset Management & Performance:

• Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of asset management systems and processes aligned with ISO 55000 principles.

• Monitor and analyse performance data from HV, MV and LV systems to inform preventive maintenance, upgrade planning and investment priorities.

• Oversee asset documentation, compliance records, technical registers and lifecycle costing in coordination with Technical, Operations and Finance teams.

• Identify asset risks and develop mitigation plans covering reliability, safety, compliance, maintainability and long-term operability.

Electrical Engineering Leadership:

• Lead the technical planning and implementation of high-voltage substation projects, including AIS, GIS and hybrid substations, and electricity transmission or distribution network projects.

• Act as the technical authority throughout the full project lifecycle from early concept and feasibility through design, procurement, construction, testing, commissioning and operational handover.

• Ensure compliance with German standards, VDE rules, grid codes, technical connection requirements, utility requirements, Technical Connection Conditions (TAB) and applicable VIRTUS standards.

• Drive innovation, technical standardization and continuous improvement within engineering and asset management processes.

Design & Build Technical Support:

• Serve as internal technical support for VIRTUS Design & Build Project Managers on all power grid-related topics.

• Review and challenge technical designs, project plans, scopes of work, Employer's Requirements, specifications and contractor proposals.

• Provide technical advice during project planning, tendering, design review, procurement, construction and commissioning phases.

In line with VIRTUS’ Vetting Policy, the successful applicant must be willing to undergo a BS7858 screening process.

VIRTUS is an equal opportunity employer. As part of our commitment to fight for equality, we work to ensure a fair and consistent interview process. We celebrate diversity and we are committed to an inclusive work environment.

We reserve the right to close this post for applications should sufficient applications be received.

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