Senior Grid Connection Manager

Senior Grid Connection Manager

Job Title: Grid Connection Manager – Germany

Department: Grid

Reporting to: Head of Grid Northern Europe

Location: Berlin, Germany

We are Lightsource bp– and we’re on a mission to become a global leader in onshore renewables, anchored by our proven track record in solar development.

For over a decade we’ve been actively working to diversify the way our world is powered with sustainable and responsible renewable power. We work to safely deliver affordable, reliable, large-scale onshore renewable and energy storage solutions to help the world decarbonise.

Our growing business is constantly innovating and investing to help drive the energy transition. Our people and projects are focused on supporting long-term sustainable growth and energy security.

Lightsource bp operates with five core values: Safety, Integrity, Respect, Sustainability, and Drive.

We seek to attract and hire individuals who share our commitment to creating a safe workplace, uphold the highest standards of integrity, and demonstrate respect for colleagues, communities, and the environment. Our recruitment process promotes sustainability by valuing long-term growth and responsible practices, while seeking candidates with the drive to innovate and lead in the global energy transition.

Together, these values shape how we engage, assess, and welcome talent to join us in delivering transformational solar power solutions worldwide.

Lightsource bp was fully acquired by bp in 2024.

What you’ll do (the role)

Summary

This role involves the autonomous management of a diverse and growing team across the full grid/solar lifecycle of the Germany pipeline. You will be required to work closely with the development, construction and asset management team, using high level communication and problem-solving skills to ensure the successful completion of projects in a timely and cost-effective manner.

The position requires both technical and commercial knowledge, as well as strategic planning skills and the ability to form strong working relationships. A strong network of contacts, and knowledge of the DNO/DSO-ICPs and government agencies responsible for grid connections is essential to success in this role, as is the necessary expertise and drive to contribute to the rapid growth of our development and construction pipeline.

Duties and Responsiblities

• Manage and be responsible for the submission of grid applications in Germany that include all relevant information required by the Transmission operator / DNO’s, ensure they are submitted in a timely manner, and they progress through the DNO processes without delay.
• Manage the review process for grid connection offers to ensure they meet Lightsource bp requirements and represent the minimum scheme required.
• Benchmark ICPs (substation, transmission line OH/underground, grid connection point) and if necessary, the creation and maintenance of framework agreements (including performance management) with ICPs to ensure Lightsource bp has the required delivery capacity at the appropriate commercial terms.
• Support the Long-lead HV Equipment benchmarking and the creation and maintenance of framework agreements with equipment suppliers to ensure Lightsource bp has the required delivery capacity at the appropriate commercial terms.
• Contract the engineering/studies/surveys/drawings as necessary to start the design process of the Contestable Works with the DNO/DSO, ICPs to secure/advance grid connection works (COD dates).
• In a proactive manner, advise development and project managers with technical assistance through the life of the project.
• Strategic approach. Pre-emptively secure grid capacity in favourable locations.
• Working closely with Business Development team to progress and develop strategies to grow the pipeline in the country (finding new opportunities either driven by land or by a capacity analysis)
• Develop and maintain contacts with key DNO/DSO, ICPs and governmental agencies related to the grid connection offer T&Cs and the implantation of the grid connection facilities.
• Understanding of market behaviour in Germany including future transmission/ network reinforcement plans and grid congestion analysis.
• Work closely with PPA, Business Development and Commercial engineering teams in the evaluation of project Rights (look to purchase grid and land).
• Key grid interface in technical side of M&A projects between Business Development and Commercial Engineering for the Evacuation Infrastructure Assessment.
• Formalise a standardised response sheet to common risk items as identified by Investor and Technical Advisor alike.
• Proactively manage projects, risk, identifying threats and opportunities to the business and offer appropriate mitigation for grid connection, grid offer, costs and schedule of implementing grid connection facilities.
• Undertake TSO/DNO/DSO due diligence in all deals in Germany including permitting and construction aspects of grid connection to the grid.
• Attend Lightsource bp sites and third-party premises as required.
• Present reports periodically to appropriate management / governance team.
• Participate in reviewing due diligence reports, feasibility of projects, analysing Grid code compliance & Power system constraints.
• Be able to resolve Grid sharing agreement, Substation sharing, EP and other grid and commercial related issues to the projects in Germany.
• Attend the contractual negotiation with ICP & EPC regarding technical areas such as HV system electrical interconnection works.
• Have good understanding of design packs required for power generation and substations engineering (in terms of Primary, secondary, Civil, construction, commissioning, and energisation).
• Participate in Technical specifications preparation, design optimisation reporting, carrying power systems studies and coordination with Engineering Excellence team (when necessary)
• Reviewing the HV system aspects of different projects including Transmission Line routing, HV equipment layouts, earthing design and reports, mechanical & electrical interlocking, HV busbar calculations, protection coordination, and technical specification for the HV system equipment.
• Conduct PV and BESS interconnection electrical equipment technical review and specification, including MV and HV substations, switchgears, cables, protection equipment and other MV/HV equipment.
• Execution of project develops technical design reports for Transmission Line/ Cable (HV) design, feasibility studies, reports, programs, and cost estimating.
• Execution of Substation's HV equipment design, feasibility studies, reports, programs, and cost estimating.

Who we’re looking for

Knowledge

• Strong technical knowledge of Germany DNO & TSO
• Strong knowledge and capability of dealing with Energy Market Operators across Germany.
• Understanding of future transmission plans from key jurisdictions across Germany.
• Understanding of the grid connection process, grid application process and grid offer negotiations across key jurisdictions in Germany.
• Direct contacts with key transmission and governmental agencies in the Germany jurisdictions.
• Understanding of market operations and behaviour in Germany from a commercial and trading perspective.
• Solid background on grid code and grid connection regulatory compliance.
• Solid background on storage regulatory and connection.

Qualifications

• Attained an education, ideally a degree in Power System Electrical Engineering but other relative qualifications and supporting working experience would be considered.

Complementary Qualifications

• Skilled in Energy, Power Systems, Power Transmission, Project Management, Control Engineer, Account& Contract Management, Substations Design, Renewable Energy, Storage, Artificial Intelligence and Smart Grid.

Experience

• Proven track record & experienced in a similar role for minimum of 5 years (desirable 8+).
• HV TL & MV DL and Substation permit, construction, design experience for PV or BESS projects.
• Experience in electrical integration of renewable power generation and grid codes.

OTHERS

• HV Engineer, Protection & Control Systems, RTU/SCADA Controls, Power Transformer, Cabling, Testing & Commissioning, Grid Connections, Contestable Works, Cable System Design, DNO Design.

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
• Fluent in German and English

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 recognised

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

Be inspired

Join an agile, international team working across 15 countries to power the future and positively impact people, communities, ecosystems and biodiversity across the world.

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.

For further information on our career opportunities and life at Lightsource bp, please visit https://www.lightsourcebp.com/careers/

Why You’ll Want to Stay with us

At Lightsource bp, you’ll work within agile, cross-functional teams where diverse perspectives come together. Our culture embraces open knowledge sharing and collaboration, empowering you to learn from others and accelerate progress collectively.

Your career growth is our priority and a shared journey. We are committed to developing talent from within and prepare you for career advancement so you can shape a fulfilling and lasting journey here.

In today’s fast-changing world, a learning mindset is essential and therefore we proactively support upskilling to help you push your skill boundaries and stay ahead in your field, so you can not only keep pace with change, but confidently shape a brighter future.