Our client is a leading renewable energy Independent Power Producer (IPP) with a significant portfolio of operational and development-stage solar PV and battery energy storage (BESS) assets across the UK. With ambitious growth plans and a strong commitment to supporting the UK’s net-zero transition, the business is investing heavily in grid-connected renewable and flexibility assets.
To support this expansion, we are seeking an experienced Head of Grid & BESS Engineering to lead all grid connection, power systems and energy storage engineering activities across the UK portfolio.
The Role:
Reporting to the Engineering Director, you will act as the technical authority for grid and BESS matters, overseeing projects from early-stage development through construction, commissioning and operations.
You will play a critical role in ensuring successful grid integration, securing connection strategies, managing technical risks and driving engineering excellence across a growing pipeline of utility-scale solar and battery storage projects.
Key Responsibilities:
Grid Strategy & Connections
- Lead the grid connection strategy for utility-scale solar and BESS projects across the UK.
- Manage relationships with National Grid Electricity System Operator (NESO), Transmission Owners (TOs) and Distribution Network Operators (DNOs).
- Oversee connection applications, offers, modifications and compliance requirements.
- Review and challenge power system studies, including load flow, fault level, harmonic and dynamic stability analyses.
- Support projects through the grid queue reform process and evolving UK connection frameworks.
- Define engineering standards and technical specifications for utility-scale battery storage projects.
- Lead technology selection, supplier assessments and technical due diligence.
- Oversee the design and integration of battery systems, PCS, EMS, SCADA and plant control systems.
- Ensure compliance with UK Grid Code requirements and industry standards.
- Support commissioning, performance testing and operational optimisation.
Project Development & Delivery
- Provide technical leadership across development, EPC and operational teams.
- Support planning applications and stakeholder engagement on technical matters.
- Evaluate grid constraints, network opportunities and co-location strategies.
- Identify technical risks and develop effective mitigation plans.
- Support project financing, lender technical reviews and M&A activities.
Leadership & Stakeholder Management
- Build and lead a high-performing team of Grid and BESS Engineers.
- Manage specialist consultants and engineering partners.
- Collaborate closely with Development, Construction, Asset Management and Commercial teams.
- Represent the business with regulators, network operators and industry working groups.
Candidate Profile:
- Degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems Engineering or a related discipline.
- 10+ years of experience in grid integration, power systems, renewable energy or battery storage.
- Strong understanding of the UK transmission and distribution network landscape.
- Proven experience securing grid connections for renewable energy projects.
- Demonstrated expertise in utility-scale BESS development and engineering.
- Experience leading engineering teams and managing complex stakeholder environments.
Technical Expertise
- UK Grid Code and distribution code requirements.
- Power system analysis and grid studies.
- BESS technologies and system integration.
- Solar PV and renewable energy generation assets.
- Energy Management Systems (EMS) and SCADA.
- Power system software such as PowerFactory, PSSE, PSCAD or ETAP.
- Experience working within a UK IPP, developer, utility or consultancy.
- Knowledge of ancillary services, flexibility markets and battery optimisation.
- Understanding of CFD, merchant and route-to-market structures.
- Chartered Engineer status (CEng) or equivalent.
Why Apply?
- Join one of the UK’s fastest-growing renewable energy platforms.
- Shape the future of large-scale battery storage and grid integration.
- Work on a significant pipeline of UK solar and BESS projects.
- Influence business strategy at a senior leadership level.
- Competitive compensation package with excellent career progression.
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