Head of Grid

Our client is a rapidly growing European Independent Power Producer (IPP) focused on the development, construction, ownership and operation of large-scale renewable energy and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects across Europe.

With an expanding portfolio of utility-scale BESS assets, the company is looking to appoint a Head of Grid to lead its grid connection strategy and provide technical leadership across its European development portfolio.

This is a senior leadership position with significant influence over the company's project pipeline, grid strategy and investment decisions.

The Role

As Head of Grid, you will have overall responsibility for the company's grid connection strategy across Europe, with a particular focus on utility-scale BESS projects.

You will lead the identification, assessment, development and delivery of grid connections, working closely with internal development, engineering, commercial and investment teams, as well as external consultants, TSOs, DSOs and network operators.

The successful candidate will bring strong technical and commercial understanding of European electricity networks, grid connection processes and the specific requirements associated with connecting large-scale BESS assets.

Key Responsibilities

Grid Strategy & Development

• Develop and own the company's European grid connection strategy for utility-scale BESS projects.
• Identify and evaluate grid connection opportunities across target European markets.
• Lead technical due diligence of grid connection opportunities during project acquisition and development.
• Assess grid capacity, connection costs, timelines, constraints and technical risks.
• Provide grid-related input into project feasibility, investment and acquisition decisions.
• Develop strategies to optimize connection capacity and project economics.

Grid Connection Management

• Lead the grid connection process from initial application through to connection and energization.
• Manage relationships with TSOs, DSOs, network operators and relevant regulatory bodies.
• Oversee grid connection applications, studies, offers, agreements and milestones.
• Review and challenge grid studies, connection designs and technical reports.
• Ensure projects meet relevant grid codes, network requirements and technical standards.
• Identify and mitigate connection risks that could impact project timelines or financial returns.

Technical Leadership – BESS

• Provide technical leadership on the grid integration of utility-scale BESS projects.
• Oversee requirements relating to power quality, protection, reactive power, voltage control, frequency response and system stability.
• Work closely with engineering teams on substation, HV infrastructure and grid interface design.
• Review grid studies including load flow, short circuit, dynamic stability, harmonic and transient analysis.
• Support the specification and selection of grid-related equipment and BESS power conversion systems.
• Ensure projects are designed to maximize flexibility and access to relevant ancillary and balancing markets.

Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Build and lead a high-performing internal grid team as the company's BESS portfolio grows.
• Manage external grid consultants and technical advisors.
• Develop strong relationships with network operators and key industry stakeholders.
• Work cross-functionally with Development, Engineering, Construction, Commercial, Legal, Finance and Investment teams.
• Represent the company in grid-related negotiations and industry discussions.
• Provide senior management and investment committees with clear recommendations on grid opportunities and risks.

Portfolio & Commercial Optimization

• Support the commercial optimization of BESS projects through grid and connection strategy.
• Assess opportunities for co-location, grid sharing, connection capacity optimization and flexible connection arrangements.
• Identify opportunities to increase project value through ancillary services and other grid-supporting services.
• Monitor changes to European grid connection frameworks, market design and network charging regimes.
• Provide strategic input into M&A and project acquisition activities.

Candidate Profile

Essential Experience

• Significant experience working within the European energy / renewable energy sector.
• Strong experience with utility-scale BESS grid connections.
• Proven experience managing grid connection processes with TSOs and/or DSOs.
• Strong understanding of European transmission and distribution networks.
• Experience with HV grid infrastructure and substation development.
• Strong understanding of grid codes and connection requirements.
• Experience reviewing or managing technical grid studies.
• Ability to assess grid opportunities from both a technical and commercial perspective.
• Proven ability to manage senior external stakeholders and network operators.
• Experience working across multiple projects and/or European markets.

Desirable Experience

• Experience across multiple European markets such as UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain or the Netherlands.
• Experience with hybrid renewable + BESS projects.
• Experience with co-located solar/wind and BESS projects.
• Experience with TSO/DSO negotiations and connection agreements.
• Knowledge of ancillary services, balancing markets and flexibility markets.
• Experience within an IPP, developer, utility, grid consultancy or network operator.
• Engineering degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems or a related discipline.