Head of Grid and BESS Engineering - London (Hybrid) or Flexible UK

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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