Senior Grid Connection Manager

Job Title: Senior Grid Connection Manager

Department: Grid

Reporting to: Head of Grid – Northern Europe

Location: Berlin, Germany

About Lightsource bp

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 was fully acquired by bp in 2024.

What you’ll do (the role)

Summary

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.

Core Responsibilities

• Aid during project development by identifying factors influencing and influenced by the grid connections and combining stronger leadership to ensure the work is completed on time and budget.
• Manage and be responsible for the submission of grid applications in Germany that include all relevant information required by the TSO’s/ DNO’s, ensure they are submitted in a timely manner, and they progress through the processes without delay.
• 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.
• To play a strategic role in the development of standardized arrangements for grid connections that reduce installation time and cost whilst maintaining or improving PV plant.
• 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 behavior 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).
• Introduce and maintain departmental procedures to support grid connection application, grid capacity checks and grid connection assessment, ICP auditing.
• Undertake TSO/DNO/DSO due diligence in all deals in Germany including permitting and construction aspects of grid connection to the grid.
• Be able to resolve Grid sharing agreement, substation sharing, 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 energization).
• Participate in technical specifications preparation, design optimization reporting, carrying power systems studies and coordination with engineering excellence team (when necessary).
• 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.
• Engage in various PV, Wind, and BESS associations‘ grid-related working groups to stay current with industry developments.
• Regularly monitor and update changes in laws affecting grid connections in Germany to identify new business opportunities.
• Attend industry events and trade fairs to stay updated on the latest standards in laws and grid connections while maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including ICPs, DSOs, TSOs, engineering companies, and others.

Who we’re looking for

Knowledge

• Strong technical knowledge of Germany DNO & TSO levels.
• 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.
• Understanding of market operations and behavior 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 Electrical Engineering but other relative qualifications and supporting working experience would be considered.
• Skilled in Energy, Power Systems, Power Transmission, Project Management, Control Engineer, Account & Contract Management, Substations Design, Renewable Energy, Storage and Smart Grid.

Experience

• Proven track record & experienced in a similar role for minimum of 6 years (desirable 8+).
• HV TL & MV DL and Substation permit, construction, design experience for PV, Wind or BESS projects.
• Experience in electrical integration of renewable power generation and grid codes.

What challenges can you expect in this role?

• Navigating Regulatory Complexities: You’ll work within Germany’s evolving regulatory landscape, balancing strict permitting requirements and grid codes while ensuring timely project approvals and compliance.
• Managing Grid Capacity Constraints: With limited grid capacity and increasing demand for renewable energy connections, you’ll face the challenge of identifying feasible grid connection points and optimizing project timelines to secure capacity.

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

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 projects are responsible.

Be recognised

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

Be inspired

Beyond your day-to-day working life at Lightsource bp, there’s a variety of initiatives that will contribute to your own personal development. These include our charitable causes, supporting our solar honey project, or volunteering on our VIBES committee to name a few.

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.

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