Grid Connections Manager

Lightsource bp

Sydney

On-site

AUD 100,000 - 130,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Health insurance

Pension

Job summary

A leading renewable energy company in Sydney is seeking a Grid Connections Manager to oversee grid connection processes. The role requires a strong technical background in Australian grids and negotiation skills with NSPs and AEMO. Candidates should have at least 5 years of experience in a similar position, along with relevant educational qualifications. The position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, supporting a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Qualifications

Minimum 5 years' experience in a similar role.
Proven track record in grid connections.
Experience with PV solar plant design/construction.

Responsibilities

Manage grid connection applications for projects.
Negotiate with NSPs and AEMO during application review.
Support project managers with technical assistance.
Represent Grid Department at meetings.
Create and maintain agreements with suppliers.

Skills

Technical knowledge of Australian Grid

Negotiating connection contracts

Commercial awareness

Networking with TNSPs and AEMO

Mentoring Engineers

Education

Degree in Electrical and/or Power Engineering

Job description

Overview

Join to apply for the Grid Connections Manager role at 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 decarbonize. 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.

Purpose of the role

The main purpose of this role will be to achieve grid connections required by Lightsource bp projects in Australia. It will be your responsibility to make sure these projects are delivered in a timely and cost-effective manner and ensure that the connection is managed during the development through to the construction process.

Responsibilities

To provide assistance during project development by identifying factors influencing and influenced by the grid connections, subject to experience.
To manage and be responsible for the submission of grid applications that include all relevant information required by the different DNSPs (Distribution network service providers) & TNSPs (Transmission Network Service Providers) ensure they are submitted in a timely manner, and they progress through the NSPs & AEMO (Australian Energy Market Operator) processes without delay.
To negotiate with NSPs & AEMO throughout the review process of Grid connection application to achieve 5.3.4AA in timely manner
To manage the review process for grid connection offers to ensure they meet Lightsource bp requirements and represent the minimum scheme required.
To be responsible for 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.
To be responsible for creation and maintenance of framework agreements with equipment suppliers to ensure Lightsource bp has the required delivery capacity at the appropriate commercial terms.
To play a strategic role in the development of standardised arrangements for grid connections that reduce installation time and cost whilst maintaining or improving plant.
In a proactive manner, support project managers with technical assistance through the life of the project, subject to previous experience and training.
Introduce and maintain departmental procedures to support grid connection application, grid capacity checks and grid connection assessment, ICP auditing.
Formalise a standardised response sheet to common risk items as identified by Investor and Technical Advisor alike.
Represent Grid Department at relevant Development Meetings and Delivery Meetings as required by Lightsource bp.
Represent Grid Department at relevant third-party stakeholder events as required.
Attend Lightsource bp sites and third-party premises as required.

Personal skills and qualifications

Knowledge

Strong technical knowledge of Australian Grid in all states at both DNSP & TNSP levels.
Strong knowledge and capability of dealing with AEMO.
Mentor Engineers / Senior Engineers to develop and grow their skills in Grid connection space.

Work Skills

Full conversant with the end to end DNSP & TNSP process for generator connections.
Experienced at negotiating the legal and commercial aspects of connection contracts.
Commercially astute.
Good network of contacts across the TNSP and AEMO environment.
Established relationships with DNSPs, TNSPs & AEMO.
Previous experience in the design/ construction and operation of PV solar plant.

Experience Required

Proven track record & experienced in a similar role for minimum of 5 years.

Education and Qualifications

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

Why you’ll want to work with 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 recognized: Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a variety of benefits including annual bonus, retention bank, health insurance, pension, 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.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, socioeconomic status, neurodiversity/neurocognitive functioning, veteran status or disability status. Individuals with disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation related to LSbp’s recruiting process. If you would like to request an accommodation related to the recruitment process, please contact us to request accommodations.

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