Grid Connections Lead - Renewables & Storage Strategy

Simpson Booth Limited; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Simpson Booth Limited seeks a senior Connections Lead to own grid connection strategy across a UK renewables and storage portfolio. You will drive opportunities, manage offers and milestones, and coordinate with DNOs, NESO and consultants to ensure deliverable, commercially attractive connections.

This role requires deep grid expertise, strong negotiation skills and the ability to translate complex technical issues into practical development strategies.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in UK electricity grid connections, power systems, renewable energy development or a DNO/TNO/NESO environment.
• Strong understanding of UK transmission and distribution networks, with demonstrable experience managing connection applications, offers and agreements.
• Strong understanding of G99 and generation/storage connection requirements, plus experience interpreting technical studies, network requirements and electrical documentation.
• Experience dealing directly with DNOs and/or transmission network companies and understanding evolving connections reform and Gate 2 processes.
• Experience managing connection programmes, milestones and contractual obligations, with strong stakeholder management and negotiation skills.
• Commercial awareness of how grid connections affect project value, programme and deliverability, with ability to challenge constructively.
• Experience within a renewable energy developer, IPP, investment platform or energy storage business; or previous DNO, TNO, NESO or grid consultancy experience.
• Experience in M&A, technical due diligence or project acquisitions.
• Electrical engineering qualification or equivalent practical experience, with HV, renewable generation and/or BESS experience.
• Understanding of protection, fault levels, power quality, system studies, transmission/distribution interfaces and connection cost or reinforcement assessment.
• Familiarity with power system modelling/grid study software and experience managing external engineering or grid consultants.

Responsibilities

• Own grid connection strategies across the portfolio from site identification through offer, contracting, design, construction and energisation.
• Maintain a portfolio-wide view of capacity, constraints, connection dates, costs, milestones and risks.
• Identify opportunities to improve connection dates, capacity and technical solutions.
• Provide concise reporting to senior management and maintain connection governance and records.
• Lead grid connection due diligence for acquisitions, partnerships and new development opportunities.
• Assess connection agreements and offers including capacity, queue position and costs.
• Challenge assumptions around dates, costs and network capacity; identify red flags.
• Provide input to site selection and project screening prioritising opportunities by value and deliverability.
• Support investment decisions with clear connection assessments and recommendations.
• Manage connection offers, agreements and documentation with oversight of payments and liabilities.
• Maintain milestone tracker and records of connection agreements, offers and studies.
• Ensure alignment of connection requirements with project specifications and procurement.

Skills

Grid connections

UK energy regulatory landscape

Stakeholder management

Commercial awareness

M&A due diligence

Project governance

Risk management

Technical grid expertise

Negotiation skills

Leadership

Education

Electrical engineering qualification or equivalent

Tools

Power system modelling software

Job description

Simpson Booth Limited seeks a senior Connections Lead to own grid connection strategy across a UK renewables and storage portfolio. You will drive opportunities, manage offers and milestones, and coordinate with DNOs, NESO and consultants to ensure deliverable, commercially attractive connections.

This role requires deep grid expertise, strong negotiation skills and the ability to translate complex technical issues into practical development strategies.