Grid Connections Manager

365 Recruitment; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

15% annual bonus

Enhanced pension

Hybrid working

Funded professional development

Job summary

365 Recruitment is searching for a Grid Connections Manager in London to secure power for data centre campuses. You will own connections from application to energisation, coordinating with DNOs, ICPs, and consultants, while aligning with build programmes and budgets.

You will lead negotiations on offers, manage risks, and report to senior leadership on progress and energisation dates. Hybrid role with site visits as needed.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in grid connections.
• Knowledge of UK connection processes from application to energisation.
• Proven track record negotiating connection offers and agreements.
• Understanding HV/EHV networks and connection design.
• Experience managing consultants, contractors and budgets.
• Confident dealing with senior external stakeholders and network operators.
• Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent experience.
• Desirable: NGET experience, flexible/non-firm connections, and CEng status.

Responsibilities

• Lead grid connection applications with DNOs, IDNOs and National Grid for new data centre sites.
• Manage portfolio position through Gate 2 reforms and queue management.
• Assess, challenge and negotiate connection offers including cost and programme.
• Manage connection agreements through energisation with contestable works.
• Appoint and manage ICPs, grid consultants and contractors.
• Coordinate with design, construction and commissioning teams for power delivery alignment.
• Oversee wayleaves, easements and land rights.
• Carry out grid capacity analysis and site feasibility studies.
• Evaluate alternative power options (onsite generation, BESS, private wire).
• Track regulatory changes and advise leadership on risks and opportunities.

Skills

Grid connections

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Project budgeting

Contract management

Communication

HV/EHV networks knowledge

Education

Electrical Engineering degree (or HNC/HND)

Job description

Location: London, hybrid (2–3 days in office, plus site and network operator visits as needed)

The opportunity

365 Recruitment is partnering with a leading UK colocation operator to appoint a Grid Connections Manager to secure power for its growing portfolio of data centre campuses. You'll own grid connections from first application through to energisation, and play a central role in the business's expansion plans.

Key responsibilities

• Lead grid connection applications with DNOs, IDNOs and National Grid (NGET/NESO) for new and expanding data centre sites.
• Manage the portfolio's position through connections reform (Gate 2) and queue management, protecting existing capacity and securing new capacity.
• Assess, challenge and negotiate connection offers, including cost, programme, securities and liabilities.
• Manage connection agreements through to energisation, covering contestable and non-contestable works.
• Appoint and manage ICPs, grid consultants and specialist contractors.
• Work with design, construction and commissioning teams so power delivery lines up with build programmes.
• Oversee wayleaves, easements and land rights linked to grid connections.
• Carry out early grid capacity analysis and feasibility studies to support site selection and acquisition.
• Evaluate alternative power options, including onsite generation, BESS, private wire and flexible connections.
• Track regulatory and market changes (Ofgem, NESO, DNO policy), and advise leadership on the risks and opportunities.
• Act as the main point of contact with network operators, local authorities and external consultants.
• Own the connections budget and forecast, including securities and connection charges.
• Report monthly to senior leadership on the connections portfolio, covering progress, risks, costs and energisation dates.

About you

• 5+ years in grid connections, from a DNO, IDNO, ICP, developer, renewables/BESS or data centre background.
• A strong working knowledge of UK connection processes, from application to energisation.
• A proven track record negotiating connection offers and agreements.
• A solid understanding of HV/EHV networks, substations and connection design.
• Experience managing consultants, contractors and connection budgets.
• Confident dealing with senior external stakeholders and network operators.
• A degree or HNC/HND in Electrical Engineering or similar, or equivalent experience.
• Desirable: transmission-level (NGET) connection experience, knowledge of flexible or non-firm connections, and CEng status (or working towards it).

What's on offer

• 15% annual bonus
• Enhanced pension
• Hybrid working, with 2–3 days in the office
• Funded professional development and a clear progression path