Grid Connection Manager

Aquila Group; Auckland; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Aquila Group in Auckland seeks an experienced Grid Connection Manager to drive feasibility through to commissioning of wind, solar and storage assets in Australia and New Zealand.

The role focuses on leading grid-connection strategies, liaising with NSPs, and coordinating with grid consultants and operations teams across APAC.

Qualifications

• Electrical Engineering degree required (Bachelor’s or Master’s).
• Ability to read, interpret and create electrical drawings.
• Experience with AEMO GPS Standards and National Electricity Rules.
• NZ electricity market knowledge is advantageous.
• Knowledge of SCADA in substations is advantageous.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills essential.
• Strong commercial acumen and NZ work eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Act as lead technical expert on grid connection from feasibility to operations.
• Lead discussions with grid consultants and evaluate technical deliverables.
• Support grid connection applications with NSPs and regulators.
• Review grid connection designs focusing on timeline and costs.
• Coordinate grid connection works with utilities through commissioning.
• Evaluate new project opportunities with development and engineering teams.
• Articulate trends in renewable energy within APAC teams.
• Lead all grid-related matters during operations.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Electrical drawings

AEMO GPS Standards

National Electricity Rules

SCADA knowledge

Commercial acumen

Verbal and written communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical Engineering

Job description

For our Auckland office, we are looking for an experienced Grid Connection Manager to join our ANZ team. Reporting to the Managing Director ANZ, this role will be critical to the successful identification, development and delivery of projects that comprise our portfolio of quality wind, solar and storage assets in Australia and New Zealand. The role includes functions from feasibility and concept design through to connection application support and compliance testing during commissioning. Key to this role is managing relationships with key grid-related stakeholders, therefore success in this role requires strong interpersonal skills.

Grid Connection Manager

Responsibilities:

• Act as a lead technical expert with regard to all grid connection aspects from the feasibility stage through to operations especially in communications with respective NSPs in Australia and New Zealand.
• Manage and lead discussions and scopes of work with various grid consultants and advisors, and evaluate deliverables and technical documentation provided by relevant third parties, including power system consultants and suppliers.
• Support the Project Development Managers during grid connection applications, including liaising with NSPs, network operators and other regulatory bodies as required.
• Review grid connection designs submitted against scope, with a focus on timeline and costs.
• Support the Construction team in the coordination of grid connection works with utilities and contractors through to commissioning and operations stages.
• Evaluate new project opportunities and support technical due diligence in cooperation with development, engineering and power market colleagues.
• Confidently articulate evolving trends in the field of renewable energy systems (incl. applicable codes, standards, and certifications) in the day-to-day interactions within the wider teams across APAC.
• Lead all grid related matters during operations.

Requirements:

• Must have the right to work in New Zealand.
• Electrical Engineering Degree (Bachelor’s or Master’s).
• Ability to read, interpret and create electrical drawings.
• Working knowledge of AEMO GPS Standards and National Electricity Rules.
• Exposure to the NZ electricity market, rules and standards an advantage
• Knowledge of Secondary systems including SCADA in substations an advantage.
• Good communication skills (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills are essential.
• Must have strong commercial acumen.
• Diverse career opportunities to grow, back yourself and achieve across Australia and New Zealand
• Competitive remuneration and benefits.
• A culture that values diversity and innovation, evolving with market changes.
• We are committed to workplace diversity and social inclusion and support the advancement of women in engineering & construction, first nations advancement and participation and encourage people of all cultural backgrounds to apply