Kiera O'Reilly

Pangea is partnered with a leading specialist investor and asset manager in the energy transition is hiring a Grid Connections Director to shape and execute grid connection strategy across a growing UK portfolio of utility-scale energy storage and other energy transition assets.

This is a senior, high-impact role providing leadership across the full connection lifecycle—from investment due diligence and early-stage development through to energisation—ensuring projects are commercially viable, technically robust, and deliverable to programme. You will act as the in-house subject matter expert for UK transmission connections, working closely with internal investment and delivery teams and engaging extensively with key external stakeholders across the UK networks and regulatory landscape.

THE ROLE

Own and deliver the grid connection strategy across the UK portfolio.
Identify opportunities to improve connection certainty, reduce delivery risk, and optimise project economics.
Lead technical input into investment opportunities and acquisition due diligence.
Evaluate connection options and recommend optimal approaches based on programme, technical, and commercial risk.
Track and interpret industry developments (e.g., connections reform, policy/regulatory changes) and advise senior stakeholders accordingly.
Lead transmission connection planning from project inception.
Review connection offers and flag commercial/technical risks.
Build realistic connection programmes aligned to investment timelines.
Optimise connection costs through design development and contracting strategy.
Identify and manage supply chain risks; pre-qualify HV contractors, ICPs, and specialist consultants.
Develop employer’s requirements for transmission packages and lead technical tender evaluation.
Produce early-stage CAPEX estimates, challenge contractor pricing, and identify value-engineering opportunities.
Support commercial negotiations relating to transmission and associated infrastructure.
Act as the senior representative for transmission-related matters with key network and industry stakeholders (e.g., system operator, transmission owners, DNOs, ICPs, regulators, owner’s engineers, and technical advisors).
Lead discussions on delivery strategies and connection programmes, resolve interface issues, and escalate constraints as needed.
Represent the organisation at relevant forums/working groups, influencing outcomes to improve delivery certainty.
Provide executive oversight across all grid connection scopes, including substations, contestable/non-contestable works, owner’s engineer activities, reinforcement interfaces, LV supplies, and cable diversions/relocations.
Maintain portfolio-wide visibility of connection programmes and milestones.
Identify conflicts and risks, develop mitigations, and report material issues to senior leadership.
Establish governance for risk management, change control, standards consistency, safety, quality, reporting, and best practice.

THE CANDIDATE

10+ years’ experience delivering transmission or grid connection projects within the UK electricity sector.
Degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering (or closely related discipline); postgraduate study is a plus.
Deep understanding of UK transmission and distribution connection processes, governance, and stakeholder landscape.
Track record developing transmission strategies for large infrastructure / renewables / energy transition projects.
Experience preparing connection budgets and supporting investment decisions.
Strong procurement capability: contractor selection, procurement strategy, and technical tender evaluation.
Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills; confident operating at senior levels.
Organised, rigorous, and proactive; comfortable in fast-paced environments with tight deadlines.
Strong communicator (written and verbal) with the ability to distil complex issues clearly.
Team-oriented leader who can also work independently and take ownership end-to-end.

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