Grid Interconnection Manager

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 decarbonise.
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.

What you’ll do

This role involves the autonomous management of a diverse and growing team across the full grid/renewable/BESS lifecycle of the Brazilian projects and opportunities. You will be required to work closely with the development, power markets, legal, construction and asset management teams, using high level communication and problem-solving skills to ensure the successful completion of projects in a timely and cost-effective manner and to attract new opportunities to the company.
The position requires both technical and commercial knowledge, as well as strategic planning skills and the ability to form strong working relationships. A strong network of contacts, and knowledge of the ONS/TSO/DNO/ICPs and government agencies responsible for grid connections is essential to success in this role, as is the necessary expertise and drive to contribute to the growth of our BRAZIL development and construction pipeline. The preferred candidate should be able to demonstrate solid experience in the system simulations, regulations and policies, design and engineering in the Brazilian region.
 
Core Responsibilities
•    Responsible for the analysis of the ONS/TSO/DSO energy capacity data and regulations to support Lightsource bp in new opportunities (in coordination with Grid Code team).
•    Understanding of market behavior in BRAZIL including ONS/TSO/DSO Development plans and grid congestion/curtailments analysis
•    Manage and be responsible for the coordination and submission of grid applications in BRAZIL that include all relevant information required by ONS/TSO/DNO, ensuring they are submitted in a timely manner, and they progress through the ONS/TSO/DNO processes without delay.
•    Manage the reviewing process of grid connection offers to ensure they meet Lightsource bp requirements and comply with the features needed by the projects.
•    Managing timelines and deliverables, while scheduling and managing deadlines.
•    Advise the Grid team in BRAZIL, providing assistance during project development by identifying factors associated to the grid connections.
•    Have a strategic role in the development of standardized arrangements for grid connections that reduce installation time and cost while maintaining or improving the performance of the facility design.
•    Propose growth strategies and present new strategies related to grid
•    Monitoring local/country regulations and analyzing their impact on Lightsource bp projects, participating in working groups and forums to defend the company's interests.
•    Lead internal and external regulatory meetings to ensure all members understand updates, implications, and internal position.
•    Managing the Grid projects with effective leadership to ensure the work is completed on time and budget and the accomplishment of country/team objectives. 
•    Work closely with the BRAZIL Business Development team to progress and develop strategies to increase the pipeline, identification and evaluation of M&A and Greenfield projects and best Land Rights obtainment.
•    Perform overall opportunity assessments, identify risks and mitigation actions in Due Diligence processes by Investor and Technical Advisors.
•    Key Grid interface in the negotiation of grid shared agreement with other developers or entities involved to ensure Lightsource bp requirements are met.
•    Work closely with Flexibility team in all aspects related to electricity market services (ancillary services, balancing, constraints, auctions...).
•    Contract the engineering/studies/surveys/drawings required to start the design process of the Non-Contestable and Contestable Works with the TSO/DSO/ICPs to secure or advance grid connections works (COD dates).
•    Management of the Owner Engineer including design review
•    Visit Lightsource bp construction sites regularly, as well as third-party premises as required. 
•    Advise development and project managers proactively with technical assistance through the life of the project.
•    Develop, strengthen and maintain contacts with key stakeholders involved in the development, construction, connection, and operation process such as ONS/TSO/DSO, ICPs and governmental agencies in all aspects related to the grid connection offer and the implantation of the grid connection facilities.
•    Introduce and maintain departmental procedures and processes to support: grid connection applications, grid capacity checks, grid connection assessments, grid commissioning, compliance assurance and ICP auditing.
•    Represent grid team in all matters related to the projects in the BRAZIL pipeline, on risk and mitigation plans for grid connection, grid offer, grid optimization solutions, permitting, construction, costs and schedule of grid connection facilities.
•    Support in the process of hybridization of installations, BESS, WIND, H2, etc.
•    Produce and coordinate the preparation of reports to periodically inform management / governance team.
 
Who we’re looking for

Knowledge
•    Strong technical knowledge of BRAZIL ONS/TSO/DSO levels. 
•    Understanding ONS plans from key jurisdictions across BRAZIL.
•    Solid background on grid connection process, grid application process, grid compliance process, grid commissioning process and grid offer negotiations across key jurisdictions in BRAZIL.
•    Direct contacts with key transmission/distribution and governmental agencies in the BRAZIL jurisdictions.
•    Understanding of market operations and behavior in BRAZIL from a commercial and trading perspective.
•    Solid background on electrical simulation tools such as ANAREDE
•    Solid background on grid code and grid connection regulatory compliance. 
•    Solid background on energy regulatory and connection.
•    Solid background on project hybridisation.
•    Solid background on project repowering with regard to grid connection.
•    Strong technical knowledge of HV (138kV+) connection concept in BRAZIL along with the associated construction and commissioning activities 
•    Deep knowledge of HV/MV substation and circuit design and construction standards.
•    Working knowledge of HV/MV equipment including HV GIS switchgear, transformers, protections & Control systems (SCADA), underground/OH lines and other MV/HV equipment.
•    Exposure in substation construction environment,
•    Knowledge of ONS/TSO/DSO specifications and working methods 

Qualifications 

•    Preferably a degree level qualification associated with electrical power systems and/or electrical engineering.

Experience 

•    Proven track record & experienced in a similar role for minimum of 6 years (desirable 8+).
•    Knowledge in HV Engineer, Protection & Control Systems, RTU/SCADA Controls, Power Transformer, Cabling, Testing & Commissioning, Grid Connections, Contestable Works, Cable System Design, DNO Design.
•    Skilled in Energy, Power Systems, Power Transmission, Project Management, Control Engineer, Account& Contract Management, Substations Design, Renewable Energy, Storage and Smart Grid.

Why you’ll make a great member of the team

Personal qualities 
•    A good team player
•    Effective communicator
•    Good IT skills 
•    Proactive and positive work attitude 
•    Keen and dynamic approach to innovation
•    Able to coordinate with multiple internal and external teams
•    Able to work independently with minimum supervision

Why you'll want to work for 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 (e.g., accessing the job application, completing required assessments, participating in telephone screenings or interviews, etc.).  If you would like to request an accommodation related to the recruitment process, please contact us to request accommodations.