Grid Connection Manager

Taylor Hopkinson is supporting an international renewable energy company in the appointment of a Grid Connection Manager to join its Italian project development activities.

The successful candidate will take ownership of the grid connection workstream across a portfolio of utility-scale renewable energy projects, with a particular focus on solar PV, BESS and hybrid assets .

The role covers the connection lifecycle from initial grid assessment and connection strategy through to advanced development, construction interface, energisation and commercial operation. It is a hands‑on position requiring strong technical knowledge of the Italian electricity network, combined with the ability to coordinate multiple internal and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the grid connection strategy for new projects, assessing available capacity, connection solutions, voltage levels, network constraints, reinforcement requirements and potential curtailment.
• Manage the preparation and submission of grid connection applications and the associated technical documentation to Terna and relevant DSOs.
• Oversee the different stages of the Italian connection process, including STMG/STMD activities, connection offers, contracts, fees, milestones and operator requirements .
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with Terna, E-Distribuzione and other network operators , representing the company in technical discussions and resolving outstanding matters.
• Coordinate external consultants and internal technical specialists undertaking power‑system and grid studies , including load flow, short‑circuit, reactive power, protection, harmonic and dynamic analyses.
• Ensure that projects remain aligned with the applicable Italian grid‑connection regulations and technical standards , including TICA, Terna Grid Code, CEI 0-16 and relevant ARERA requirements.
• Provide technical input on the design of connection infrastructure, including substations, transformers, MV/HV cables and lines, protection systems, metering, SCADA/telecontrol and plant control systems .
• Monitor the cost, schedule and risk profile of the grid workstream, identifying potential delays, additional network requirements and operational constraints and proposing mitigation measures.
• Work closely with Development, Permitting, Land, Legal, Finance, Investment, Procurement, Engineering and Construction teams to ensure that grid‑related activities remain coordinated with the wider project programme.
• Contribute grid expertise to project acquisitions, technical due diligence, investment decisions, financing and divestment processes , highlighting relevant risks, liabilities and development conditions.
• Support the transition from development into construction by ensuring an effective technical handover and supporting grid compliance, testing, energisation and activities through COD .
• Maintain accurate documentation, trackers, correspondence and records of interactions with network operators and provide regular updates to project development management.

Candidate Profile

• Approximately 5-8 years of professional experience in grid connection, power systems or renewable energy projects.
• Proven experience working on utility‑scale renewable energy and/or energy storage projects in Italy .
• Practical understanding of the Italian grid connection framework and experience dealing with Terna and/or Italian DSOs .
• Knowledge of STMG/STMD processes, TICA, Terna Grid Code, CEI 0-16 and relevant MyTerna/GAUDÌ procedures .
• Good technical understanding of MV/HV infrastructure, substations, transformers, protection and control systems, reactive power, metering and SCADA/telecontrol .
• Ability to interpret and critically assess single‑line diagrams, connection offers, grid studies and engineering documentation .
• Experience managing technical consultants, project timelines, budgets and multiple stakeholder interfaces.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to operate independently and interact confidently with network operators, consultants, EPC contractors and internal teams.
• Fluent Italian and good professional English , both written and spoken.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills. Knowledge of AutoCAD and/or GIS is advantageous, as is familiarity with power‑system modelling tools such as DIgSILENT PowerFactory or PSS®E.
• Availability to travel within Italy as required and a valid driving licence.