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 Power Factory or PSS®E.
Availability to  travel within Italy  as required and a valid driving licence.