Head of Grid Connections - Renewable Energy

Location: Brisbane, Australia
Industry: Renewable Energy and Power Generation
Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time

Overview

A leading international renewable energy developer is seeking an experienced Head of Grid Connections to lead the full lifecycle of grid connection strategy and delivery across a major Australian portfolio.

This is a senior leadership position combining technical authority, commercial judgement, regulatory engagement, and team development. You will oversee complex grid integration across large-scale solar, wind, battery energy storage systems, hydrogen, and hybrid assets connecting into the National Electricity Market.

Working closely with executive leadership, development, construction, and commercial teams, you will ensure projects achieve compliant, bankable, and technically robust grid outcomes from early-stage development through to unconstrained operation.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Governance

• Define and implement portfolio-wide grid connection strategy across Australia

• Establish modelling standards, compliance frameworks, and governance processes

• Provide executive guidance on grid risk, system strength exposure, and connection viability

• Lead engagement with market operator, network service providers, regulators, and government bodies

• Represent the business in industry forums and regulatory consultations

• Monitor and interpret changes to electricity rules and grid reform initiatives

Technical Authority and Oversight

• Act as the senior technical authority for all grid connection matters

• Oversee power system studies including compliance assessments, system strength analysis, harmonic performance, protection coordination, and performance standard modelling

• Govern the development and validation of RMS and EMT models using recognised industry software

• Provide technical review and sign-off on modelling, tuning studies, and compliance documentation

• Oversee delivery through development and connection phases to achieve regulatory approvals, registration, and unconstrained operation

Commercial and Contractual Leadership

• Lead negotiation of generator performance standards with network operators and the market operator

• Support connection agreement negotiations to optimise commercial and technical outcomes

• Advise on grid-related risk allocation within EPC and equipment supply contracts

• Manage external consultants including scope, performance, and budget oversight

• Provide grid input into tender submissions, offtake arrangements, and financing processes

Portfolio Delivery and Risk Management

• Provide early-stage grid advice to support site selection and investment decisions

• Lead mitigation strategies for system strength, voltage stability, harmonics, and compliance risks

• Oversee multiple concurrent grid connection programmes across large-scale assets

• Ensure ongoing compliance of operational generating systems and manage model updates

People Leadership and Capability Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing grid connection team

• Establish capability frameworks and succession planning

• Drive technical excellence, accountability, and cross-functional collaboration

• Oversee recruitment, workforce planning, and functional budget management

Requirements

• Bachelor of Engineering in Power Systems or related discipline; postgraduate qualifications advantageous

• Extensive experience in power systems engineering within the Australian National Electricity Market

• Strong track record delivering grid connection outcomes for large-scale renewable and storage projects

• Advanced expertise in recognised power system modelling platforms

• Deep knowledge of Australian electricity rules and system strength frameworks

• Demonstrated experience leading complex performance standard and connection negotiations

• Proven ability to manage full grid connection lifecycle through to commercial operation

• Strong commercial acumen and executive-level influencing capability

• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and leadership skills

This is a rare opportunity to shape grid strategy at portfolio scale within a major renewable energy platform. The role offers significant executive visibility and the chance to lead some of the most technically complex grid integrations in the Australian market.