Opportunities have arisen for Project Support Specialists in the Primary Network Design (PND) Team based at our offices in Bristol and Cardiff.
The PND team are responsible for undertaking the power system analysis and network design associated with both new connections and reinforcement on the 132kV, 66kV and 33kV (EHV) distribution network throughout National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED). Alongside power system analysis, some of the key team outputs include connection offers, technical reports, capital sanctions and technical support to other NGED teams.
The PND team comprises of circa 60 staff primarily based at our offices in Bristol, Tipton, Castle Donington and Cardiff. It handles significant numbers of both new connection and reinforcement projects ranging in capital value from £50k to over £35m.
Reporting to the PND Team Manager, you will be responsible for managing a portfolio of accepted connection offers and reinforcement schemes, from acceptance to energization, ensuring timely progression. You will be required to coordinate and engage autonomously with both internal and external stakeholders to ensure timely, safe and on-budget delivery of schemes.
As part of our hybrid working approach this role offers a mix of office and home working. Hybrid working can only be considered once your initial training is complete and subject to business need.
Evidence of any stated qualifications will be required prior to appointment.
* Please note that if you do not hold all the necessary experience to undertake the role in full, you may initially be appointed on a lower salary, until training is complete.
About UsWe’re National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED), the owner and operator behind the electricity distribution systems for the Midlands, the Southwest of England and South Wales. Serving communities of more than 8 million people, our expert teams deliver heat, light and power for homes and businesses.
National Grid employs over 29,000 people worldwide. We are building an inclusive workplace, a place to actively celebrate the cultures, personalities and preferences of our colleagues – who in turn help to build the success of our business and reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Our vision is to be at the heart of a clean, fair and affordable energy future and we are doing this in a fast-moving industry with an increasing focus on tackling climate change, exploring new energy sources that are renewable, low carbon, and improve efficiency to meet demand.
Main Responsibilities
Oversee a portfolio of accepted new connection and reinforcement schemes.
Be the main point of customer contact following the acceptance of a connection offer.
Liaise with various internal and external stakeholders to ensure timely and on budget delivery of schemes.
Maintain regular contact with the Project Engineer, responsible for the onsite project delivery, and other project stakeholders to ensure appropriate tasks (surveys, equipment orders etc.) have been proactively actioned in order to meet the aspirational connection dates.
Maintain regular contact with the Consents & Wayleaves specialist to ensure appropriate legal cover is being obtained with the intention of informing / chasing the customer as required.
Support engagement with the NGED policy, Connections Strategy and the Legal teams to close out technical, commercial and legal queries as appropriate.
Draft and issue customer connection offer variations reflecting timescale, scope and cost variations, and create updated scheme versions in NGED’s Connections management and estimating tool (CROWN).
Manage and track customer connection offer milestones, and ensure appropriate queue management of accepted schemes.
Assist with setting up and arranging the scheme kick off meeting (Grid Way Integrated Project Team kick off meeting) including the preparation of the relevant supporting documents.
Attend and lead, as required, regular connection/project review meetings.
Draft and secure advanced financial sanction.
Engage and commission (issue work instruction) various initial scheme surveys with various external and internal providers i.e. overhead line (tower/wood pole) surveys, underground cable route surveys, wayleave instructions, communication surveys etc.
Ensure all necessary internal surveys are completed promptly to facilitate the timely submission of the customer’s technical reports (P28, P29, G5 etc.) for approval by NGED.
Circulate Independent Connection Provider (ICP) design submissions to relevant NGED teams for review and, where possible, use knowledge and experience of NGED Policy and Standard Techniques to comment on the proposals.
Support PND Engineers with production of some Construction, Design and Management (CDM) documents i.e. only relating to PND responsibilities e.g. initial F10 notification, etc.
To ensure the project remains “cash positive” through the inspection of internal reporting tools (e.g. WebFocus), liaison with Project Engineers and other key stakeholders.
Ensuring substation, Line loss Factors (LLF) and MPAN numbers are created and issued to the customer.
Assisting to create and vary formal Agreements and ensuring they are issued and signed prior to energisation.
Updating relevant enquiry activities on CROWN and other internal trackers.
The Ideal Candidate
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills including report writing, presentation skills and an ability to communicate at all levels.
The ability to develop good working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Ideally have project and programme management experience and be able to evidence a strong ability to manage finances.
Have good attention to detail and able to act autonomously within the constraints set by the PND Team Manager.
The ability to plan, organise and manage multiple activities and meet tight deadlines.
A project management qualification will be preferable but not essential.
As some travel may be required with this role a full UK driving licence is required.
National Grid Electricity Distribution is committed to safeguarding the interests of the Company, colleagues and customers.
This role is subject to a satisfactory Barring Service (DBS) check. Depending on the role, different levels of screening and vetting are required. Some roles require a triannual check.
About The CompanyJoining the UK’s leading electricity distribution business means plenty of career opportunities and well-deserved recognition. We reward hard work and encourage ambition. So, as well as a competitive salary, you will also benefit from:
26 days paid leave plus 8 bank holidays, up to 28 days with continuous service
Competitive contributory pension scheme (we double match your contributions up to a maximum of 12%)
Annual Share Save plan
Contributory private healthcare scheme for you and your family
Support via our Employee Assistance Programme, including musculoskeletal and physiotherapy services
Free on-site parking at all our main sites
Things you need to know
As an equal opportunities employer who is committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, we celebrate individual difference and are actively bringing in more employees from diverse backgrounds to build on our inclusive culture. We anonymise all applications in our recruitment system so we can eliminate unconscious bias and be a workplace that reflects the community we serve. Hiring managers only have access to necessary information at interview stage. If you require additional support to complete your online application, please email nged.recruitment@nationalgrid.co.uk
Recruitment correspondence is usually sent by email, please check your email account including spam/junk folders regularly after the closing date.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early should sufficient numbers of suitable applications be received, so it would be best to apply as soon as you can.
