Job Information
National Grid Control Centre Team Leader - IFA in Ashford, United Kingdom
About the role
Control Centre Team Leader - IFA - Sellindge, Kent
National Grid Interconnectors (https://www.nationalgrid.com/national-grid-ventures/interconnectors-connecting-cleaner-future) is at the heart of UK’s transition to our net zero energy future. We operate a number of HVDC interconnectors that connect the UK’s energy system to some of our closest neighbours, allowing energy to be imported to and exported from the UK. As well as already owning a portfolio of HVDC Interconnectors, we’re working on developing new projects in order to ensure that we are able to meet the UK’s future demands for greener energy solutions.
As a Control Centre Team Leader, you’ll manage a team of HVDC Control Room Operators, a dedicated shift team who are responsible for monitoring and controlling the operation of the IFA1 and IFA2 HVDC Interconnectors, that connect Great Britain to France.
You will be responsible for ensuring safe operation of the systems, developing and maintaining a resilient control room team, ensuring compliance to procedures and working closely with all stakeholders including the Electricity System Operators.
This role is based at the IFA1 Control Room in Sellindge, Ashford and manages two interconnectors with UK operational sites in Ashford and Portsmouth. You'll be flexible to occasional support and attendance at the IFA2 operational site and potentially others (including international travel).
Key accountabilities
Line manage a team of shift operators for the IFA1 and IFA2 interconnectors, prioritising safe operations. This includes setting objectives, planning development and delivering training and Authorisation needs.
Develop and maintain sufficient control operating procedures and guidance so operations are undertaken in accordance with policies and safety rules.
Understand and work with systems teams and suppliers to develop and improve operational and commercial systems. Also responsible for managing the delivery of specific Control Room projects.
Understand and promptly respond to and investigate all safety concerns and system issues. Coordinate with control room teams, on-site colleagues and contractors who undertake maintenance and repair works to ensure alarms/messages are managed.
As this role is based on a 24/7 operational site, you'll be required to participate in a standby rota as an escalation point for site incidents and interventions, and deputise for the Control Centre Manager as required.
About you
Experience of working within a control room environment or an engineering background, with knowledge of complex systems (SCADA, HV AC/DC control systems, dispatch systems).
Experience of working within a HV environment with knowledge and understanding of work and/or failures on HV & LV systems, encompassing both electrical and mechanical systems.
Experience of making critical business and operational decisions with conflicting priorities and under pressure.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, capable of gaining a high degree of credibility and influencing teams.
Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At National Grid Interconnectors, we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace for everyone. So, if you’re excited about this role but your experience or qualifications don’t match the job description exactly, we encourage you to apply anyway. You might just be the right person for our growing business in this role or another one.
What you'll get
A competitive salary between £51,000 to £65,000 – dependent on capability.
Market supplement of £3,000 per annum.
Standby allowance.
Job requirement car.
An annual performance bonus.
26 days annual leave (plus bank holidays).
The option to buy additional or sell holiday days.
Generous contributory pension scheme - we will double-match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%.
Financial support to help cover the cost of professional membership subscriptions, course fees, books, exam fees and time off for study leave - so long as it's relevant to your role.
Access to flexible benefits such as a share incentive plan, salary sacrifice car and technology schemes, support via employee assistance lines and matched charity giving to name a few.
Family care benefits including a back-up care service for when your usual care arrangements fall through (six paid days each year as standard with the option to purchase further days).
Access to apps that support health, fitness and wellbeing.
About us
National Grid Interconnectors (https://www.nationalgrid.com/national-grid-ventures/interconnectors-connecting-cleaner-future) , part of National Grid Ventures, is at the heart of the energy transition, supporting the connection of electricity grids between Great Britain and other countries, allowing the sharing of greener, more affordable power.
Interconnexion France-Angleterre (IFA) is a joint venture between the French Transmission Operator RTE and National Grid, operating the subsea electricity link between Great Britain and France.
More information
This role closes on 15 September 2024 at 23:59 , however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary.
At National Grid, we work towards the highest standards in everything we do, including how we support, value and develop our people. Our aim is to encourage and support employees to thrive and be the best they can be. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office.
Our goal is to drive, develop and operate our business in a way that results in a more inclusive culture. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, the innovation from diverse teams & perspectives and business need. We are committed to building a workforce so we can represent the communities we serve and have a working environment in which each individual feels valued, respected, fairly treated, and able to reach their full potential.
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