Grid Manager，Utility-Scale Energy Storage (BESS)

Your New Company

CATL is a global group specialised in leading battery manufacturing technologies.

We are looking to hire a Technical Design Manager, with the ability to be home based, to join our team to support and assist our Grid and Project Development Teams on a portfolio of various projects across SA.

As we grow, we will also be expanding into new markets and there will be opportunities to contribute to this expansion.

The role will be part of a very impressive and capable Renewable Project Development team. You will need to be ready to work in a flexible environment where everyone is aligned to company development.

what to do

We are seeking an experienced Grid Manager to own the end-to-end grid interconnection, grid compliance and grid integration lifecycle for our growing portfolio of utility-scale battery energy storage (BESS) projects. This role acts as the primary internal and external technical stakeholder lead with transmission & distribution network operators (TSOs/DSOs/Utilities). You will drive grid connection strategy from early project origination through construction, commissioning, grid code compliance testing, energisation and Commercial Operation Date (COD). The role balances technical power system knowledge, stakeholder management, commercial risk assessment and regulatory tracking to deliver bankable grid solutions for multi-MW/MWh storage assets.

1. Grid Interconnection & Connection Lifecycle Management

◦ Lead grid capacity screening, interconnection application submissions and manage formal processes with utilities, TSOs and DSOs for all utility-scale BESS assets.

◦ Evaluate grid connection offers, negotiate connection terms, assess network reinforcement requirements, curtailment risks, and associated capital and operational costs.

◦ Oversee power system studies: load flow, short circuit, harmonic, voltage stability, fault level and grid dynamic modelling for storage facilities.

◦ Manage external power system consultants, set technical scope, review deliverables and ensure timely completion of all grid technical assessments.

2. Grid Code & Technical Compliance

◦ Ensure all BESS design, controls (EMS/PCS), SCADA and protection schemes comply with local Grid Codes, interconnection standards, network technical requirements and market rules.

◦ Plan, coordinate and witness grid compliance testing, factory acceptance tests (FAT) and site acceptance tests (SAT) required for energisation.

◦ Resolve grid non-conformities, implement corrective actions and secure formal network operator approval for energisation.

3. Cross-Functional Project Collaboration

◦ Partner with development, engineering, EPC, construction, legal and commercial teams to embed grid constraints into project design, business cases and financial models.

◦ Provide grid risk analysis for due diligence, investment committee reviews and financing activities.

◦ Interface with OEMs (PCS, BMS, EMS suppliers) to align control functions with grid operator requirements (frequency response, voltage support, ramp-rate control etc.).

4. Stakeholder Relationship Management

◦ Build and maintain long-term working relationships with utility network planners, asset engineers and interconnection teams.

◦ Lead formal consultations, workshops and dispute resolution for grid-related bottlenecks, connection delays or technical disagreements.

5. Regulatory, Market & Industry Monitoring

◦ Track updates to interconnection tariffs, grid codes, energy policy and network planning reforms impacting energy storage.

◦ Capture industry best practices, build internal grid guidance documents, process templates and risk registers for the BESS portfolio.

6. Reporting & Governance

◦ Maintain grid project milestone trackers; regularly report risks, delays, costs and opportunities to senior leadership.

◦ Capture lessons learned across the portfolio to continuously improve grid delivery for future storage projects.

Essential competencies:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems Engineering or equivalent engineering discipline; Master’s degree preferred. PE / Chartered Engineer status is highly desirable.

• Minimum 5–7 years relevant industry experience working on grid interconnection for utility-scale renewable assets, primarily battery energy storage (BESS).

• Proven track record delivering grid connection projects from origination through energisation and COD.

• Strong working knowledge of power system fundamentals, HV electrical infrastructure, protection & control, and grid dynamic requirements for inverter-based resources (IBR).

• Direct experience engaging with utilities, TSOs/DSOs on interconnection applications, technical studies and grid compliance processes.

• Familiarity with energy storage control systems: EMS, PCS, BMS, SCADA and grid support services (FFR, frequency regulation, voltage control).

• Excellent written and verbal communication; capable of translating complex technical issues for commercial and executive stakeholders.

• Strong project coordination skills, risk identification, and ability to manage multiple concurrent storage projects under tight schedules.

The Working Environment

This is a real long-term opportunity to work with experienced professionals and utilise experience gained in a dynamic and friendly environment, which put People at the centre. We encourage flexibility in the workplace. We treasure teamwork and we want everyone to enjoy the chances of self-development and growth with the help of colleagues. We believe in independence, in fairness and sustainability. We are looking for entrepreneurial people to be remunerated accordingly.

OUR APPROACH TO DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

CATL is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment which is as representative as possible of our society. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership pregnancy /maternity, race, nationality, religion or belief, gender, political beliefs and sexual orientation. Our culture values meritocracy, openness, fairness, and transparency.