Sr. Director, Power Interconnection — Europe

Apply Description WorldWide Mission Critical is seeking a Sr. Director, Power Interconnection – Europe to lead the strategy and execution of grid connections for our hyperscale data center campuses across the UK, Ireland, and Continental Europe. This role owns the end-to-end interconnection process — from initial TSO/DSO engagement and capacity reservation through connection agreement negotiation and energization — and serves as the company's primary relationship owner with European transmission and distribution system operators and national energy regulators. Key Responsibilities Develop and execute grid interconnection strategy for hyperscale data center campuses across target European markets (e.g., UK, Ireland, Germany, Netherlands, Nordics). Serve as the primary leadership point of contact with TSOs and DSOs (e.g., National Grid ESO, TenneT, Elia, EirGrid, RTE) for customer-utility issues. Oversee 3P vendors engaging utility regarding connection applications, capacity reservations, and connection agreements. Track grid connection queue positions across the portfolio and prepare project maturity/readiness documentation required under the EU Grids Package and national queue-reform rules. Negotiate connection agreements, including flexible and curtailable demand structures, to accelerate time-to-power in grid-constrained zones. Coordinate with customer development teams and WMCC development and engineering teams to align interconnection milestones with overall project development schedules. Develop and monitor electric regulatory engagement program with national regulators (e.g., Ofgem, CRU, BNetzA, ACM, CRE) and industry bodies (e.g., Eurelectric) on large-load connection and grid flexibility policy. Provide interconnection cost, timeline, and risk inputs to commercial and finance teams to support investment decisions. Manage third party consultants and advisors engaged for grid impact studies, permitting support, and connection negotiations. Requirements 8+ years of experience in grid interconnection, transmission/distribution planning, or utility-facing power development in Europe. Direct experience negotiating with TSOs/DSOs and navigating national grid connection queue processes. Working knowledge of EU, UK, and national grid codes, connection agreements, and queue-reform frameworks. Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, energy, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience. Experience managing interconnection activity across multiple countries or regulatory markets. Strong negotiation, stakeholder management, and cross-functional coordination skills. Willingness and ability to travel both domestic and international as required by project needs. Preferred Qualifications Experience specific to hyperscale data center, large industrial, or other large-load power development. Existing working relationships with National Grid ESO, TenneT, Elia, EirGrid, or other major European TSOs/DSOs. Familiarity with flexible/curtailable connection structures and battery energy storage system (BESS) integration. Core Competencies Grid connection queue strategy and capacity reservation TSO/DSO relationship management and negotiation Regulatory and policy engagement across multiple jurisdictions Commercial and technical risk assessment Travel & Work Environment Estimated 25% travel, primarily within Europe, to meet with grid operators, regulators, and site teams.