Operations Controller - BritNed

About the role

Operations Controller - Isle of Grain, Kent
The role of the Operations Controller is an interesting, varied, challenging and exciting role within a small dedicated Operational team of one of the leading merchant Interconnectors in Europe. With a wide range of equipment required to run the facility, the role allows you to become knowledgeable in all areas of civil and mechanical engineering while further developing your core skills of maintaining HVDC equipment to ensure that the interconnector achieves maximum operational availability.

You'll ensure a day-to-day safe and reliable operation of the BritNed Interconnector Business at the Isle of Grain HVDC Converter Station. This is a shift relief role where you will manage asset operations from the control room including carrying out alarm management and initial investigations.

As part of the role, you will perform emergency response activities, physically enact commercial limitations into the system, as well as perform routine checks (both electrical and mechanical) of site assets – this would include tasks such as recording the number of HV AC circuit breaker operations, emergency lighting checks and fire system emergency call point checks. You'll be expected to perform minor maintenance tasks on site assets, such as replacing a fan belt on an air conditioning system under supervision of the Work Responsible.

The role holder will carry out routine inspections, ensuring that inspections and maintenance records are captured on the asset management system, and will be in control of conducting remote switching on AC and DC equipment on both GB and NL sides of the interconnector.

This role is based onsite at the Isle of Grain in Kent, and offers a unique opportunity to gain exposure to large-scale, international energy projects.

About you

We're looking for someone with experience of HV AC and DC systems and SCADA Control Systems. Alongside this you will posses the following skills:

Knowledge: You will understand response/communication requirements for a 24/7 business, and be able to access all relevant information with appropriate reference to others. You will have knowledge of electronic Asset Management system and be able to enter data onto the system.

Communication: Be able to communicate concisely with stakeholders and peers and be able to impart information to others effectively. You will have good reporting skills and know how to read and interrogate the System Event Reports to retrieve Transient Fault Recorder data for fault diagnosis.

Team Work: Can work on a range of transmission equipment as part of a team when required, being able to face challenges that an operational site may present.

Initiative: Have the capability to understand the impact of any alarm, and act accordingly with regards to action or communication. You will have the know how to implement and receive RISSIP to / from National Grid and to / from partner end of the Interconnector Business.

Qualifications: Modern apprenticeship or equivalent including City & Guilds 232, NVQ4 or HNC (preferably in an electrical or mechanical discipline). Authorised Person and Control Persons (Operations) would be an advantage.

What you'll get

• A competitive salary of £43,000 – £54,000 – dependent on capability.
• Market supplement of £3,000 per annum.
• Shift allowance of 13%.
• 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, 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.

We're proud to be a growing, international team and we all have a passion to do our best for our customers, the planet, and each other. We have a wide range of technical and commercial expertise with some of the most knowledgeable experts in the industry. We deliver world class asset reliability, vital to the energy needs of Great Britain and the Netherlands, and we do with it with a key focus on safety.

More information

This role closes on 30 April 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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