Converter Manager

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Permanent

Kent - United Kingdom

Transmission & Grid

Reference no. 12010

Converter Manager
Overview
The Converter Maintenance Manager is responsible for the safe and reliable operation of the our clients HVDC converter stations. As part of the Operational team, the role will also support meeting wider business goals, change management and ensure ongoing regulatory compliance.
The Converter Maintenance Manager will work in close coordination with the Cable Delivery Manager, reporting to the Technical and Engineering Director overseeing day-to-day on-site operations as well as in-year and any urgent asset management activities for the following primary components of physical infrastructure
The role has one direct report and is primarily responsible for the management of the O&M contract and any required expert call-off contracts to ensure high levels of safety and asset reliability.

Main responsibilities
Lead the day-to-day management of the converter station O&M contractor(s) to:

ensure that the asset is operated and maintained safely, in accordance with best industry practice and manufacturers’ specifications and in a manner that ensures availability targets are met and optimises the business’ commercial position;
- Put in place and manage business capability to ensure timely, coordinated and cost-efficient rectification of faults and defects with a view to minimizing plant downtime. This will include working with the converter O&M contractor to ensure a robust spares strategy has been formed and is maintained;
- Ensure that the EPC contractual warranties are maintained;
- Monitor the contractors’ ongoing performance vis-a-vis contractual KPIs and obligations; and
- Ensure that all operational risks are properly identified, understood, catalogued and mitigated.
Monitor the contractor’s performance against agreed KPI’s and verify that work claimed on invoices has been undertaken and is in line with the contract.
Conduct work site review of work being undertaken by the contractors to ensure that it meets business expectations and is in line with industry best practice
Authorise planned outages in coordination with Cable Delivery Manager and with O&M Service providers and the subsequent co-ordination with all parties including TSO’s and Eurotunnel.
Lead the co-ordination, in conjunction with the O&M Service Providers, trips and short notice forced outages, return to service, operational security incidents and emergency response
Working with the Head of Technology and Security, responsible for physical security at the operational locations
In conjunction with the Commercial team, ensure that the (subcontractor) Dispatch Operators are trained and authorised to operate all control room systems
Develop and manage converter site operating budgets, continually monitor and report on operational expenditure
The lead asset member of the ‘On-call Team’ which provides 24/7 remote and on-site response on a rota basis to manage operational issues on the interconnector. This role will also ensure there is adequate capability to meet the business event driven response requirements to the HVDC asset.
Review and comment on safety, health and environmental management processes, operation and maintenance policies and manuals, security arrangements, contingency procedures and emergency response plans prepared by the appointed operations and maintenance service providers

Health & Safety
Employees are expected to take reasonable care for their own health and safety, as well as that of others. Employees should not intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse any equipment or measures designed to protect safety, health, or welfare. Employees are also required to participate in any health and safety training provided by the employer and promptly report any health and safety concerns to the HSQE Manager or HSQE Coordinator.
Minimum Standards & Selection Criteria
Experience required

Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a similar role at an interconnector, windfarm, transmission system operator or power generator
Expert knowledge of managing contractors in the delivery of operational and maintenance requirements for HVDC interconnectors
Some understanding of the regulatory frameworks under which HVDC interconnectors operate including grid codes and any applicable European legislation would be beneficial

Education

Educated to degree level (or equivalent) in mechanical or electrical engineering or other relevant qualification and/or work experience

Skills and Competencies
Good written and verbal communication skills;
Attention to detail and a strong focus on getting things right in the first place;
Ability to work under pressure in a continually growing environment;
Ability to understand the wider business context in which the organisation sits;
Proactive and results orientated;
Ability to establish and maintain strong professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders;
Good presentation skills;
Uphold the reputation of the Company at all times;
Collaborative team player with the ability to share expertise across the organisation;
Fluent in English. Knowledge of French would be advantageous, but not essential; Frequent travel will be required between London and EU.

Consultant