Strategic Planner - 11kV

Job Introduction

An opportunity has arisen for a Strategic Planner - 11kV within the Secondary System Planning Team based within one of National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) offices.

Reporting to the Secondary System Planning Manager within the Distribution System Operator, you will be working within a small team of 11kV and LV-focused Strategic Planners to identify the areas of secondary distribution system that are most in need of investment across the entirety of NGED’s network coverage area.

The Secondary System Planning Team are responsible for the comprehensive analysis of NGED’s HV and LV distribution systems, the identification and prioritisation of areas of load-driven secondary investment, and determination of the optimal solution to network constraints for various forecast scenarios, taking into consideration work planned by parallel teams, such as Field Operations and Major Projects.

The team will work closely with the Secondary Network Design Team, who are responsible for the subsequent stage of project delivery, and localised Field Operations teams, to help maximise efficiency and accomplish common objectives.

Main Responsibilities

The main activities within the role will include:-

• System planning to include wide-scale analysis of the secondary network (HV & LV) for incremental load growth across existing consumers, new strategic developments and adjacent EHV reconfiguration
• Planning of HV network reinforcement schemes, taking into consideration asset replacement and new connections schemes
• Electrical analysis of the system, including voltage, load flow and fault level analysis
• Meeting tight deadlines for identification of network constraints and associated investment strategy
• Technical support and coordination with the Secondary Network Design Team and Field Operations Planners across the business
• Consideration for the impact of projects on customers, the public and the environment
• Co-ordination with the wider DSO directorate on EHV schemes and HV back feeds for demand security
• Annual collation of anticipated future load connection data and customer behaviour data to support preparation of Network Development Plans, Long Term Development Statements & Load Forecasts
• Liaison with the Flexibility Team to evaluate the use of flexibility services to defer, or in lieu of, traditional reinforcement

Ideal Candidate

You’ll have an analytical mind, with a methodical approach to problem solving and have the ability to present information in a clear and reasoned way.

Experience of network modelling and analysis is essential and the use of software packages such as EMU, Smallworld Electric Office GIS, Connect/LV, VisNet Design, WinDEBUT, PSS SINCAL or equivalent analysis and design tools is highly desirable.

The successful candidate will be required to hold a Level 3 qualification in Electrical or Electronic Engineering, Electrical Power Engineering or equivalent subject. If not already attained, you will be required to undertake an HNC in Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

You will be self-motivated, logical and numerate as well as having excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.

Applicants may not necessarily possess all the skills required to carry out the role at present but should have the confidence and ability to reach the necessary standards with training. Where appropriate, the appointment will initially be on a designate basis pending completion of the required training.

A flexible attitude is essential as you may be asked to undertake other duties to assist the team in meeting its objectives.

You will need to be mobile throughout the area, so a full UK driving licence is desirable for this role.

As part of our hybrid working approach this role offers a mix of office and home working. Hybrid working can only be considered once your initial training is complete and subject to business need.