Overview

The Converter Maintenance Manager is responsible for the safe and reliable operation of the ElecLink’s HVDC converter stations in the UK and France. As part of the ElecLink 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

(a)     an HVDC converter station in the vicinity of Folkestone, UK;

(b)     an HVDC converter station in the vicinity of Calais, France.

The role has one direct report and is primarily responsible for the management of the Siemens 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 ElecLink’s 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 ElecLink’s Cable Delivery Manager and with ElecLink’s 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 ElecLink’s Head of Technology and Security, responsible for physical security at the ElecLink operational locations

• In conjunction with the ElecLink Commercial team, ensure that the Siemens 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 ElecLink ‘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 ElecLink 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

• ElecLink 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 in GB and France 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, Folkestone and Calais (France).