Sofia O&M OFTO Manager

We are looking for a senior, personable and decisive leader to take accountability for the performance of Sofia’s HVDC transmission assets within O&M. Leading a multi-disciplinary team and key external partners, you will drive safe and reliable operations, optimise long-term asset value, and provide strategic leadership on maintenance, warranties, contracts and asset performance. The role also offers a unique opportunity to support the OFTO divestment and help shape the future direction of HVDC transmission operations across RWE’s UK portfolio. 

About the role 

• Hold full accountability for the technical, operational and financial/commercial performance of OFTO assets during O&M, managing Sofia OFTO budgets, in line with Delegation of Authority and RWE governance

• Lead, develop and performance‑manage the OFTO team (permanent staff, contractors, OEMs and specialist partners) to ensure safe, consistent and effective O&M delivery

• Own and manage OFTO maintenance, warranty and long-term service agreements (LTSAs), including scope definition, commercial negotiations, variations and claims management to optimise cost, risk allocation and asset performance

• Act as the senior technical and operational interface between construction, O&M, NGESO, OEMs, investors and regulators, ensuring aligned decision‑making and smooth operations across lifecycle stages

• Exercise delegated authority to make high‑impact technical, operational and commercial decisions within approved risk and governance frameworks, escalating only when outside limits

• Ensure asset integrity, safety and regulatory compliance to maintain licence to operate, minimise risks to generation availability and safeguard revenue

• Drive asset optimisation and lifecycle strategies to protect and enhance long‑term performance and contributing to future HVDC transmission projects and optimisation programmes

• Support Ofgem OFTO divestment: EPQ preparation, bidder engagement and O&M Q&A coordination, O&M technical due diligence, and management of indemnities, interfaces and negotiations to secure a low‑risk, value‑optimised transfer

• Identify, assess and mitigate key technical, operational and transaction risks (e.g., construction completion, latent defects, cable/system performance, spares, outage planning); drive operational readiness, transfer planning and technical close‑out (punch‑lists, document completion, data quality, asset register and maintenance history)

• Provide structured reporting, assurance and technical governance to senior management, internal and external stakeholders and ensure divestment activities remain aligned with operational priorities as well as capturing lessons learned from Sofia to improve future OFTO sale strategies and HVDC fleet optimisation

Knowledge and Skills Required

• Degree level qualification or equivalent experience in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline, with substantial experience in high voltage transmission or comparable critical infrastructure assets 

• Extensive experience in the lifecycle management of management of OFTO or similar high value infrastructure assets, including construction handover, operations and long-term asset strategies

• Proven capability to exercise senior technical and commercial judgement, balancing safety, regulatory, operational and financial risk

• Experienced leadership of multi-disciplinary technical teams, including direct people management and functional leadership of contractors, OEMs and specialist partners, with a proactive and personable approach that fosters collaboration and delivery

• Strong commercial and contractual understanding, including management of long-term service agreements and cost and risk allocation mechanisms 

• Strong experience of stakeholder & contractor management with large value contracts 

• Ability to communicate credibly with senior management, investors, regulators and external stakeholders 

• NEBOSH National General Certificate or equivalent, with strong working knowledge of UK health, safety and environmental legislation 

• Ability to operate effectively in complex environments, making informed decisions with material business impact

• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and overseas, including offshore visits, as required, with the role primarily based at the Grimsby Hub O&M office

An offer of employment in this role may require holding active or ability to pass National Security vetting to SC level. Failure to obtain and or maintain National Security Vetting to SC may result in the removal of job offers and or existing employment.