Asset Management Lead

Job Description

Eku Energy is a leading global energy storage business working across the full project lifecycle to develop, build and manage utility scale energy storage assets for the long term.

Our portfolio of digitally enabled, flexible utility-scale storage projects will provide vital grid services in key markets around the world including Australia, Italy, Japan and the UK.

Initially established by Macquarie's Green Investment Group, Eku Energy is jointly owned by a Macquarie Asset Management managed fund and British Columbia Investment Management, two financial powerhouses advancing the renewable energy transition.

Due to Eku's accelerated growth period since launching in November 2022, the company now has 4.6GWh in development, construction and operation across the UK, Australia, Italy and Japan with the aim of delivering 9GWh by 2028.

Introduction to the role

Eku Energy is seeking an Asset Management Lead covering UK and EMEA for our global battery storage business. In this pivotal role, you will prepare for and manage the operational phase of battery energy storage system (BESS) projects under construction and in operations within UK / EMEA and establish best practise and process for Eku asset management globally.

This role will be based in London with flexible working arrangements available. Join us in advancing the transition to a low-carbon, sustainable global economy with battery storage investments.

Responsibilities of the role

• Provide oversight and reporting of all operational activities relating to a portfolio of grid-connected BESS assets, operating in electrical networks across the UK and European markets.
• Contribute to Eku Asset Management leadership and strategy. Apply global asset management strategy and process at the country and project level.
• Manage the transition of projects from construction into operations. Work alongside Eku's construction delivery, WHSE, finance, technical and legal teams to prepare for the operational phase of projects and manage day-to-day requirements for the operational sites.
• Implement systems and build platforms to deliver best-in-class Asset Management services, seeking to maximise technical performance and asset revenue for each Eku BESS asset.
• Ensure technical performance of BESS projects and engage with Commercial teams and Route-to-Market Contractors to maximise asset revenue. As Principal Contractor, manage day-to-day asset management and operational activity and responsibilities as well as 3rd party contractor activity for our operational Eku sites in UK / EMEA
• Active monitoring of site availability and key performance indicators. Manage the logging and investigation of all site events and outages, including engagement with O&M Contractors to develop and implement solutions to maximise BESS technical performance.
• Identification, tracking and management of all contractual and regulatory obligations associated with the BESS projects, at a country and project level. Assist in obtaining and maintaining necessary licenses (generation license etc.) for project operation.
• Management of Eku staff, including direct reports within the Asset Management team.
• Management of all project invoicing and market settlements where relevant.
• Coordination of project funding / loan agreements, including monitoring for compliance and interfacing with project lenders / banks. Internal budget creation and tracking of financial performance against budgets.
• With assistance from Eku WHSE team, coordinate WHSE practices on operational BESS sites, including developing key operations plans, facilitating site inductions, reviewing SWMS / RAMS and controlling site works.
• Manage contractor performance and compliance, including working with Eku legal team to resolve disputes and legal issues (incl O&M contractor, BESS service agreement, grid connection agreement, planning consent, environmental permits, asset management agreement). Manage project finance requirements and provide reporting on all financial performance and revenue performance aspects that are closely linked to the technical performance of the project. Manage project budgets and revenue reporting and provide company-level revenue forecasting.
• Prepare reporting, provide briefings and deliver project updates for the Eku company board, project lenders and other stakeholders.

Requirements

• Extensive asset management experience across renewable and/or non-renewable assets.
  • Developing and maintaining project compliance dashboards (Microsoft Planner) and managing operational project risk.
  • Monitoring asset performance (through internal and 3rd party SCADA or performance dashboards) Managing operational assets as a Principal Contractor WHSE management for physical BESS sites (arranging site inductions, reviewing RAMS and managing permit systems, maintaining a risk / hazard register and being an escalation point for any WHSE emergencies or incidents). Familiarity with project finance requirements and reporting
• A level of technical knowledge across electricity generating assets, ideally BESS. A strong understanding of best-in-class asset management processes, platforms, and reporting.
  • Experience in the design and / or construction of electricity generation assets, ideally intermittent generation (solar and wind) or BESS. Electrical engineering experience preferred.
  • Familiar with key electrical components (transformers, inverters, HV and LV infrastructure, SCADA and HMI systems), key performance metrics of battery operations (availability, SOC, RTE). Familiar with data / performance analysis (Excel, PowerBI)
  • Understanding of electricity markets, trading services / strategies, and grid / network operations
• Well-developed commercial and contract management business acumen.
  • The AM Lead will be responsible for ensuring compliance with all SPV contracts and agreements, including
    1. financial / loan agreements
    2. grid connection agreements and generator performance standards
    3. BESS Operators / Maintenance, Trading and Control Room contractors
    4. Insurance and warranty items.
  • Experience in contact review and administration, managing contractors and negotiating effectively through contractual issues and contractor underperformance. Procurement / terminations / handover of project contractors.
  • Experience in managing senior stakeholders, project owners, board members and lenders. Preparing materials for board meetings / committee meetings.

Benefits

• 25 Days of annual leave
• Flexible working arrangement
• Short Term Incentive bonus based on company and personal targets
• Great working culture globally
• Attractive remuneration package

Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The diversity of our people is one of our greatest strengths. An inclusive and equitable workplace enables us to embrace that diversity to deliver more innovative and sustainable solutions for our people, clients, shareholders, and communities. At Eku Energy, you will be encouraged to be yourself and supported to perform at your best. We want you on our team. If you need adjustments made to the recruitment process or while you are working with us, please let us know.

As an inclusive employer, we do not discriminate on the grounds of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marriage, civil partnership, pregnancy, maternity, race (including colour and ethnic or national origins), religion or belief.

Joining Eku Energy means you will be able to work in a way that suits you best. With the right technology, support and resources, our people can work in a range of flexible ways. Talk to us about what working arrangements would help you thrive.