Lighting the way ahead together.** We are committed 24/7, 365 days a year to ensuring a safe and reliable supply of electricity, now and in the future. This is the world of TenneT. As a leading European grid operator, we design, build, maintain, and operate the high-voltage grid in the Netherlands and large parts of Germany, playing a key role in the energy transition. With 23,500 kilometers of high-voltage connections on land and at sea and nearly 5,000 employees, we ensure the daily power supply for more than 42 million end users. TenneT has so many innovative projects planned now and in the coming years that we are always looking for driven professionals.
For TenneT, we are looking for a:
Lead Stations & Auxiliary Systems – Offshore Projects (2GW)
Large Projects Offshore NL (LON):
Based on the Energy agreement, where the targets and intentions for the transition to a more renewable energy supply are set, the Roadmap Offshore wind energy 2030 and the ambition to realise additional windcapacity prior to 2030 a roll-out strategy is being prepared for the medium term, including the IJmuiden Ver (DC) projects. This results in a commitment for TenneT to realise at least 2x (with potential up to 5) 2GW HVDC Grid Connection Systems which bring the power from offshore wind-farms in the North sea to the Dutch electricity grid to be commissioned between 2028 – 2030.
Team Stations & Auxiliary Systems:
The Stations & Auxiliary Systems team is responsible for all civil and structural engineering aspects of offshore platforms, transport and installation, and the engineering of land stations that connect to the grid. This includes designing auxiliary systems for both platforms and land stations — a complex and dynamic area of work. Your role will involve not only delivering high-quality engineering but also driving smarter work practices and increasing HSE standards across the team. In total there are 13 colleagues in the team, all technical specialists with their own technical specialisme (civil, structural, auxiliary systems, etc.).
The 2GW program:
Europe’s energy transition is among the greatest challenges of our time. Its goal: To make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050 at the latest. The Netherlands and Germany have therefore set themselves ambitious goals to expand offshore wind energy: as early as 2030, Germany and the Netherlands want to reach a capacity of 30 and 22.2 Gigawatts, respectively. Energy from offshore wind farms in the European powerhouse North Sea will play in this a crucial role. TenneT guarantees that this energy will reach the mainland – and in the most environmentally friendly way possible. That is why we have developed the 2GW program with a unique transnational approach. And thus increase the pace and efficiency of the energy transition.
Between 2028 and 2031, TenneT will realize the following 525 kV bipolar connections of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) with a capacity of 2 GW each in designated wind areas in the Dutch and German North Sea. These projects are part of the 2GW Program. More information: https://www.tennet.eu/nl/het-2gw-program
Position:
As the Lead Stations & Auxiliary Systems, you will guide a team of experts who provide essential engineering, technical knowledge, and services needed for the success of large-scale offshore projects. From the early stages of development through to construction, installation, and final commissioning, your team will play a pivotal role in ensuring these projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget.
You will collaborate closely with stakeholders across TenneT, ensuring minimal risks and maximum efficiency while contributing to the delivery of grid connection systems that support our energy future.
Your Key Responsibilities:
• Lead, motivate, and support the talented team in the Engineering & Services department.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning, ensuring improvements and cost reduction across all projects.
• Act as the main point of contact for stakeholders such as Asset Management, System Operations, and Grid Field Operations, facilitating smooth communication and collaboration.
• Oversee design reviews and quality assurance measures, ensuring your team’s work meets the highest standards throughout the engineering and construction phases.
• Ensure compliance with technical standards and actively contribute to the development of new business processes.
• Manage team resources, ensuring the right expertise is in place for the successful delivery of grid connection projects.
• Encourage process development within the team, looking for innovative ways to improve work methods and affordability.
• Implement cross-departmental strategies and support working groups to contribute to project success.
Profile:
• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in engineering (civil, mechanical, electrical, or a related field).
• Strong leadership experience in team management, including developing and mentoring team members.
• A track record of successfully delivering in a technical or engineering capacity, ideally within offshore or infrastructure projects.
• Demonstrated capability as a change manager with a practical, hands-on approach.
• Ability to contribute to and implement improvements in process efficiency and workforce (FTE) planning.
• High levels of operational readiness and the ability to motivate your team toward shared goals.
• Excellent communication skills in Dutch and English, with an open and collaborative approach to team work and stakeholder engagement.
• Analytical and structured thinking, with a results-oriented mindset.
• Experience working in a matrix team environment, balancing different perspectives while keeping the big picture in focus.
• A solid understanding of quality and HSE standards, and the ability to elevate these within your team.
• Medical fitness for offshore operations in accordance with the DGMM standard.
We are looking for a technically proficient change manager with strong people skills. You should be able to contribute actively to process optimization, help make efficient use of FTEs, and support FTE planning. A hands-on mentality is essential, and we are looking for someone who is available to join us at least until 31 December (with a possibility of extension) in this challenging and impactful role.
Important to know:
• Candidate needs to have experience within the energy sector or offshore (also oil & gas). A candidate with experience with huge infrastructural projects (for example within RWS) are also an option.
• People management is important, but to understand the world of the technical specialists is even more important (what do they need, extra work, do we need extra external hires or new colleagues). In fact; also looking with a technical heart to the resource planning;
• A candidate with experience with restructuring (organizations) is absolute preferred. Candidate needs to be a technical change manager with strong people skills;
• All the colleagues are working in the projects, the lead will not directing them in terms of content.
Conditions:
• At entry, TenneT performs a Pre-Employment Screening;
• Scale 18 (collective labour agreement TenneT TSO);
• Duty station is Arnhem (2 days a week, whereby Monday is an obligated day), other days hybrid;
• Unfortunately a freelancer is not an option for this position;
• For this position TenneT will have one interview with the candidate (preferable on location in Arnhem).