Sofia O&M OFTO Manager

Sofia O&M OFTO Manager

Location(s):

Grimsby, LIN, GB, DN31 3SY

RWE Offshore Wind GmbH

To start as soon as possible, full time, permanent

Functional area: Operations & Maintenance

We are looking for a senior, personable and decisive leader to take accountability for the performance of Sofias 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 RWEs 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