Managing Director, India - Operations

Role Overview

This senior country role will lead the organisation's grid modernisation and power distribution programme in India. The postholder will turn global priorities into an India-specific portfolio focused on utility transformation, grid digitalisation, renewable energy integration, battery storage (BESS) and demand-side flexibility. They will build and manage projects and partnerships, oversee grantees and delivery partners, lead a small on-the-ground team and act as the organisation's voice on grid modernisation in India.

Key areas of work:

• Strategy and portfolio: Shape the India grid portfolio, build a pipeline with DISCOMs, government agencies, MDBs, funders and the private sector, and lead budgeting, concept notes and funding cases. • Utility and government engagement: Serve as senior counterpart to DISCOMs, regulators and ministries; lead techno-commercial assessments for BESS and grid upgrades; negotiate MoUs and data-sharing agreements. • Project delivery: Oversee projects from scoping to implementation, select and supervise delivery partners, manage grants end to end and move work from studies to pilots and scale. • Digital and data: Lead work on GIS, AMI data, feeder analytics, digital twins, DERMS/ADMS and AI-driven grid analytics, with sound data protection and cybersecurity practice. • Knowledge and coordination: Write policy briefs and case studies, share learning with global colleagues and keep this programme aligned with the wider India portfolio.

Location

Gurugram, India, with 20–30% travel within India to project sites, utility offices and government meetings.

Requirements, Qualifications & Skills

Technical Knowledge & Sector Expertise

• In-depth knowledge of India's power sector, including DISCOM reform, distribution grid modernisation, smart metering/AMI, SCADA, open access, RPOs, ISTS and RE procurement frameworks. • Hands-on BESS experience: techno-commercial evaluation, tariff design, ancillary services such as peak shaving and arbitrage, and revenue-stacking models. • Working knowledge of grid technologies such as ADMS, DERMS, GIS, digital twins and AI/ML-based grid analytics. • Clear grasp of India's regulatory and political economy at state level (SERCs) and central level (CERC, MoP, CEA). • Desirable: understanding of blended and catalytic finance, MDB engagement models and development partnership instruments. • Desirable: familiarity with open access, corporate PPAs and India's C&I renewables market. • Desirable: exposure to just transition, community engagement and equity issues in energy programmes.