VPP Operations Specialist – Germany (m/w/d)

We are scaling our Virtual Power Plant (VPP) operations into the German energy market and are looking for a hands-on VPP Operations Specialist – Germany to support that growth from day one. We need someone who can roll up their sleeves, own exceptions end-to-end, and bring deep practical knowledge of how the German energy market operates at a process and regulatory level.

You will be embedded in our Operations team, working closely with our flexibility, settlements, and support functions across the globe. A key part of your role will be upskilling our support staff on German market workflows, participant journeys, and exception handling – ensuring the whole team can operate confidently as we grow our German footprint.

Market Operations

- Apply working knowledge of the German energy regulatory landscape (BNetzA, BDEW) to day-to-day operational tasks.
- Manage and resolve data flow exceptions relating to MaKo/EDIFACT messaging, GPKE, and WiM processes, and MSB/VNB interactions.
- Support the accurate management of MaLo and MeLo data, ensuring data integrity across systems.
- Work within the MsbG metering framework and support smart meter rollout processes relevant to VPP-connected assets.
- Demonstrate solid understanding of MaBis processes.
- Monitor Bilanzkreis and settlement obligations relevant to our flexible asset portfolio in Germany.

Flexibility Participant & Exception Management

- Act as the primary handler for escalated exceptions arising from the German flexibility participant journey – from asset registration through to settlement and payment queries.
- Own complex cases end-to-end, coordinating across internal teams (settlements, tech, finance) to reach resolution.
- Identify recurring issues and escalate systemic root causes with clear data and recommended fixes.
- Support onboarding of new German flexibility participants and asset owners, ensuring a smooth and compliant process.

Training & Knowledge Transfer

- Design and deliver structured training sessions for UK-based support staff covering German market processes, regulatory obligations, and participant workflows.
- Build and maintain clear, practical playbooks, process guides, and FAQs for use by the wider support team.
- Conduct regular knowledge gap assessments and adjust training content accordingly.
- Review training effectiveness and iterate based on team performance and feedback.

Process Improvement & Efficiency

- Actively identify manual or repetitive tasks and find ways to reduce effort through process redesign or tooling.
- Maintain up-to-date process documentation in a clear, accessible format.
- Flag regulatory or process changes in the German market that may impact operations and recommend responses.

Candidates should be able to demonstrate practical working knowledge across most of the following:

- BNetzA regulatory framework and BDEW market rules
- MaKo communication standards and EDIFACT message types
- GPKE (supplier switching) and WiM (metering point management) processes
- MsbG obligations and the role of the Messstellenbetreiber (MSB)
- MaLo (market location) and MeLo (metering location) data structures
- Bilanzkreis management and balancing group settlement
- German electricity billing structures including Netzentgelte and Grundversorgung vs. competitive supply frameworks
- Direktvermarktung framework
- MaBis processes for balancing group settlement reconciliation
- FCR/aFRR/mFFR prequalification and flexibility market participation rules (desirable)
Essential

- Fluent in English and German (written and spoken), with experience communicating with German counterparts and producing documentation in both languages
- Demonstrable hands-on experience working within the German energy market at an operational level (a minimum of 3 years)
- Proven ability to manage exceptions and complex operational cases end-to-end
- Experience designing and delivering training or knowledge transfer programmes
- Strong analytical mindset with a practical, solutions-first approach
- Comfortable working autonomously and picking up tasks without needing close direction
Desirable

- Experience with MaKo-compliant systems or EDIFACT messaging tools
- Knowledge of MSB obligations and smart meter rollout processes in Germany
- Experience working across multiple European energy markets
- Experience in a scale-up or market entry environment