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Project Manager – South West Local Net Zero Hub

Please Note: The application deadline for this job has now passed.

Job Introduction

We have an exciting opportunity for a talented Project Manager to join the South West Net Zero Hub to work on local net zero energy projects in Gloucestershire, Swindon and Wiltshire.

Could you work with public sector clients, and their private and third sector partners, to define potential and deliver net zero energy projects?

This is a great opportunity to deliver energy projects and make a positive impact in the transition to net zero. Our current pipeline has more than 85 projects with a combined value exceeding £280m

If you are interested in this opportunity, please get in touch with hiring manager Kieran Highman for an informal conversation about the role on 07385 378 513 or kieran.highman@westofengland-ca.gov.uk. 

This role is offered on a fixed-term basis to 31 March 2023, with the potential for extension if additional funding is secured.  Secondments from other organisations  and part-time working arrangements will be considered.

Package Description

The Service: The South West Net Zero Hub

Net Zero Hubs are a nationwide BEIS-funded initiative to support the identification, development and implementation of energy and net zero projects across five regional hubs. Set up in 2018, the Hubs have had six core objectives aimed at stimulating local investment in energy projects. These are listed on the SWNZH page here: https://www.swenergyhub.org.uk/about-us/

The Government’s Net Zero Strategy included a commitment to continuing the Local Net Zero Hubs (previously known as the local energy hubs) to support all areas of England to reach net zero, including those lacking capacity and capability, or those facing unique challenges.  SWNZH are currently working with BEIS to define this continuation.

SWNZH assists on projects across a range of scales and sectors, with Hub assistance available to accelerate routes to market for programmes stuck in early feasibility stages. The South West Net Zero Hub (SWNZH) currently consists of four key programmes – Local Capacity Support for strategic regional energy projects, the Rural Community Energy Fund (closing March ’23), Housing Retrofit and the Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery Scheme, and Non-Domestic Public Sector Decarbonisation.

SWNZH Local Capacity programme collaborates with eligible public sector organisations at any point through the development stages, from feasibility, business case, design and planning to financing. Where possible, the Hub looks to maximise benefits across the region by aggregating solutions to drive economies of scale. Further information on the Local Capacity programme is found here: https://www.swenergyhub.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/SW-Energy-Hub-Local-Project-Support-Aug-21.pdf

Additionally, SWNZH also serves as a conduit between local energy actors and central Government, providing a combined voice for pan-regional energy issues, connecting local institutions together and sharing best practice across the five Hub regions.

The South West Partnership:

The South West Partnership, made up of the seven Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) and their accountable body authorities in the south west region, are important supporting partners of the Hub.  The Partnership members are:

  • Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly LEP and Cornwall Council
  • Heart of the South West and Somerset County Council
  • Dorset LEP
  • Solent LEP
  • Swindon and Wiltshire LEP
  • GFirst LEP and Gloucestershire County Council
  • West of England LEP and West of England Combined Authority

Each LEP area is represented on the programme steering group.  The West of England Combined Authority is leading the Hub on behalf of the South West Partnership.

Reporting to the SWNZH Local Capacity Senior Project Manager, the post-holder will be supporting the development and delivery of projects in two LEP areas: Gloucestershire, and Swindon and Wiltshire.

Purpose of the job

The Project Manager will work with public sector clients, and their private and third sector partners, to define potential and deliver local capacity projects. In doing so, this should enable selected clients to bring forward sound business cases for investment. SWNZH team members will support the project manager in:

  • Engaging organisations where they have previously been engaging and developing projects within these two LEP areas
  • Collaborating and supporting on project development and delivery, ensuring creative and ambitious delivery of work

The post holder will apply robust technical and economic appraisal methods to the assessment and progression of projects. They will use their knowledge of and experience in the sustainable energy sector to manage projects through the development process from options assessment, feasibility through to securing capital finance. This will be primarily in the 2 LEP areas of Gloucestershire, Swindon and Wiltshire; supporting others team members’ projects, where capacity may be needed and their skills are aligned.

In addition to sound capital project development and management experience, the post-holder will have the communication and networking skills to develop an awareness of the SWNZH in their LEP areas.

About the Company

The West Of England Combined Authority is an equal opportunities employer, in line with the Equalities Act 2010, and invite applicants to contact us to identify any additional support they may need during the recruitment process.

The West Of England Combined Authority is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We ensure all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment and particularly welcome applications from underrepresented groups without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or citizenship status.

Flexible and Hybrid working.

The Combined Authority is adopting a Hybrid working approach, which enables employees to split their week between working in the workplace and working remotely.

Hybrid Working forms just part of the flexible working options that the Combined Authority is offering as the new way of working. Flexible working is an arrangement that enables employees to have a way of working that suits and employee’s and employer’s needs whilst maintain a work-life balance.

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