Assistant Project Manager

ABOUT US

Act on Energy is a fast growing and dynamic energy advice charity.

We have been at the forefront of expert energy advice in the Midlands for 26 years.

And although Energy is in our name – we have people at our heart.

Because the climate crisis and drive to Net Zero – as well as rising energy prices and increasing fuel poverty - means that people need us more than ever. Demand for our help has never been greater. That is why we are hiring.

So, if you are looking for a career change that absolutely makes a difference to people’s lives, our region, and the environment…come join us!

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking driven a talented Assistant Project Manager to support and ensure the delivery of a flagship project due to start in November 2024.

We are looking for candidates with project management experience and qualifications in this area will certainly be seen as a bonus. The role will involve working closely with, and reporting into, the Project Manager. This high profile project is based in the West Midlands region and will be pivotal to the future growth and development of our organisation.  

You will need to possess excellent relationship building skills and motivated to make a real impact in people’s lives whilst supporting positive climate change outcomes.

We require you have some experience in managing teams of staff, be a good motivator of people and understand the importance of positive modelling and leading by example. We expect you will be process driven, passionate about data, understand the importance of delivering on project requirements from our funders. You will have an eye for detail and able to foresee issues and quickly problem solve when required.

The successful person will be based in our Programmes directorate will is responsible for all Act on Energy for programme delivery.

Your success is our collective success. It’s worth noting we have a culture of internal promotion when opportunities arise and as such, this role also provides an exciting opportunity for anyone looking at a first step into building a career in dynamic and growing sector.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Working collaboratively with and providing day-to-day support to the Project Manager in order to effectively deliver this critical work programme for Act on Energy.
• Facilitate collaborative working with new and existing clients.
• Provide line management, motivation and ensure wider development of the project team
• Monitor and advise on performance trends through staff one to one’s including the delivery of programme KPI’s and manage corrective/ recovery action plans where needed.
• To deputise for the Project manager when and if required, including activities such as submitting essential reports to key stakeholders and funders.
• To attend, and chair, if necessary, all project related meetings as requested by the project manager or senior leadership team at Act on Energy.
• To routinely our CRM database to interrogate data and use this for performance management of staff and wider discussions and evaluation activity with the project manager.
• To understand and proactively manage and address anticipated and actual risk factors associated with the project
• Provide innovative ideas and strategic input, when required, into Act on Energy’s wider development plans.
• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of issues affecting the development and delivery of sustainable energy technologies.
• To manage own workload on a day-to-day basis and act on own initiative to drive new developments forward.
• Be a confident communicator with stakeholders at all levels
• Be able to communicate often complex information and present in easily accessible ways for internal and external stakeholders alike.
• To work with colleagues to promote and encourage uptake of our advice and information services, including but not limited to training sessions, workshops, events throughout the region and measure the impact of these interventions.
• Work collaboratively with key internal colleagues such as RHR, marcomms and training.
• To represent Act on Energy externally at events and seminars as and when required.
• To comply with Act on Energy policies and procedures, as adopted and updated from time to time (detailed in our staff handbook), including taking responsibility for your own health and safety and that of your colleagues in accordance with Health and Safety legislation.
• Other tasks as required by the CEO and our Directors of Operations and Programmes.

ABOUT YOU

You should demonstrate in your CV and covering letter how you meet the requirements of the role. Please ensure that you address each one of the criteria above and below as this will be used to assess your suitability for the post.

Essential skills:

• Have experience in delivering complex project work.
• Have significant experience in managing staff teams, this could include volunteers but you must have a strong track record in this area and understand responsibilities and expectations that come with managing staff teams.
• Have some knowledge of home energy efficiency, including awareness of the funding routes available to clients.
• Possess excellent planning and troubleshooting skills.
• Be able to anticipate and address risk factors linked with delivery of large projects. 
• Be passionate about data and the value of accurate data collection in driving service delivery.
• Have considerable experience and confidence using Customer Relationship Management systems.
• Be solutions focused, pragmatic and adaptable. Demonstrate a clear commitment to furthering an understanding of health and housing linkages amongst stakeholders, and to building future opportunities.
• Strong analytical and presentational skills, with the ability to articulate complex energy efficiency issues to non-specialists and communicate our client’s situations sensitively and expressively.
• Be a proactive team player with the ability to motivate and support colleagues and partners to contribute their ideas, skills, and time to new project development.
• Ability to use Microsoft tools such as Teams & Excel effectively and gain skills using our new Microsoft Dynamics software.
• Demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, our core values.

Desirable skills:

• Knowledge of home energy efficiency, including awareness of the funding routes available to clients.
• In a work capacity, have worked on behalf of vulnerable people in complex situations.
• Work experience in either Local Authority, the energy, or health sectors, would be an advantage.
• Excellent regional knowledge of statutory and non-statutory service and community networks.

TRAINING

Training and support will be provided to you including opportunities to attend short training courses and potentially gain qualifications as needed.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Subject to a 6-month probationary period.

Interviews will be held in person at our offices Nr Salford Priors, Warwickshire.

OUR MISSION/ CORE VALUES

At Act on Energy, we strive to engage with householders to support them through their energy journey offering a full home energy support service and impartial advice with the householder at the centre of all that we do.

We ensure that we handhold the most vulnerable householders through all their energy needs and aim to empower others to make ongoing decisions that will provide better health and economic outcomes for residents of Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Coventry, Solihull, Birmingham, and the wider West Midlands.