Project Manager - External Programmes

Act on Energy is a fast growing and dynamic regional energy advice charity. We are currently looking for a driven and dynamic project manager who can execute on our ambitious service delivery plans across the West Midlands region.

We are on a mission to put our customers at the heart of everything we do. So if you feel you would like to be part of our journey then carry on reading.

About the role

The successful candidate will manage the Warmer Homes West Midlands project, an ambitious partnership programme, which provides for the very first time, a universal, top-level energy advice service for low income and fuel poor households across the seven urban local authorities of the West Midlands. The project has been running for over six months now with staffing and infrastructure in place and we’re actively delivering against targets set by our funders.

In addition to the above the role will include supporting our Head of External Programmes to manager our teams across a range of other external projects and programmes.

Our advice and support is delivered by a team of qualified energy advice specialists who run our freephone service. This work is complemented by our team of community development workers who work closely with local communities, driving awareness and interest in our service through the delivery of community events, drop in sessions, roadshows and training sessions for organisations we work with. Our person centre approach also extends to home visits for households who need more involved advice and support.

We operate large-scale, high profile energy advice programmes that are actively supported by the West Midlands combined authority and other local authorities. We offer ambitious applicants a fantastic opportunity to make their mark across the region, and put our service front and centre in the minds of households and key stakeholders across the region.

Still interested? Here’s a little bit more about what we are expecting from the Project manager

Duties and responsibilities

• To manage the provision of the Warmer Homes West Midlands fuel poverty advice service and other programmes which includes the provision of comprehensive sustainable energy and affordable warmth advice to the vulnerable clients and signposting/referring to relevant grants and schemes for the installation of energy saving measures 
• To manage the ongoing development of the service, including the provision of project evaluation data and the production of periodic reports for our funders 
• To enhance links with local, regional, and national stakeholders to ensure that project aims are widely known and communicated and that residents receive the most appropriate levels of service
• To promote and encourage uptake of advice and information services, training courses, workshops, and outreach work throughout the region and to systematically measure the effectiveness of these interventions
• To promote Act on Energy’s services to both householders and frontline staff of other organisations, including planning, co-ordinating and delivering presentations, events, and training sessions; preparing quotations; and drafting proposals 
• To manage budgets provided and set by our funders

• To maintain and develop information systems and ensure material is updated, collating information from local council, Government departments and other outside agencies 
• To liaise and develop good working relationships and protocols with project delivery partners

• To plan, organise and deliver events, seminars or training sessions that contribute to wider promotion of the service and its alignment with other key stakeholders and delivery agents
• To explore and evaluate where new external sources might align, complement and enhance existing service delivery
• To research and prepare materials and presentations to appropriately represent Act on Energy at local, regional, and national fora. This will include providing technical expertise in the formation of media and press communications 
• To provide line management of  community development workers and energy advice specialists.
• To support the design and production of communication materials and prepare materials for the website and other media where necessary
• To help develop, publicise, and run training courses relevant to Act on Energy and the service we provide to local authorities 

• To deal with all correspondence in connection to duties and prepare reports, as necessary. 
• To attend internal and other meetings as required and represent Act on Energy 

Person Specification

It is essential that you have:

 

• A high level of education
• Demonstratable experience of running large scale programmes/projects ideally in an energy related or fuel poverty role
• Knowledge of domestic sustainable energy and affordable warmth issues
• Knowledge and experience of housing, health and social care services
• Ability to communicate, influence and negotiate, at a senior level
• Ability to facilitate meetings and workshops and presenting complex information to a variety of audiences
• Possess excellent written skills with regard to correspondence and be able to present information in a clear, concise and jargon free style
• Excellent report writing skills
• Ability to prioritise between competing demands
• Possess strong organisation and planning skills
• Computer skills including Microsoft word and Excel and previous experience using customer relationship management systems
• Negotiation and dispute resolution skills
• Supervisory/management experience
• Excellent customer care skills
• Have a proven ability to manage and lead a team and be committed to the success of the whole team
• Driving licence and own car to use

It is desirable that you have:

 

• Good general knowledge of energy infrastructure in UK
• Experience of working in, or in support of, local or other statutory authorities

In addition to the above we are also looking for:

 

• Enthusiasm and commitment to environmental and social welfare objectives
• Problem solving
• Planning and organising
• A flexible, dynamic and creative approach
• Other IT skills

Ok, So now we know you’re really interested - what are the next steps?

We’d naturally love to hear from you if you can show us why feel you’re a great fit for this role. To do this, we’ll need you to send us your CV outlining your work history and achievements to date and a covering letter stating clearly how you feel you meet the requirements of the role.

Please ensure that you evidence as many of the above criteria as possible as we will use this to assess if we can take you forward to interview stage.

Our TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Subject to six month probationary period

Position Project Manager – Warmer Homes West Midlands

Location - Office based - (some home working possible)

Salary Band E £27,829 - £30,718

Hours 37.5 hours per week (fixed term appointment until 30 November 2022) may have potential to extend

Reports to Head of External Programmes and Project Development

Manages Community Development Workers and Customer Service specialists

OTHER BENEFITS

Holiday: 25 days per annum plus bank holidays

Workplace Pension Scheme

Training provided

HOW TO APPLY

Please send your CV and covering letter by email or post:

advice@actonenergy.org.uk

For the attention of: 

Gareth Williams

Director of Service

Act on Energy

Unit 1.4 Lauriston Park

Pitchill

Warwickshire

WR11 8SN