Energy Programme Manager - Local Net Zero Accelerator

Are you looking for a role where your skills will help propel the West Midlands region towards a sustainable future?

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is at the forefront of environmental progress, leading the pioneering Local Net Zero Accelerator (LNZA) initiative, which will pave the way for investing at scale in Net Zero initiatives across the region. Funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, LNZA is one of only three such pilot programmes in the UK.

As our Programme Manager, you'll play a key role in steering the 24-month LNZA programme. Your primary focus will be on establishing a regional fund for decarbonisation projects across the West Midlands. This will involve documenting, monitoring, and financially quantifying the co-benefits derived from local projects, with the goal of attracting private investment into the region's ventures.

This is a multifaceted and innovative programme, requiring collaboration from a diverse consortium of subcontractors and stakeholders. You'll be entrusted with the programme's successful execution, ensuring it meets its objectives, adheres to timelines, and operates within budgetary constraints.

Please note this role is being advertised as a 2-year fixed-term contract (FTC).

What will you be doing? 

• Drive successful implementation of the LNZA programme within budget and timeframe.
• Establish robust programme management processes and foster a high-performing team.
• Proactively manage programme risks, keeping senior leadership informed and escalating critical issues.
• Oversee programme budget in collaboration with the project team and finance leads.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant policies and procedures across financial, legal, and workforce domains.
• Partner with WMCA Assurance to navigate the Strategic Assurance Framework (SAF) and change management processes.
• Provide directorate support by engaging legal, procurement, and financial advisors, including potential management of external procurement activities.
• Oversee programme deliverables and milestones, encompassing those managed by external contractors.
• Implement effective programme documentation management, ensuring secure storage and access controls.
• Analyse programme performance data for timely identification and mitigation of any issues.
• Lead the programme team in crafting accurate and comprehensive internal and external project reports.
• Lead a productive and engaged programme team, aligning tasks with resources and fostering a positive spirit that reflects the values of WMCA and Energy Capital.
• Develop and maintain strong collaborative relationships with strategic partners, delivery partners, and key stakeholders.
• Champion Energy Capital and WMCA as an external advocate at stakeholder meetings, building relationships and promoting programme initiatives.

About you

• A professional with experience managing complex programmes 
• Adept at leading and collaborating with diverse stakeholders to achieve and communicate shared objectives.
• Skilled in developing systems and processes to support project and programme appraisal, implementation, and delivery.
• Proven ability to build and lead effective programme delivery teams.
• Possess a keen understanding of programme management and reporting processes, including stakeholder management, information management, risk and issue management, monitoring and control, change management, and financial monitoring.
• A leader capable of effectively guiding a team of internal staff and external stakeholders.
• Thrive in an environment where programme/project deliverables and processes may evolve over time. You'll be adept at managing change effectively.
• Hold programme management experience or knowledge in one or more of the following areas: energy and environment, governance, or innovation.
• Possess a degree in a relevant field or equivalent professional experience.

Applicants will need to evidence that they have the legal right to work in the UK. If we make an offer of employment, we will need to check that you are eligible to work in the UK before you start work. 

Salary and benefits.

We advertise salary ranges for job roles, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, where higher skill levels or experience are applicable, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes a Local Government Pension Scheme, 28 days of paid annual leave, Cycle to Work Scheme, and discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers. For more details, please visit the benefits page on our careers site.

Location and working pattern – what you can expect. 

The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane. It is expected that you can split your time between the office and working remotely, with at least 2 days a week spent in the office. 

Creating an inclusive workplace.

Our vision is to create a better connected, more prosperous, fairer, greener, and healthier region. We aim to achieve this vision by living our values, which include being a partnership organisation, valuing and respecting our people, fostering a can-do attitude, and encouraging innovation. We are dedicated to creating a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace that reflects the communities of the West Midlands region. WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as "Leaders in Diversity," and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We are also a Disability Confident Employer, committed to interviewing all applicants with disabilities who meet the essential role criteria. WMCA believes that building a team with varied backgrounds and experiences will benefit us as an employer and enhance our work.

We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional "perfect candidate" mould.

We gladly consider part-time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying. If your values align with ours and you are dedicated to working towards a future that we can all be proud of, we would love to hear from you.

Reasonable adjustments.

If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the recruitment process, please get in touch with our Recruitment Team (careers@wmca.org.uk). We are here to assist and accommodate your needs.

Thank you for considering joining our team at WMCA. We look forward to receiving your application and the opportunity to work together towards our shared goals.