Local Area Energy Planning Delivery Manager

Are you ready to lead one of the most forward-thinking energy planning programmes in the UK?

We’re looking for a strategic and collaborative Local Area Energy Planning (LAEP) Delivery Manager to join the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA). This is a key leadership role at the forefront of delivering place-based energy planning that supports our transition to a net zero, inclusive, and economically vibrant region.

You’ll oversee the full delivery of our LAEP Programme by connecting policy, people, data, and innovation to shape a regional approach that works for all. From engaging with local authorities and national stakeholders, to securing investment and managing delivery, this is a chance to drive real impact at a critical time for local energy systems.

This is more than a delivery role. It’s an opportunity to shape the systems and partnerships needed to accelerate net zero in one of the UK’s most diverse and dynamic regions. You’ll be working in an organisation committed to inclusive growth, regional leadership, and driving meaningful change both locally and nationally.

What you will be doing.

• Leading the planning, coordination, and delivery of digital Local Area Energy Plans across the West Midlands
• Acting as the main point of contact with NESO and other key national bodies, ensuring regulatory frameworks support regional ambitions
• Working directly with local authority partners to help develop their place-based approaches to energy infrastructure. Supporting Net Zero Neighborhoods, new Investment and Growth Zones and opportunities from heat networks.
• Representing WMCA at senior-level briefings
• Overseeing major externally funded projects, including the PRIDE SIF innovation project
• Producing high-quality communications, including stakeholder updates, Mayoral briefings, board reports and funding bids
• Informing business cases for regional investment in energy infrastructure
• Collaborating closely with finance and programme teams to keep delivery on track and within budget
• Supporting the development of colleagues and contributing to a collaborative team culture

What’s essential.

• Significant experience in local energy planning or local authority decarbonisation programmes
• A strong understanding of the energy sector and how to navigate multi-stakeholder environments
• Strong project and programme management skills including project governance, delivery planning, risk, issue and dependency management, change control, lessons learnt
• Excellent analytical and decision-making capabilities
• A good grasp of local government structures and working practices
• Confident communication and influencing skills, especially with senior stakeholders
• A collaborative approach and a commitment to developing others
• A strong interest in innovation, learning, and continual improvement

Location. 

The location for this role is Summer Lane with at least 2 days a week spent in the office.

How to apply. 

Applying for a role with WMCA is straight forward. Follow these steps to get started.

1. Create your Careers Account. Register with your name, email address, and a password.
2. Build your Profile. Upload your CV to help populate your career and education details.
3. Write your Supporting Statement. Make sure to address each of the required essential criteria.
4. Submit your application. Do one final check and once complete, click submit.

Anonymised Applications.

Your uploaded CV won’t be visible after submission. Our process is anonymised, and only the information in your profile is used for shortlisting. Be thorough in each section. it’s your chance to showcase your skills and experience.

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) 

We cannot stop anyone from using AI help write application content. Used right, it can be a great tool. If you choose to use AI, then use it as a helper rather than relying on it wholly to write your application.

Applications that rely too heavily on AI may be rejected during shortlisting. For help on how to write a supporting statement, please visit the FAQs section of our careers site.

Reasonable adjustments.

If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process, please get in touch with our Recruitment Team (careers@wmca.org.uk).

Salary and benefits.

We advertise salary ranges, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, 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. Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more), giving you have ample time to relax.
• Ethical saving options and healthcare plans.
• Discounted gym membership.
• An option to buy a bicycle, including e-bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate.
• 3 days of paid leave each year to volunteer.
• Interest free financing through SmartTech to buy the latest technology
• Discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers, and more.  

For more information, please visit the benefits page on our career site.

Why join WMCA?

WMCA is laser-focused on improving the West Midlands, bringing economic growth, jobs, homes, and better journeys to the region. We target local needs where it matters most, ensuring everyone has a job that pays well and has access to safe and affordable places they can call home.

We put people and place at the heart of everything we do, working hand in hand with our partners to direct funding where it's needed most. What you do, really matters. Your expertise will help make a big difference, improving people's lives, every day.

Creating an inclusive workplace.

WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as the RACE Code Quality Mark, Armed Forces Covenant (Gold status) and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We’re a Disability Confident Employer with ‘Leader’ status, committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet all the essential role criteria.

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

Right to Work in the UK

Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.

Non-UK applicants (excluding Ireland) would be required to hold a relevant Visa from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).