Project Manager - Net Zero Neighbourhood

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.

In this key role, you'll join our dedicated team as a Project Manager. You'll play a leading role in developing and implementing projects within the Energy Capital team, with a particular focus on overseeing and coordinating the development of Net Zero Neighbourhood demonstrators within the LNZA programme.

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

What will you be doing?

• Provide project management leadership for agreed initiatives, with a particular focus on leading the Net Zero Neighbourhood demonstrator linked to the LNZA programme.
• Develop, implement, and maintain robust project processes and systems, ensuring project goals and objectives are met and documented effectively.
• Manage project budgets, forecasts, and costs throughout the project lifecycle.
• Foster a positive and productive working environment, adhering to all relevant policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with WMCA Assurance to support projects through internal frameworks and change management processes.
• Provide support to the directorate by engaging with legal, procurement, and financial experts.
• Ensure all project documentation is properly stored and accessible.
• Analyse project performance data and identify any potential issues or areas for improvement.
• Work closely with stakeholders and the internal team to prepare accurate project reports that contribute to wider reporting requirements.
• Build strong relationships with strategic partners, delivery partners, and key stakeholders, promoting project delivery through collaboration and best practices.
• Manage relationships with local authorities and external contractors to ensure timely and on-budget project delivery.
• Monitor progress across multiple Net Zero Neighbourhood projects, including on-site meetings and collaboration with local authority teams.
• Develop a strong understanding of housing retrofit, encompassing the customer journey, performance evaluation, and current and future retrofit standards.
• Provide comprehensive meeting support for boards, groups, and forums established to support project development and implementation.
• Champion Energy Capital and the WMCA by acting as an external advocate and representative at stakeholder meetings.
• Manage project-related communications and marketing activities, including drafting content for webpages and events.

About you.

• A proven track record of managing and coordinating projects related to energy or net zero.
• A collaborative spirit, adept at working effectively with diverse stakeholders to achieve shared goals.
• Strong project and programme management expertise, encompassing systems and process development, appraisal, implementation, and delivery.
• A clear understanding of programme/project management and reporting processes, including stakeholder management, information management, risk and issues management, monitoring and control, change management, and financial monitoring.
• The ability to thrive in an environment where project deliverables and processes may evolve, and a willingness to champion new approaches and change management.
• Knowledge of building retrofit, and local net zero projects is a plus.
• A Project Management Qualification or a commitment to commencing a relevant course. We can support you to achieve this.

How to apply. 

On clicking ‘apply for this job’, you will first be prompted to create an account. You will have the opportunity to upload a CV, which will be used to auto-populate your profile. Please note, we do not see your CV once you have applied. Our shortlisting decisions are based on what you tell us in your profile - and so it is important to format your profile so that it really stands out. Make sure to include your employment history and include any essential education and qualifications. You will be asked to provide a supporting statement. If you already have one that you have prepared earlier, you can simply copy and paste this into the application form. 

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.