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.

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 ([email protected]). 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.