Head of City Leap Client and Energy Service

Bristol City Council; Bristol; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Bristol seeks a strategic leader passionate about sustainability to manage an ambitious energy programme. The role involves overseeing energy supply initiatives and engaging with various stakeholders to achieve long-term environmental goals, requiring extensive experience in contract management and strategic negotiation skills.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Generous holiday entitlement

Local Government Pension Scheme

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in contract management and joint venture governance.
• Strong strategic thinking with operational detail insight.
• Excellent skills in negotiation and advocacy in high-profile forums.

Responsibilities

• Lead Bristol's energy programme with strategic vision and technical expertise.
• Engage with stakeholders including government departments.
• Inspire teams and build effective relationships across sectors.

Skills

Contract management

Energy supply

Negotiation

Strategic thinking

Leadership capability

Job description

The Challenge

Bristol City Leap is a globally recognised, first-of-its-kind joint venture between Bristol City Council, Ameresco, and Vattenfall Heat UK. Over the next 20 years, it will deliver more than £1 billion of investment into Bristol's energy system, accelerating the city's journey to carbon neutrality.

• Expanding Bristol's award-winning heat network.
• Installing solar panels and low-carbon heating in schools and homes.
• Decarbonising the council's property assets.
• Transforming the council's EV infrastructure.
• Supporting community-owned renewable energy projects.

This programme will deliver 140,000 tonnes of carbon savings, 180MW of zero-carbon generation, and £61.5 million in social value. It is a high-profile, complex programme with national and international interest that requires strategic leadership, deep technical expertise, and the ability to navigate a multi-stakeholder environment to keep Bristol at the forefront of urban decarbonisation.

About You

You're a strategic leader with a passion for sustainability and a drive to make a tangible impact. You thrive in complex environments where collaboration, innovation and long-term thinking are essential. You understand balancing public sector priorities with private sector dynamics, and you are confident navigating political landscapes and multi-stakeholder partnerships.

We’re Looking For Someone Who Brings

• Extensive experience in contract management, energy supply, and joint venture governance.
• Strong strategic thinking and the ability to connect operational detail with long-term outcomes.
• Excellent negotiation and advocacy skills, with the confidence to represent the council's interests in high-profile forums.
• Knowledge of heat networks and the ability to hold partners to account, including engagement with government departments.
• Experience working in politically complex environments and advising senior stakeholders.
• A track record of innovation, horizon scanning, and delivering results through partnerships.
• Leadership capability to inspire teams and build effective relationships across public and private sectors.

In this role, you'll need to bring a rare combination of technical expertise, strategic vision and relationship-building skills. You'll be someone who can lead with clarity, advocate with credibility, and deliver with purpose.

The Benefits

We're proud to be a city undergoing major change. Our collaborative and forward-thinking environment supports flexible working options, generous holiday entitlement, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme. We strive for an inclusive, high-performing, healthy and motivated workforce with Agile working practices and family-friendly policies.

With a supportive management team and colleagues who are genuinely passionate about their work, you'll have the chance to make Bristol a better place and contribute to its future.

How to Apply

For informal enquiries please contact Peter Anderson, Director of Infrastructure, Assets and Property. Please find attached the full Job Description and Person Specification. To apply, please submit your CV along with a supporting statement detailing how you meet the criteria within the Person Specification.

Closing date: 19 October 2025

Interviews to be held w/c 3 November 2025

No agencies please.

Equalities

At Bristol City Council, we value a workforce that reflects the city we serve. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, and we particularly welcome Women, Black and racially minoritised, and Disabled candidates who are under-represented within senior leadership roles. Appointments will be made on merit.