Head of Clean Energy Sector Development

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority; Sheffield; Hybrid; GBP 56,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Defined benefit pension

Flexible working

Job summary

South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority is seeking a strategic leader to drive the Clean Energy manufacturing sector in South Yorkshire. The role will shape the region's growth through partnerships with businesses, universities and government, and position the area to attract investment.

You will lead delivery of a growth strategy, work with the Energy & Environment Directorate, and champion the region's low‑carbon ambitions to deliver high‑impact outcomes for jobs and the economy.

Qualifications

• Significant experience of developing and delivering sector growth strategies, economic development initiatives or major partnership programmes.
• Strong knowledge of the Clean Energy manufacturing sector and the opportunities and challenges associated with the transition to a low-carbon economy.
• A proven ability to build productive relationships across business, academia, government and investment communities.
• Experience of attracting investment, securing funding or developing compelling business and growth propositions.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the confidence to engage and advise senior stakeholders.
• Strong leadership and programme management skills, with a track record of delivering successful outcomes in a complex environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of an ambitious vision and growth strategy for South Yorkshire's Clean Energy manufacturing sector.
• Work alongside the Energy & Environment Directorate, which links sector initiatives to wider policy objectives.
• Build influential partnerships with businesses, universities, investors, local authorities and government stakeholders.
• Identify and secure investment opportunities that support innovation, business growth and job creation.
• Champion South Yorkshire's clean energy strengths and raise the region nationally and internationally.
• Develop and oversee programmes and initiatives that accelerate sector growth and maximise economic impact.
• Provide expert insight and strategic advice to inform policy, investment decisions and future sector priorities.

Job description

Head of Clean Energy Sector Development

Application Deadline: 4 October 2026

Department: Growth, Business and Skills

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Sheffield Head Office

Compensation: £55,949 - £59,907 / year

Description

• Hours: 37 hours per week (full time) or FTE
• Contract: Permanent
• Salary: Grade 12 – £55,949 to £59,907
• Location: Sheffield (Hybrid Working)

South Yorkshire is at the forefront of the transition to a greener, more sustainable economy. With strengths in advanced manufacturing, energy innovation, low-carbon technologies and industrial decarbonisation, the region is well placed to play a leading role in delivering the UK's clean energy ambitions. At SYMCA, we're working to unlock investment, support business growth and create high-quality jobs that will help shape a more sustainable future for communities across South Yorkshire.

This is an exciting opportunity to influence the future of one of the region's most important growth sectors. Working with businesses, universities, investors, government departments and delivery partners, you will help drive the development of South Yorkshire's Clean Energy manufacturing sector, ensuring the region is well positioned to seize emerging opportunities and attract investment that delivers lasting economic and environmental benefits.

Interviews will be held: Tuesday 10th November 2026

About the role

As SYMCA's lead specialist for the Clean Energy manufacturing and technology industry, you will provide strategic leadership to support the growth of the sector across South Yorkshire. You'll work across organisational boundaries to bring together the people, investment and ideas needed to accelerate growth, champion innovation and deliver meaningful outcomes. Acting as a trusted advisor and sector ambassador, you'll help shape regional priorities, identify opportunities and create the conditions for businesses and communities to thrive in a rapidly evolving sector.

In this role, you will:

• Lead the development and delivery of an ambitious vision and growth strategy for South Yorkshire's Clean Energy manufacturing sector.
• Work alongside the Energy & Environment Directorate, which leads on energy policy, transition, infrastructure and delivery to link sector development initiatives to wider policy objectives.
• Build influential partnerships with businesses, universities, investors, local authorities and government stakeholders.
• Identify and secure investment opportunities that support innovation, business growth and job creation.
• Champion South Yorkshire's clean energy strengths and raise the profile of the region nationally and internationally.
• Develop and oversee programmes and initiatives that accelerate sector growth and maximise economic impact.
• Provide expert insight and strategic advice to inform policy, investment decisions and future sector priorities.

About you

You will be a strategic and forward-thinking leader with a passion for supporting sustainable growth and creating opportunities through the Clean Energy sector. Comfortable engaging with senior stakeholders and decision-makers, you'll have the ability to translate complex challenges into practical solutions and build the partnerships needed to turn ambition into action.

Whether your experience comes from clean energy, sustainability, industry, economic development, investment or a related field, you'll bring a strong understanding of what drives sector growth and long-term success. You'll enjoy working collaboratively, influencing across organisations and developing opportunities that deliver lasting benefits for businesses, communities and the regional economy.

We're looking for someone who can demonstrate:

• Significant experience of developing and delivering sector growth strategies, economic development initiatives or major partnership programmes.
• Strong knowledge of the Clean Energy manufacturing sector and the opportunities and challenges associated with the transition to a low-carbon economy.
• A proven ability to build productive relationships across business, academia, government and investment communities.
• Experience of attracting investment, securing funding or developing compelling business and growth propositions.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the confidence to engage and advise senior stakeholders.
• Strong leadership and programme management skills, with a track record of delivering successful outcomes in a complex environment.

Benefits

All colleagues have access to a Local Government Pension Scheme and the chance to be part of an organisation where you can really make a difference. Located in Sheffield City Centre, we are well-placed for transport links and encourage employees to take advantage of the active travel facilities. Work/life balance is extremely important to us here at SYMCA with our recognised family/friendly policies, genuine work flexibility, recognition, and shared success.

• Holiday Entitlement - From 28 to 36 days annual leave entitlement (depending on length of service) plus bank holidays. Pro-rata for part time colleagues.
• Annual Leave Purchase Scheme - The ability to purchase up to a further 15 days per year in addition to your normal annual leave.
• Hybrid working - Our offices are a space where we come together and collaborate. Most of our roles are offered on a hybrid basis with the exception of some support roles being onsite full time. Please note, unless specified within the job advert, we cannot accommodate remote working contracts.
• Flexible Hours Scheme - Most roles within SYMCA work under the Flexi-Scheme which allows office-based employees’ flexibility and discretion over their working hours. Under the scheme employees can accrue a defined amount of credit or debit of working hours, and to take time-off in the form of Flexi-Leave or banked Annual Leave.
• Rewarding You - Reducing everyday expenses through discounts, benefits, financial advice, wellbeing solutions and more with Reward Gateway and Cycle-to-Work schemes.
• Training on the job - Support with upskilling skills through on-the-job training and qualifications
• Professional Membership Fees - Where membership to Professional bodies is applicable to your role, SYMCA will reimburse your membership fees where applicable and following approval by Line Management.

Diversity at South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority

Our workforce is made up of a diverse community, where we all belong and feel part of something bigger. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief.

All employees are eligible to request Flexible Working arrangements from day one of employment as such all requests will be considered subject to operation requirements.

Where candidates share disabilities within the application process, if they demonstrate that they meet all essential criteria from the Role Profile within their application, they will automatically be invited to interview.