Head of Programmes & Partnerships

Act on Energy LTD.; Highgate; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Act on Energy is seeking a Head of Programmes & Partnerships to lead the strategic development, delivery and continuous improvement of our programme portfolio including household support services and energy efficiency initiatives.

You will manage Project Managers and Senior Project Officers, align programmes with priorities, manage budgets and risks, and foster strong partnerships with funders and stakeholders to maximise impact.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in senior programme, project or operational management.
• Proven ability to lead and develop teams, including line management responsibilities.
• Strong understanding of programme and project management methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and support programme teams to ensure effective delivery and alignment with priorities.
• Oversee budgets, resources, risks and contractual commitments for all programmes.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with funders, commissioners and partners.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Project management

Budget oversight

Analytical skills

Education

PRINCE2 / equivalent

APM certification

Degree in relevant field

Tools

Microsoft Office

CRM systems

Management reporting tools

Job description

The Head of Programmes & Partnerships is a senior leadership role responsible for the development, delivery and continuous improvement of Act on Energy's programme portfolio. This includes our household support services and the operational strategy for energy efficiency, retrofit and financial intervention programmes. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, the postholder will lead Project Managers and Senior Project Officers, ensuring that programmes align with organisational priorities, are managed effectively and deliver measurable outcomes.

The role provides strategic oversight of programme performance, budgets, resources, risks and contractual commitments. Working closely with the Chief Executive, Chief Financial Officer, Head of Sustainability and Compliance, Board of Trustees and other senior stakeholders, the postholder will help shape organisational priorities, identify growth opportunities and strengthen partnerships that extend the reach and impact of Act on Energy's services.

The successful candidate will combine strong leadership and project management with financial acumen and excellent relationship management. They will build a collaborative, high-performing culture and ensure that programmes meet demanding standards of quality, compliance and delivery.

Duties and Responsibilities

Reporting to the Chief Executive, they will be responsible for:

Leadership and Team Management

• Lead, manage and support Project Managers and Senior Project Officers, providing clear direction, guidance and accountability for effective delivery.
• Identify ongoing development opportunities.
• Foster a positive, inclusive and high-performing culture across programme teams.
• Conduct regular supervision, performance reviews and development planning.
• Support employee relations processes including capability, disciplinary and grievance matters where required.
• Ensure leadership and people-management practices are applied consistently across programme teams.
• Promote effective communication and collaboration across teams and departments.

Programme and Project Management

• Ensure programmes are effectively planned, resourced and delivered to agreed objectives, timescales and budgets
• Provide strategic oversight of all externally funded and internally delivered projects and programmes.
• Develop timely delivery frameworks, project plans and reporting mechanisms to ensure successful programme outcomes.
• Establish project budgets, resource requirements and delivery schedules.
• Support the development of project proposals, tender submissions and funding applications, leading this work where required.
• Ensure effective mobilisation and handover arrangements for newly awarded projects.
• Monitor and communicate programme performance, identify emerging issues and implement corrective action where required.
• Identify opportunities for service innovation, growth and continuous improvement.

Compliance and Quality Assurance

• Ensure robust quality assurance measures are embedded across all projects and programmes.
• Oversee compliance with all relevant regulatory, contractual and funding requirements to ensure organisational accountability. These include PAS 2035, PAS 2038, TrustMark requirements, national funding frameworks, funder requirements, contractual obligations and organisational policies.
• Ensure effective governance arrangements are maintained, including reporting on risks, performance and financial management.
• Maintain accurate oversight of programme budgets, resources and contractual commitments.
• Promote continuous improvement and the adoption of effective systems and processes.

Partnership and Stakeholder Management

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with funders, commissioners, delivery partners and strategic stakeholders.
• Identify and develop opportunities for collaborative working and new partnership initiatives.
• Represent Act on Energy at meetings, conferences, partnership forums and networking events.
• Support organisational development through external engagement and relationship-building activities.

Strategic Development and Organisational Improvement

• Contribute strategic insight and leadership to Act on Energy's development plans and organisational priorities.
• Maintain an up-to-date understanding of sustainable energy policy, fuel poverty, climate change and emerging sector developments.
• Apply systems thinking and change management principles to improve organisational effectiveness.
• Lead initiatives that improve service delivery, programme performance and operational efficiency.
• Translate strategic priorities into practical delivery plans and measurable outcomes.
• Support business planning and organisational decision-making through effective analysis and reporting.

Standard Accountabilities

• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation for example UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR); Health and Safety legislation and all internal policies.
• Demonstrate commitment to continuous professional development and organisational learning.
• Attend internal and external meetings as required.
• Undertake any other duties appropriate to the level of the post.

Strategic, collaborative and solutions-focused leader.

Passionate about reducing fuel poverty and supporting sustainable energy initiatives.

Excellent relationship builder with strong influencing and negotiation skills.

Highly organised with the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.

Resilient, adaptable and comfortable working in a changing environment.

Committed to continuous improvement, innovation and organisational learning.

Essential

• Significant experience of senior programme, project or operational management.
• Proven experience leading and developing teams, including line management responsibilities.
• Strong understanding of programme and project management methodologies.
• Experience developing and delivering projects within sustainability, energy, housing, community or related sectors.
• Excellent stakeholder management and partnership development experience.
• Strong financial management and budget oversight skills.
• Experience developing successful project proposals, funding applications or tender submissions.
• Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and support decision-making and report writing.
• High level of proficiency using Microsoft Office applications, CRM systems and management reporting tools.
• Ability to manage a complex and varied workload while maintaining attention to detail.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and safeguarding.

Desirable

• Knowledge of sustainable energy, fuel poverty and climate change policy.
• A high level of regulatory knowledge, including thorough operational knowledge of PAS 2035 and PAS 2038 standards, TrustMark frameworks and domestic retrofit funding landscapes.
• Understanding of home energy efficiency measures and associated funding mechanisms.
• Experience of organisational development, business planning and change management.
• Experience working within the charity, public sector or grant-funded environment.
• Established networks within the energy, sustainability, housing or community sectors.
• Recognised project management qualification such as PRINCE2, APM or equivalent.

Act on Energy is a leading energy advice charity working across Worcestershire, Warwickshire and the wider West Midlands. Although energy is in our name, people are at the heart of our organisation. Our vision is to eliminate fuel poverty and reduce carbon emissions, creating positive outcomes for people and the planet.

We work collaboratively with partners, local authorities, community organisations and households to tackle fuel poverty, improve energy efficiency and support the transition to net zero. By joining Act on Energy, you will become part of a dedicated and ambitious organisation committed to delivering meaningful change across the communities we serve.

The successful candidate will be expected to work between both our offices, Ardens Grafton and Birmingham City Centre. Interviews will be held at our head office in Ardens Grafton.

Act on Energy - We may have energy in our name - but it's people at the heart of our organisation, because our vision of eliminating fuel poverty and reducing carbon emissions is good for everyone - and our planet.