Heat Network Manager

Sanctuary; Worcester; Hybrid; GBP 46,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Pension scheme with employer contrib

Life Assurance

Employee Advice Service

Cycle to Work scheme

Voluntary health plans

Wellbeing support

Staff Networks with inclusion focus

Job summary

Sanctuary seeks a Heat Network Manager to ensure regulatory compliance and accurate heat billing across our network. Based in Worcester with a hybrid home/office pattern, you’ll lead Ofgem registrations, develop compliance frameworks and act as a liaison with regulators and internal stakeholders.

With extensive utility experience, you’ll drive governance, reporting to senior leaders, and support decarbonisation plans and investment strategies within a large housing organisation.

Qualifications

• Significant experience managing utility infrastructure, housing energy systems, or technical contracts.
• Proven project management credentials or delivery of complex multi-stakeholder projects.
• Experience in utilities, energy management, or large-organisation property services.

Responsibilities

• Lead registration and authorisation of heat networks with Ofgem.
• Develop compliance frameworks, audits and regulatory submissions.
• Be the Ofgem and Energy Ombudsman contact for the organisation.
• Oversee heat billing accuracy, complaint handling and service performance.
• Lead implementation of new regulatory and operational frameworks.
• Support decarbonisation plans and funding opportunities.

Skills

Heat network management

Project management

Utilities experience

Stakeholder management

Energy market understanding

Regulatory understanding

Analytical thinking

Job description

Worcester based with a balance of home and office working

£45,736 - £48,157 per year

35 hours per week

We have an opportunity for a Heat Network Manager to join our Sustainability and Strategy Directorate within the Utilities Department, based in Worcester. The team currently has 10 personnel and are responsible for all gas, electric and water accounts and invoices for voids periods. The team validate and process all utility invoices for payment and manage the Utility Helpdesk which receives queries, billing, meter reads, from all over the Group and 3rd party suppliers and debt collection agencies, they deal with anything to do with utilities.

In this role you will be accountable for ensuring compliance to the Heat Network Meter and Billing Regulations (2014 & 2025) ensuring all reporting deadlines are achieved and heat meter and billing is compliant.

The role of Heat Network Manager will include:

Regulatory & Compliance

• Lead registration and authorisation of all heat networks with Ofgem
• Develop robust compliance frameworks, audit evidence, and regulatory submissions
• Act as the key contact for Ofgem and the Energy Ombudsman
• Act as key contact for internal queries and advice
• Ensure compliance with heat network consumer protection standards
• Oversee heat billing accuracy, complaint handling, and service performance
• Act as escalation point for complex customer issues and vulnerability support
• May be required to visit sites requiring heat meter installations to liaise with Responsible persons and Customers, providing information and communications.

Billing, Tariffs & Commercial Oversight

• Ensure transparency and fairness in heat billing and tariff setting
• Identify efficiencies and opportunities for cost savings
• 3rd party billing contract management
• Support on heat tariff setting
• Lead implementation of new regulatory and operational frameworks
• Support decarbonisation plans and future investment strategies
• Develop business cases and secure funding opportunities

Leadership & Governance

• Provide clear reporting to senior stakeholders on compliance and risk
• Support the development of a future Heat Networks team
• Drive continuous improvement and best practice across the organisation

Skills and experiences:

• Extensive professional experience managing utility infrastructure, housing energy systems, or technical contracts
• Project Management: Recognised project management credentials or a proven track record of managing & delivering complex, multi-stakeholder projects
• Experience in utilities, energy management, or property services within a large organisation
• Experience working with suppliers, consultants, and contractors
• Strong background in project delivery and implementation
• Experience managing operational services or processes
• Understanding of the energy market
• Knowledge of heat network regulations, including metering and billing
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills
• Analytical thinker with strong problem-solving ability
• Credible and confident advisor to senior stakeholders
• Organised and delivery-focused, with the ability to manage multiple priorities

Why work for us?

We provide homes and care for more than 250,000 people in England and Scotland. Our customers are at the heart of all we do. With around 14,000 colleagues, we foster a diverse and inclusive culture, and nurture and reward talent.

As part of our commitment to making Sanctuary a great place to work, where your wellbeing is of genuine importance, we have developed an attractive employment package. The package recognises your contribution, supports your physical, mental and financial health and gives you the flexibility to tailor your employee benefits by offering:

• 25 days annual leave (rising to a maximum of 30 days) plus public holidays
• A pension scheme with employer contributions from Sanctuary
• Life Assurance
• Employee Advice Service including counselling
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Voluntary health plans
• Wellbeing support and tools
• Staff Networks, with a shared interest in inclusion, and who provide invaluable support to colleagues
• £45,736 per annum (rising to £48,157 per annum after 12 months, subject to satisfactory performance)