Principal Energy Contracts Officer

London Borough of Tower Hamlets; Greater London; On-site; GBP 56,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary starting at £56,154

Local Government Pension Scheme

Generous annual leave: 29 days

Flexible and agile working

Staff money-saving schemes

Learning and development opportunities

Job summary

London Borough of Tower Hamlets is seeking an experienced Principal Energy Contracts Officer to lead the commercial and operational management of energy and water across our diverse estate, including corporate buildings, schools and housing blocks.

You will provide market insight, manage contracts, billing, supplier performance and data integrity, working with multiple council departments and partners to deliver best value and robust risk management.

Responsibilities

• Lead on the Council's energy and water supply portfolio, ensuring contracts, suppliers, billing arrangements, and financial processes are managed effectively and efficiently.
• Act as the Council's subject matter expert on utility supply matters, providing commercial advice and market intelligence to support strategic decision-making.
• The role combines contract management, financial oversight, supplier engagement, data management, and stakeholder support, offering significant variety and responsibility.
• Support the delivery of utility services to schools and other partners, ensuring high standards of customer service, compliance, and value for money.

Job description

About The Role

We are looking for an experienced and commercially minded Principal Energy Contracts Officer to lead the operational and commercial management of energy and water supplies across the London Borough of Tower Hamlets diverse property portfolio including the corporate estate, leisure centres, schools, parks and housing blocks. This is a key role within the Energy and Sustainability Team, who are responsible for ensuring the effective delivery of utility contracts, accurate billing, financial control, robust supplier performance management, and the integrity of energy and water data.

• Will provide expert commercial and market insight, helping the Council manage risk, control costs, and make informed decisions in a constantly evolving energy market.
• Will lead on the Council's utility management activities, overseeing a significant utility expenditure portfolio.
• Provide support across Council departments and schools.
• Play a leading role in ensuring the Council receives best value from its energy and water contracts.

The role sits in the Energy and Sustainability Team within the Housing and Regeneration Directorate. The team is responsible for managing energy consumption, utility procurement, and energy performance across the Council's property portfolio and partner organisations. By working closely with a wide range of stakeholders, the team helps ensure that public buildings are operated efficiently, reliably, and cost-effectively, supporting the delivery of essential services and the long-term needs of the communities we serve.

• The Principal Energy Contracts Officer will take the lead on the Council's energy and water supply portfolio, ensuring contracts, suppliers, billing arrangements, and financial processes are managed effectively and efficiently.
• Act as the Council's subject matter expert on utility supply matters, providing commercial advice and market intelligence to support strategic decision-making.
• The role combines contract management, financial oversight, supplier engagement, data management, and stakeholder support, offering significant variety and responsibility.
• Support the delivery of utility services to schools and other partners, ensuring high standards of customer service, compliance, and value for money.

Our Benefits

• Competitive salary starting at £56,154.

• Local Government Pension Scheme membership.

• Generous annual leave: 29 days, rising to 33 with 5+ years' service, plus bank holidays and 3 additional days at Christmas.

• Flexible and agile working to support work-life balance.

• Staff money-saving schemes (e.g., rent deposit loans, season ticket loans).

• Learning and development opportunities through our Learning Academy, with clear career development and leadership pathways.

About Tower Hamlets

Tower Hamlets is a truly unique borough at the heart of London - a place where history and innovation sit side by side. From the docks and markets that shaped the East End to the global business hub of Canary Wharf, we are proud to be one of the most dynamic, diverse, and ambitious communities in the UK. We are also one of the fastest growing and youngest boroughs in the country, offering unrivalled opportunities to make a real difference to people's lives. Our residents are energetic, creative, and resilient, and our council is committed to delivering the best possible services and opportunities for them.

Our award-winning new Town Hall in Whitechapel provides a modern, flexible workplace for our staff, right at the heart of the borough and directly opposite Whitechapel Tube and Elizabeth line station. It is more than just a workplace - it's a hub for collaboration, innovation and community, designed to bring out the best in our people.

As an employer, we put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do. Our active Employee Network Groups celebrate and champion our workforce, helping to ensure that everyone feels a sense of belonging. Guided by our TOWER values - Together, Open, Willing, Excellent and Respect - we are building a positive, inclusive culture where colleagues can thrive.

At Tower Hamlets Council, you'll find exciting challenges, supportive colleagues, and the chance to shape one of London's most important and vibrant places. If you're looking for a role where you can see the impact of your work every day, then Tower Hamlets is the place for you.