Principal Energy & Sustainability Officer

We Manage Jobs(WMJobs); Birmingham; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Birmingham is seeking a passionate Principal Energy & Sustainability Officer to lead energy planning and delivery to achieve a net zero city. The successful candidate will work across departments to influence policies, improve energy infrastructure, and drive impactful climate initiatives. Previous experience in sustainability and project management is essential, along with the ability to analyze energy infrastructure for improvements. This role offers opportunities for growth in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in energy planning and delivery initiatives.
• Ability to influence policy across departments.
• Strong analytical skills in energy infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Lead energy planning and delivery initiatives.
• Provide expert advice on climate change effects.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.

Skills

Energy planning

Climate change expertise

Sustainability practices

Policy development

Project management

Job description

Principal Energy & Sustainability Officer

Grade 5 - £42,839 - £51,356 - Consultation grade - subject to formal evaluation under the Pay Equity Review

Working 36.5 hours per week

Permanent

Are you passionate about tackling climate change and building a greener, fairer future?

Birmingham City Council is committed to greenhouse gas emissions reduction and enabling a resilient, low carbon and healthy city. As a Carbon Disclosure Project global A List city and the largest local authority in Europe serving a population of over 1 million people, 1,000s of businesses and around 450,000 households, Birmingham has a key role to play in supporting the UK Government’s Climate Change Act commitments and regional energy strategy priorities. The Council’s Route to Net Zero team provides a range of essential functions including devising policy, building delivery partnerships and providing expertise on an exciting portfolio of economic growth, social benefit and environmental initiatives. It oversees the Council’s corporate and city net zero activity and champions environmental sustainability across all directorates and sectors.

About the Role

Birmingham City Council is committed to becoming a net zero city and tackling the climate emergency head-on. As a Principal Energy & Sustainability Officer in the Route to Net Zero (R20) team, you will lead energy planning and delivery initiatives, shaping strategies and policies to reduce carbon emissions, improve energy infrastructure, and build a climate-resilient city.

This is a key role for an experienced sustainability professional who can work across departments, influence policy, and deliver impactful projects. You’ll be at the forefront of designing and implementing the city’s energy strategy, supporting planning and regeneration initiatives, and identifying funding opportunities to drive meaningful change.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead on energy planning and delivery in line with Birmingham’s Carbon Roadmap and Development Plan, and tools to reduce carbon emissions and support sustainable development.
• Provide expert advice on energy, climate change, and sustainable construction to planning and regeneration projects.
• Analyse and monitor Birmingham’s energy infrastructure, identifying opportunities for generation, storage, and improved energy security.
• Drive project development, funding bids, and partnerships to advance climate and energy initiatives.
• Collaborate with internal teams, external partners, and regional stakeholders to deliver joint sustainability and climate projects.
• Produce policy documents, reports, and briefing notes, ensuring alignment with legislation and best practice.
• Stay informed of emerging trends in climate change and sustainability, providing guidance to internal and external stakeholders.

Birmingham City Council is an accredited Disability Confident Leader employer, and we are committed to employing, retaining and developing all of our people.

We are dedicated to supporting internal mobility and the development of our people. As such, applications from internal employees and those under S118 will be given priority and reviewed before external applications are considered.

We want to ensure your recruitment journey with us is a positive and equitable one, so please let us know if there are any reasonable adjustments, additional support, accessibility needs, or if there is any way in which we can support you through your application.

For any informal enquires please contact: [e-mail]

We welcome applications from people with caring responsibilities and flexible working options will be considered.

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be undertaken.

Proof of Right to work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.

EEO Statement: We are committed to equality of opportunity in employment and to providing reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process.