Project Manager – Heat Networks

ESP Utilities Group Ltd; Leatherhead; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading utilities provider in the UK is seeking a Heat Networks Project Manager to oversee the delivery of key systems and practices for their new low-carbon heating solution. The role involves extensive program management, stakeholder coordination, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Candidates should have over 7 years of experience in managing technology projects and demonstrate strong financial forecasting and risk management skills. This contract position offers opportunities for significant impact within the utilities sector.

Qualifications

• 7+ years managing multi-party utility programmes.
• Proven track record in business change delivery.
• Excellent financial management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery processes for the Heat Networks business.
• Manage third-party service providers.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards.

Skills

Experience managing technology infrastructure or utilities programmes

Stakeholder management

Risk, issue, and dependency management

Financial forecasting

Digital literacy

Commitment to diversity and sustainability

Education

BEng, Business, Project/Programme Management, or related discipline

Job description

As part of our growth strategy, ESP is launching Heat as our fourth utility. ESP’s District Heat proposition offers a highly energy-efficient, cost‑competitive low-carbon heating system solution for developers. Future Homes Standard compliant and ‘Regulation Ready’, its adaptability, ease of installation, value and reliability make it the energy system of the future. To enable the business to launch this proposition in 2026, we are seeking to appoint a Heat Networks Project Manager to lead the enablement of the Heat Networks business function.

Role Purpose

Lead the end-to-end delivery of the processes, systems, and practices needed to enable the Heat Networks business function, ensuring delivery within agreed scope, budget, quality, and benefit parameters.

Key Responsibilities

• Programme Management; develop and execute programme plan for the establishment of the Heat Networks business function within ESP, including the business systems, networks, processes and practices.
• Governance & Monitoring: implement and maintain robust programme governance, including tracking of budgets, schedules, KRIs/KPIs, and comprehensive documentation (plans, risk/issue logs, forecasts).
• Third-Party Management: coordinate and manage third-party service providers for Heat Network operations, metering & billing, CRM and networks. Ensuring contractual and business performance standards are met. Ensure that processes developed for Heat Networks are scalable and replicable for other utilities services including water.
• Business, Process & System Change: define and implement changes across all areas of the business (Commercial Delivery, Pricing, Design, Customer Fulfilment, Customer Operations, and Engineering). Collaborate with stakeholders to model processes and ensure system and operational readiness.
• Risk, Issue & Dependency Management: maintain RAID logs, implement mitigation plans, and escalate governance issues as appropriate.
• Compliance & HSE: ensure all programme outcomes comply with relevant regulations, health, safety, and environmental standards.
• Business Case & Benefits Realisation: support the development and maintenance of the business case, track outcomes and KPIs, and ensure delivery against benefit targets.
• Continuous Improvement: capture lessons learned and drive ongoing improvement in programme delivery and business processes.
• Governance Forums: chair delivery and programme boards, coordinate assurance reviews, and support transparent decision-making and escalation.
• Transition to BAU: lead change readiness and handover to operational teams, ensuring processes and systems are embedded and business-as-usual readiness is achieved.
• Executive Reporting: produce and present progress reports, dashboards, risk summaries, and performance briefings to senior leadership.

Key Skills

• Extensive experience (7+ years) managing multi-party, technology infrastructure or utilities programmes, with specific exposure to third-party provider management.
• Proven track record delivering business change across commercial, pricing, fulfilment, operations, and engineering domains.
• Strong budget ownership, financial forecasting, governance, and benefits management skills.
• Excellent stakeholder management and executive-level communication skills.
• Proficient in risk, issue, and dependency management with proven governance implementation skills.
• Demonstrated compliance with regulatory and HSE requirements.
• Experience in regulated environments or public sector interfaces.
• Digital literacy and experience with data management and technology-enabled programme delivery.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability.
• BEng, Business, Project/Programme Management, or related discipline.

Person Specification

• Strategic planning and delivery of business transformation programmes.
• Leadership in complex, matrixed environments; coordination of internal and external teams.
• Process improvement, documentation, and analytical capabilities.
• Financial acumen with budget control and business justification.
• Effective risk and issue management using structured frameworks (e.g., RAID).
• Executive-level communication and facilitation of governance boards.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Contract

Job function

Project Management

Industries

Utilities