Sustainability Technical SME

LB RICHMOND UPON THAMES & LB WANDSWORTH; London; Hybrid; GBP 57,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in London seeks a Sustainability Technical SME to lead HVAC systems development and delivery, enhancing council sustainability goals. Candidates should have a relevant engineering degree and substantial HVAC knowledge, alongside project management expertise. This position offers a salary of £57,171 to £72,186 per annum and includes flexible working options.

Benefits

40 days annual leave

Flexible working

Generous pension plan

Qualifications

• Demonstrate strong knowledge of HVAC and mechanical systems.
• Proven experience in managing multiple complex projects.
• Technical proficiency for decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of sustainable HVAC systems.
• Manage sustainability programmes across council operations.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to deliver successful projects.

Skills

HVAC knowledge

Project management

Analytical skills

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or relevant technical discipline

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

Sustainability Technical SME

£57,171 to £72,186 per annum

Permanent

Full Time (36 hours per week)

Hybrid

Objective of role

As Sustainability Technical SME (Subject Matter Expert), you will lead on the development and delivery of sustainable HVAC and mechanical systems across council estates. You will provide specialist technical expertise to increase system efficiency, reliability, and performance, supporting decarbonisation and energy efficiency goals. This role enables you to make a direct impact on the Councils’ ability to deliver sustainable infrastructure and meet ambitious climate targets.

This role will play a critical part of delivery of the Councils’ climate change targets. You will assist with the delivery of actions and objectives set out in the Richmond Climate Emergency Strategy and the Wandsworth Environment Strategy to support the creation and promotion of sustainability activities and tools aimed at transforming operations within the Councils to achieve real sustainability change.

About the role

In this role, you will:

• Initiate and manage multiple sustainability programmes and projects across council operations.
• Develop, design, and oversee delivery of sustainable HVAC and mechanical system improvements.
• Provide technical leadership on HVAC system design, installation, operation, and maintenance.
• Monitor and evaluate the performance of mechanical systems, driving improvements in efficiency and environmental impact.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including contractors, suppliers, and technology providers, to deliver successful projects.
• Manage Salix PSDS applications and oversee the delivery and verification of decarbonisation projects.
• Review engineering designs, drawings, and commissioning documentation, ensuring compliance with quality, safety, and regulatory standards.
• Analyse operational data, KPIs, and system performance to identify opportunities for optimisation.
• Actively participate in the design and implementation of decarbonisation strategies to support the Councils’ sustainability commitments.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

You will need to demonstrate:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a relevant technical discipline.
• Strong knowledge of HVAC and mechanical systems, including load calculations, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and heat transfer.
• Proven experience in managing multiple complex projects or programmes.
• Experience in utilities, decarbonisation, or infrastructure projects in both new builds and existing estates.
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and provide practical solutions.
• Technical proficiency in Microsoft Office and ability to use data effectively for decision-making.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with experience working collaboratively across technical and operational teams.

Closing Date: 26/09/2025

Shortlisting Date: 29/09/2025

Interview Date: W/C 06/10/2025

Test/Presentation: Presentation

For an informal conversation please contact Uche Agboli Energy and Data Manager via [e-mail]

We may close this vacancy early once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Richmond & Wandsworth Better Service Partnership are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please let us know.

We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.Some posts may be exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to these posts will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

We offer a wide range of benefits designed to attract, develop, and reward our employees such as 40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), flexible working and a generous pension plan.