Sustainability and Energy Manager

Great opportunity with this Central London Borough working within the Climate Change and Sustainability team.

Reporting to the Head of Climate Change & Sustainability, this role is part of the Climate Change and Sustainability Team within the Environment, Neighbourhoods and Growth department. The role will contribute towards the council's ambitious target of achieving net zero by 2030 and delivery of the council's Climate Action Plan.

The role will be required to undertake contract management of the council's numerous energy contracts, ensuring a transition to a low carbon future while obtaining value for money for the council.

The role will have regular contact with leading councillors and senior officers and will give advice to cabinet members and directors on energy and sustainability.

The role will represent the council with external contractors, partners, and other organisations, impacting the use of council resources and the ability to deliver positive outcomes for the climate emergency and a sustainable future for Southwark.

The post manages two positions: the Climate Change & Energy Project Manager and the Sustainability & Energy Officer.

Outline:

1. Lead, manage and develop all aspects of the procurement of energy, including tendering, letting and management of contracts, and act as the council's strategic energy market expert for gas and electricity purchasing, delivering best value for council tenants, schools, and the operational estate.
2. Support the delivery of a capital programme to reduce operational emissions across the council's estate, incorporating the management of budgets, coordination of council resources, project identification, procurement, installation, and future monitoring.
3. Take ownership of the council's emissions reporting, ensuring best practices are followed across scope 1, 2 and 3 data, and contribute to the delivery of projects within the council's Climate Action Plan.
4. Provide members and senior officers with strategic and policy advice in relation to energy management, sustainability, carbon reduction, and climate change matters.
5. Lead on the procurement and contract management of the council's corporate energy contracts (>£18 million pa) and ensure the contracts deliver the best possible value for money for the council while exploring options to improve sustainability.
6. Work with the External Opportunities Manager to identify and secure external and internal funding for existing and future capital energy efficiency and/or renewable energy programmes, and where required prepare detailed financial returns for funding agencies.
7. Lead on the collation and management of a large and complex energy data set from across the council's estate, provide consumption and trend analysis, and ensure a robust bill reconciliation process is in place.
8. Oversee the expansion of the council's renewable energy and district heating portfolio, managing all relevant liaisons with central Government and appropriate agencies.
9. Respond to enquiries and supply expert advice and complex data to senior management, councillors, and other council departments and external agencies as required.
10. Work with businesses, social and private landlords to reduce energy consumption in the borough, reduce fuel poverty, and influence behavioural change.
11. Maintain an up-to-date expert knowledge of legislative, technical, and policy changes in the fields of energy, renewable energy, energy efficiency, and climate change.
12. Oversee a programme of low carbon capital funding schemes and support colleagues with the delivery of capital projects across the operational, leisure, and schools portfolio.
13. Coordinate and project manage teams from various Council departments, consultants, and contractors, conducting project appraisals and feasibility studies.
14. Use, interpret, and analyze energy consumption data and prepare necessary briefing reports.
15. Support with innovation and the delivery of other climate and energy projects within the council as required.
16. Represent the Council, Climate Change Team, Environment, Neighbourhoods and Growth Department at internal and external meetings.
17. Actively promote equalities issues through the application of the council's equalities practices and procedures.