Head of Heat Decarbonisation (Maternity Cover) 

We are seeking to create a diverse work culture that is truly representative of society, embraces different perspectives and attracts the best, most creative talent on our team. We value transferable skills and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply, even if they don’t meet all of the criteria. We are proud to work in an inclusive, friendly, and supportive environment and if you have additional needs, we or our agency would be very happy to speak about any support we could offer, during the recruitment process.

About Energy UK

Energy UK works with our members, government, the regulator and wider stakeholders to champion a sustainable UK energy industry. Our vision for a sustainable energy sector is one in which our customers receive excellent services at affordable prices, our infrastructure powers the zero-carbon economy, and where our UK industry is both successful today, and able to invest for tomorrow.

Our members come from right across the energy sector, from energy suppliers, and large power generators, to companies providing technologies and services in heat, transport, or power. The energy sector has been changing rapidly in the UK, and with more change to come as we look to deliver on UK decarbonisation; this is the most interesting time to work in energy.

The breadth of our membership means that we see the whole picture in energy, and we bring this, and our passion for good communications, to influence policy and the wider debate on energy. We want to make sure customers have a fair deal and access to great energy services, especially the fuel poor and vulnerable; that the industry sets high standards for its performance and engagement with customers; and that we build the Net Zero economy.

We really value our organisational culture at Energy UK. We have high quality support and development opportunities for our employees, and we are proud to have been awarded a Gold accreditation with Investors in People. We know that the wellbeing of employees is key to our success and this is reflected in our progressive policies around wellbeing, flexible working and mental health.

Energy UK plays a key role in promoting diversity and inclusion across the energy industry. In addition to our Young Energy Professionals Forum, we are a founding member of TIDE, an industry-wide taskforce to tackle Inclusion and Diversity across Energy. We share best practice and foster collaboration across the industry on all issues relating to equality and diversity through our annual Diversity and Inclusion conference.

Job purpose

Heat decarbonisation is a critical part of the UK’s journey to Net Zero and presents economic growth opportunities. Energy UK is looking for an experienced ‘Head of Heat Decarbonisation’ to cover maternity leave for one year. The successful candidate will lead our policy and advocacy on this critical area.

This is an external facing position that will lead on our strategy for engagement with Government and opinion formers, in Whitehall, Devolved Administrations, and beyond such that we can deliver on our long-term vision for clean heat in the UK.

The ‘Head of Heat Decarbonisation’ will structure a programme of policy and advocacy work that ensures the delivery of a strategic plan for clean heat, enabling key technologies such as heat pumps and heat networks. The successful applicant will be expected to maintain a presence at relevant roundtables, conferences, panel events, parliamentary receptions, and other relevant external events.

Main Responsibilities

Main responsibilities outlined below, plus any other duties as directed.

• Manage policy and advocacy work on heat decarbonisation, in collaboration with the policy, public affairs, and comms teams.
• Line manage one policy professional and supervise the work of another.
• Work on key position papers/reports as part of a broader advocacy strategy.
• Support and supervise consultation responses when needed.
• Ensure all engagement has clear objectives, messaging, and aligns with EUK’s work plan.
• Maintain close relationships with senior representatives from relevant member companies.
• Build a network of policymakers and opinion-formers that can enhance and support EUK’s work.
• Represent Energy UK at external events and meetings with senior stakeholders.
• Work with the Directors on our engagement and advocacy objectives, to ensure our messaging to political stakeholders is consistent with heat decarbonisation work.
• Deputise for the Director and Deputy Directors where appropriate.
• Management of any relevant contracts with external agencies/consultancies.

Personal specification

Required

• Significant experience in policy or public affairs.
• Expertise and interest in current affairs, politics, and regulation.
• An established network of contacts in the political and regulatory environment.
• Experience of devising and delivering stakeholder engagement strategies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Confident in advising, challenging and briefing senior stakeholders.
• Entrepreneurial, with a willingness to get involved in delivery as well as strategy.

Desirable

• Knowledge of the energy industry, energy transition, decarbonisation or consumer issues. A strong interest in these is essential.
• Experience working with industry, particularly in a trade or membership body.
• Experience of line management of junior staff.

Benefits

• A competitive salary will be offered
• 25 days annual holiday plus statutory holidays with the benefit of buying an extra 5 days a year.
• Birthday Leave and extra day at Easter
• EUK is a member of Climate Perks allowing employees to claim up to two days for staff who travel on holiday by train, coach or boat instead of flying.
• Annual season ticket loan
• An employer’s pension contribution of up to 8% if this is matched by the employee
• Avia Health insurance with dental and optical cashback
• Leave for Charitable work
• Access to an employee assistance programme
• Learning and Development Opportunities
• A hybrid working environment with the opportunity to work 2/3 days a week from home