At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a design team to create innovative decarbonisation solutions for large buildings.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company dedicated to sustainable energy solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on innovation and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of renewable energy and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Experience in MEP design and leadership in multidisciplinary teams.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Application Deadline: 1 July 2026
Department: Design
Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: Birmingham
Reporting To: Head of Building Services – UK
Description
As part of our mission to drive the transition to renewable and low‑carbon energy solutions, we are excited to announce an opportunity for a Head of Design to join our team. This pivotal role will shape the future of sustainable energy delivery across a diverse portfolio of public and commercial sectors.
What We Do
We provide fully integrated design, build, and operational solutions for commercial energy centres and large-scale district heating schemes, drawing on extensive experience delivering similar projects for public sector clients across the UK and Ireland. We take genuine pride in the long‑standing relationships we have built, working closely with our clients as trusted partners and continuing to support them on their journey toward net zero.
Role Overview
The Head of Design – Decarbonisation is responsible for leading an in‑house, multi‑disciplinary design team to develop compliant, commercially viable decarbonisation solutions for large commercial and public sector buildings across the UK and Ireland. The role provides technical and strategic leadership on net zero building services design, ensuring solutions are robust, buildable, and aligned with client, regulatory and funding requirements.
What You'll be Doing
This role leads the development and delivery of MEP design strategies for large‑scale commercial estate decarbonisation projects, overseeing the full project lifecycle from opportunity assessment and options appraisal through to concept and detailed design. It involves managing and mentoring a multidisciplinary team of MEP engineers while driving the creation of whole‑building net zero solutions, including heat pumps, electrification, district energy systems, renewable integration, controls optimisation, and demand management. The position ensures compliance with UK and Irish regulations and industry standards, provides robust design governance and technical assurance, and continuously improves design tools, methodologies, and digital workflows. Working closely with commercial, delivery, and operational teams, the role translates sustainability objectives into practical performance targets, supports the development of net zero roadmaps and business cases, and maintains expertise in emerging technologies, policy developments, and carbon reporting frameworks. It also establishes and monitors design performance KPIs to drive quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement across the design function.
Head of Design - Decarbonisation in Birmingham employer: Alternative Heat Ltd
As a leading force in the transition to renewable energy, our company offers an inspiring work environment in Birmingham where innovation meets sustainability. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative culture that encourages professional growth and development, providing employees with opportunities to lead impactful projects in decarbonisation. With a commitment to employee well-being and a focus on building long-term relationships with clients, we ensure that our team is equipped to thrive in their careers while contributing to a greener future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Design - Decarbonisation in Birmingham
✨Dive into Environmental Networks
Get involved with sustainability-focused organisations and attend their events. Look for local meetups or conferences in environmental management where you can connect with professionals in the field. This can lead to insider info on job openings at companies like Alternative Heat Ltd that might not be advertised widely.
✨Show Your Passion with Projects
Consider undertaking personal or community projects that highlight your dedication to sustainability. Whether it's a local clean-up or a carbon footprint assessment, document your findings and results. This not only boosts your portfolio but also shows potential employers like Alternative Heat Ltd that you're proactive and serious about the field.
✨Seek Out Green Job Boards
Don’t just rely on general job boards. Explore specific platforms that focus on sustainability and environmental management roles. Websites like EnvironmentJobs and Sustainable Business can be goldmines for full-time positions at companies like Alternative Heat Ltd. Keep an eye out for their aggregation of listings!
✨Let Your Online Presence Shine
Make sure your social media and professional profiles reflect your passion for sustainability. Share articles, engage in discussions, and connect with leaders in the field. Your active presence can make a lasting impression on hiring managers at companies like Alternative Heat Ltd when they search for candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Design - Decarbonisation in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sustainability:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sustainability shine through. Share any relevant experiences, like projects, volunteer work, or events you've participated in that align with Alternative Heat Ltd's values. This position isn't just about meeting qualifications; it's about genuinely caring for the environment and showing us why you're the right fit for Head of Design - Decarbonisation.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications and Experience:Make sure to showcase any specific qualifications, such as degrees in environmental science or certifications in sustainability practices in your CV. We want to see how your academic background and practical experiences align with the job you're applying for, so don’t hold back on anything that demonstrates your expertise in environmental management.
Tailor Your CV to the Role:As we're looking for someone to jump into a full-time role, be specific about previous roles or projects that demonstrate your capabilities in sustainability. Use bullet points to make accomplishments clear, and don’t forget to quantify your achievements wherever possible – it’s all about showing us the impact of your work!
Research Alternative Heat Ltd and Reflect It In Your Application:We love candidates who take the time to understand what we're about. Mention specific initiatives or projects that Alternative Heat Ltd is known for in your cover letter. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely excited about the chance to contribute to our mission in the role of Head of Design - Decarbonisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Alternative Heat Ltd
✨Brush Up on Environmental Legislation
Given that we're diving into sustainability and environmental management, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of current environmental laws and regulations. Be prepared to discuss how these laws apply to real-world scenarios, as you might face some technical questions about compliance and best practices during your chat with Alternative Heat Ltd.
✨Showcase Your Experience with Sustainability Projects
When you're discussing your background, highlight specific sustainability initiatives you've been involved in. Whether it’s a project at university or work experience, sharing measurable outcomes and your role will demonstrate your hands-on skills, which is super important for this full-time role at Alternative Heat Ltd.
✨Familiarity with Tools and Software
Make sure you're familiar with any relevant tools or software commonly used in environmental management, like GIS for mapping or data analysis tools. Bring this up in your interview as it shows you’re not only passionate but also prepared to roll up your sleeves and get to work!
✨Connect Your Values with the Company's Mission
Full-time roles are all about team fit, so it’s important to align your personal values with those of Alternative Heat Ltd. Be ready to discuss why you're passionate about sustainability and how you can contribute to their mission, as this will really resonate with the interviewers and show that you’re genuinely invested in their goals.
