At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead community energy projects and drive sustainable change in Staffordshire.
- Company: Join an award-winning community benefit society focused on renewable energy.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive pay, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Be part of a passionate team dedicated to local energy solutions.
- Why this job: Shape the future of community-led energy and contribute to climate action.
- Qualifications: Experience in sustainability, strong leadership, and financial acumen required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Staffordshire Community Energy is an ambitious and award-winning community benefit society delivering community-owned renewable energy projects that directly benefit our communities across the administrative County and Stoke-on-Trent. We’re driven by a belief that communities can and must play a central role in the transition to a clean energy and secure future. Since 2011, SCE has been delivering clean energy and creating funds for local projects. We currently have five sites with rooftop solar PV totalling 490kWp with another project of 736kWp under negotiation and several school sites under investigation. Our annual turnover is estimated at £340k in 2026/27, and this should increase in future years as new projects come on stream.
With the establishment of Great British Energy and the Local Power Plan promising a £1bn programme of investment in local and community energy, there is huge potential for the sector opening up – SCE intends to be at the centre of the crusade in Staffordshire. We have created this new post to lead the drive to take advantage of the new prospects and maximise the potential.
About the role
- Contribute to strategic leadership of SCE, working with the Board.
- Lead the preparation and delivery of SCE’s long-term vision and business plan.
- Establish and oversee the operations of the organisation, ensuring high quality project delivery and operation, and robust financial management.
- Lead on governance, risk, insurance and commercial oversight on existing and new SCE projects.
- Grow a strong pipeline of community-energy renewable and retrofit projects taking projects from early stage “desk-top” appraisals through to formal investment decisions, construction and commissioning. This includes creation of commercial proposals.
- Lead fundraising and develop new income opportunities to put the organisation on a secure long-term financial future including grant and investment opportunities, encompassing preparation of grant applications and share offer documents.
- Build and nurture relationships with host sites, investors, partner organisations, local businesses and local authorities in Staffordshire.
- Represent SCE publicly and champion the cause of community-led energy.
- Lead and manage a small team comprising a part-time administrator, consultants, contractors and volunteers fostering a collaborative and delivery-focused culture.
- Report to the Chair of the Board and attend Meetings of the Board and appropriate Board Committees (all usually held online).
We have grant funding for the post until the end of 2027 and one of the key challenges will be to secure a sound ongoing financial base for SCE and this post via funding from operations and grants. This is a unique opportunity to shape and grow an ambitious organisation with a strong track record, an experienced Board and an active community base. SCE is looking to play a significant role in Staffordshire’s energy transition, expanding its portfolio, strengthening its membership model and deepening its impact across the County and Stoke-on-Trent. This is expected to include a larger portfolio of onsite solar, both rooftop and ground mount but will also require SCE to actively consider other energy initiatives such as Smart Local Energy Systems, retrofit, energy efficiency and other energy assets such as wind power, heat networks and battery storage.
About you
- An experienced leader with a background in sustainability, community energy, climate action, social enterprise or similar.
- Passionate about community energy and committed to community-led change.
- Financially astute, comfortable with financial models, budgets, reporting, cashflow and grant requirements.
- A strong communicator who can engage a diverse set of stakeholders including local and central government, community groups, and technical partners.
- Collaborative, organised and comfortable operating both at a strategic and operational level.
- Proactive, dynamic self-starter who works independently with confidence to drive progress and deliver results.
- Interested in the detail of delivering and operating a portfolio of renewable energy projects.
- Knowledge of sustainable energy and experience of energy projects.
- Preferably located in or near Staffordshire.
Why join SCE?
- Lead tangible, impactful, local energy and climate action projects.
- Work with a passionate and experienced Board.
- Join us at an exciting time, with the opportunity to shape the role and drive the next stage of our growth and impact on the communities we serve.
- Flexible working arrangements and a values driven environment.
Chief Executive, Community Energy & Growth in England employer: Community Energy England
Community Energy England is an exceptional employer for those passionate about community energy and sustainability. With a strong commitment to fostering a collaborative work culture, the organisation offers unique opportunities for personal and professional growth while making a meaningful impact in the sector. As Chair of the Board, you will play a pivotal role in shaping strategic direction and engaging with key stakeholders, all while enjoying the flexibility of a volunteer position that values your expertise and contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive, Community Energy & Growth in England
✨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 Community Energy England 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 Community Energy England 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 Community Energy England. 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 Community Energy England when they search for candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive, Community Energy & Growth in England
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 Community Energy England'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 Chief Executive, Community Energy & Growth.
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 Community Energy England 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 Community Energy England 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 Chief Executive, Community Energy & Growth.
How to prepare for a job interview at Community Energy England
✨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 Community Energy England.
✨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 Community Energy England.
✨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 Community Energy England. 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.
