At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of low carbon fuel policies and provide expert technical advice.
- Company: Department for Transport, committed to sustainable aviation and low carbon solutions.
- Benefits: Generous salary, 28.97% pension contribution, 25 days annual leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent career growth and support for professional qualifications.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in decarbonising aviation and shaping future fuel technologies.
- Qualifications: Experience in low carbon fuel technologies and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 46300 - 52800 £ per year.
- 471207 UK Low Carbon Fuels Production – Technical and Policy Lead
- Department for Transport
- Apply before 11:55 pm on Sunday 2nd August 2026
- Salary: £57,515 - A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
Low Carbon Fuels have been delivering substantial greenhouse gas savings in UK road transport since 2008.
However, aviation remains one of the most challenging sectors to decarbonise, and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is expected to make the single largest contribution to reducing its emissions on the path to net zero.
We are seeking a Technical & Policy Adviser with knowledge of low carbon fuel technologies, production processes, and commercial feasibility to support the development and implementation of the RCM and wider LCF policy.
The post holder will play a key role in shaping the design of complex and high-impact policy instruments, working across government and with external experts to develop, test and refine technical and commercial options that balance cost-effectiveness, investor confidence, and sustainability outcomes.
- Top Responsibilities
- Leading the provision of expert advice on LCF technologies, including feedstocks, conversion pathways, process efficiency and lifecycle emissions to inform policy, contracts and commercial design across SAF and other LCF applications.
- Lead technical input to policy teams and legal advisers in developing the RCM contract, by translating complex technical concepts into actionable drafting and policy insights, ensuring alignment between engineering realities and commercial/policy design objectives.
- Directing technical due diligence on proposed SAF production contracts, ensuring robust delivery assumptions and commissioning technical specialists with experience delivering similar Cf D-style schemes across industry and government (including DESNZ).
- Leading, with analytical colleagues, in scrutinising production costs (capital and whole-life) and key technical drivers, such as plant scale, technology readiness and site‑specific factors, for SAF and other emerging LCF technologies.
- Engaging with industry, lenders and technical experts, testing design assumptions, gathering intelligence, and commissioning research to build a strong, evidence‑based policy framework.
For more information on the role and responsibilities please see the full job advert on CS Jobs using the link provided.
- Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
- 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave).
- 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.
- Access to the staff discount portal.
- Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.
- 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.
About You
- To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience:
- A strong understanding of low carbon fuel technologies or related industrial sectors, with the ability to develop and lead expertise in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production processes.
- Experience leading analysis of technical and/or commercial information to inform decisions on project feasibility, timelines, or investment planning.
- An ability to assess delivery assumptions, such as construction windows, technology readiness and scale‑up potential, and advise senior decision makers and ministers of their realism and policy/contractual impact.
- Strong leadership and collaborative skills, with experience working across disciplines and engaging effectively with technical experts, policy/commercial teams, and industry stakeholders.
- Clear, confident communication skills, with the ability to explain complex or specialist information to senior officials and ministers support sound, evidence‑based policy and commercial decisions.
- This vacancy closes at 23:55 on Sunday 2nd August 2026
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
UK Low Carbon Fuels Production – Technical and Policy Lead in Birmingham employer: Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom
Join the National Transport Casework Team and experience a fulfilling career where your contributions directly impact the UK’s transport network. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, we offer excellent career development opportunities, including funding for professional qualifications, alongside a generous pension scheme and flexible working arrangements that promote a healthy work-life balance. Our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and support, ensuring you thrive in a dynamic environment while making a meaningful difference.
Contact Details:
Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land UK Low Carbon Fuels Production – Technical and Policy Lead in Birmingham
✨Get Involved with Industry Events
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✨Apply ThroughDepartment for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom's Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom's website for the full-time UK Low Carbon Fuels Production – Technical and Policy Lead role. Many companies prioritise candidates who show initiative by going straight to the source. Make sure we tailor our application to highlight our passion for the energy sector!
We think you need these skills to ace UK Low Carbon Fuels Production – Technical and Policy Lead in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Energy Knowledge:When crafting your CV and cover letter, make sure you highlight any knowledge or experience related to the energy-utilities sector. Whether it’s coursework, internships, or projects that showcase your understanding of energy management, sustainability, or regulatory frameworks, we want to see that passion and expertise shine through.
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Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom. Tailor it to reflect how your values align with our mission in the energy sector. Share why you're excited about this specific role and how you envision contributing to our goals.
Demonstrate Your Team Spirit:Collaboration is key in the energy-utilities industry. In your application, emphasise any team projects or experiences where you worked effectively with others, especially on sustainability initiatives or technical projects. We're looking for someone who can mesh well with our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom
✨Show Your Passion for Renewable Energy
In the energy-utilities sector, it’s vital to demonstrate your enthusiasm for sustainable practices and innovations. Share experiences where you've worked on or studied renewable energy projects, whether that’s through coursework, past internships, or personal initiatives. Let us see how your passion aligns with the ethos of Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom.
✨Brush Up on Industry Regulations
Being familiar with industry standards and regulations is crucial in energy-utilities interviews. Make sure to know the basics of relevant policies and frameworks, like the Energy Act or environmental legislation. This will not only show you’ve done your homework but will also prepare you for potential technical questions about compliance during your interview.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Project Management Skills
Most roles in the energy sector involve collaboration with diverse teams. Be ready to discuss examples where you’ve successfully worked in teams or led projects, especially those involving energy initiatives. This is particularly important for a full-time position, as employers want to see you bring a collaborative spirit to Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom.
✨Prepare for Technical Assessments
Expect some technical questions or even practical assessments during your interview, especially about energy efficiency methodologies or basic engineering principles relevant to the role. It’s a good idea to brush up on key concepts and be prepared to explain them clearly, as this will demonstrate your technical proficiency and readiness to jump into your new role.
