Senior Consultant- Heat Decarbonisation and Heat Networks in Cambridge

Decarbonisation of energy use in buildings is critical to meeting national, regional and corporate net zero targets. This is a challenge which will require innovative technology, imaginative business models and robust policymaking. The Built Environment team guides clients including building portfolio owners, real estate investors, policymakers, technology developers, network operators, utilities and ‘waste’ heat owners to shape their role in the transition taking place to decarbonise energy use in buildings.

As this challenge moves rapidly up the agenda, we are looking for applicants with a passion for this topic and experience in consultancy and/or research in this area, to join our team.

Why ERM Low Carbon Solutions?

We are a group of intelligent, friendly and passionate people who are driven by our shared goal of decarbonising the energy system. We offer training on key consulting skills, such as delivering effective presentations and writing successful bids, as well as the chance to attend conferences and events. Our team holds a range of social activities, so every member should feel connected and at home. The principles of diversity and inclusion are core to our working culture.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking a new Senior Consultant with a primary focus on heat networks and heat decarbonisation in the built environment. We are looking for an intelligent, motivated person who has demonstrated outstanding achievement and impact in their early professional career. We offer the opportunity to work on interesting, challenging and impactful projects, and you will be given the chance to make significant contributions from day one.

Role and responsibilities

Senior Consultants, supported by the Project Manager and Partner-in-Charge, lead the delivery of innovative, high impact work on low carbon energy, with the current role focused primarily (though not exclusively) on heat networks and heat decarbonisation. Responsibilities will include delivery of tasks such as heat network pre-feasibility assessments, research and quantitative analysis of relevant markets and regulations, and providing clients with thought leadership, insightful conclusions and strategic advice. Alongside delivery, there is also the opportunity for Senior Consultants to contribute to work winning and business development activities. The role is therefore an opportunity for a proactive individual to develop their own initiatives within a rewarding career in the low carbon energy sector, with a primary focus on heat networks and heat decarbonisation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Delivering heat network and heat decarbonisation related projects to a high quality.
• Researching technologies, markets or concepts through literature search and conversations with external experts, with a focus on heat decarbonisation and heat networks.
• Quantitative analysis of systems and technologies, including developing techno-economic models.
• Compiling briefing documents, reports, and presentations for project meetings and publications.
• Developing ways to communicate the results of projects to a range of audiences.
• Providing engineering, financial and policy perspective in a range of contexts, including on heat network modelling, project development, design, and business planning.
• Developing and maintaining excellent relationships with colleagues, clients, partners and other stakeholders.

Requirements

• 3+ years in the energy sector and/or consultancy with a significant focus on heat networks.
• Track record of successful project delivery.
• Demonstration of outstanding achievement and impact in your career to date.
• Undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification in physical science, engineering, economics or another relevant discipline (Minimum 2.1).
• Strong interest in sustainability and low carbon energy, with proven expertise and track record on heat networks.
• Excellent numeracy skills and ability to quickly think through complex problems.
• IT literate and highly proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint.

Strongly preferred

• Demonstrable real-world experience of heat network design to at least RIBA Stage 2 equivalent.
• Experience in understanding and assessing energy use and decarbonisation in the buildings sector, such as in one or more of the following topic or service areas:
• net zero strategies for building portfolios
• low carbon heating and cooling technologies
• electrification of heat
• heat networks
• energy efficiency retrofit
• low carbon building design
• building and site level energy strategies
• feasibility studies, project development and project initiation for building energy demand and carbon reduction measures

Advantageous, but not essential

• Experience with relevant specialist software, e.g. Desktop GIS, EnergyPro, Netsim, Thermos.
• First class undergraduate degree.
• Fluency in another European language (particularly French or German).

Salary: competitive, dependent on experience

Benefits:

• Company health insurance (UK)
• Cycle to work scheme (UK)
• Flexible working hours and ability to work from home when needed
• Choice of offices
• Christmas and summer parties, and social activities
• Pension scheme
• Annual discretionary bonus
• Merit-based promotion system

ERM is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive, it’s an essential part of what makes ERM a great place to build a career and helps us create better solutions for our clients. We welcome talent from all backgrounds and provide equal opportunities for every candidate. If you have a disability, are neurodivergent, or need accommodations during the selection process, we’re here to support you. Our commitment doesn’t stop at hiring. Once you join us, we’ll ensure you have the tools, support, and adjustments needed to succeed and feel a true sense of belonging.