Job Description
Managing Director
Leading an Urban Heat Network Through Its Next Phase
An established heat network business is entering a pivotal phase as it prepares for sale and transition to new ownership. The organisation represents a strategically important, investor-ready platform within the UK's low-carbon heat sector, with significant long-term growth potential.
We are seeking an exceptional Managing Director to lead the business through this exciting but demanding stage, shaping its future and delivering a successful outcome for shareholders, customers and future investors.
This is a high-profile, transaction-led leadership role. You will take ownership of preparing the business for market, positioning it as a credible, investable infrastructure asset, and leading the organisation through a major commercial transaction.
A critical aspect of the role will be strengthening the company's commercial position ahead of sale, including progressing its development pipeline and converting opportunities into contracted customer connections and long-term revenue agreements, enhancing both certainty and value.
Alongside the transaction process, the company continues to deliver strategic infrastructure projects that support network expansion and decarbonisation objectives.
You will bring strong commercial judgement, experience of company sale or investment processes, and the ability to engage confidently with investors, advisers and senior stakeholders. Equally important will be your ability to maintain operational performance and stakeholder confidence throughout the transition period.
This is a rare opportunity to lead a scalable, infrastructure-grade business at a defining moment in its evolution, combining commercial delivery with environmental impact in one of the UK's fastest-growing sectors.
Recruitment Process
Indicative timetable:
12 July 2026 – deadline for CV and Cover letter to v.elliott@envirotechtalent.com
13 July 2026 – longlist
16 July 2026 – technical interview
17 July 2026 - shortlist
24 July 2026 – interview
w/c 27 July – meeting with Leader, Chief Executive and Chair of Board for the preferred candidate
This is an indicative timetable and may be subject to change
Contract Details and Benefits
Contract details and benefits
The role can be offered as a fixed term contract (for example for 18-24 months), aligned to the transaction, or potentially as a permanent contract depending on the nature of candidate experience.
- Salary: £150k - £190k depending on skills and experience
- 5% employer and 5% employee – Scottish Widows defined contributions scheme
- 25 days annual leave on joining increasing by 1 day per year (up to 30 days total).
- Or a market-facing competitive day rate
- Hybrid working arrangements (with some presence required in London office)
For an informal and confidential discussion, please contact:
Victoria Elliott
v.elliott@envirotechtalent.com
About the Business
The organisation is an established heat network company operating within the low-carbon energy sector.
The business was created to capture and utilise locally generated waste heat, distributing it through a growing network to residential, commercial and public-sector customers.
The first phase of the company's long-term business plan has largely been delivered, including securing funding, establishing operations, developing key infrastructure assets and commencing customer supply.
Once fully developed, the network will have the capacity to serve a substantial customer base with low-carbon heat and play a significant role in supporting decarbonisation and net-zero objectives over the coming decades.
Governance
The company is governed by a Board comprising Executive Directors, Independent Non-Executive Directors and shareholder representatives.
The Managing Director reports directly to the Board and works closely with shareholders and funding stakeholders to ensure effective governance, transparency and alignment throughout the transaction and transition period.
The Role
This is a transaction-led Managing Director appointment focused on preparing the company for market and leading it through sale and transition to new ownership.
The successful candidate will provide strong, visible leadership at a critical stage in the company's development, ensuring operational stability, enhancing commercial value and positioning the organisation as a credible infrastructure investment opportunity.
Alongside maintaining performance, the Managing Director will be responsible for strengthening the business ahead of sale, including progressing the development pipeline and improving revenue certainty.
This is a demanding but high-impact opportunity to shape the future of a significant low-carbon infrastructure business.
Key Responsibilities
Transaction Leadership
• Lead preparation for and delivery of a major market transaction
• Ensure readiness for due diligence and investor review
• Work closely with advisers, the Board and shareholders throughout the transaction process
Investment Readiness & Governance
• Strengthen financial reporting, controls and transparency
• Maintain responsibility for governance and risk management frameworks
• Ensure alignment with shareholder and stakeholder requirements
Commercial Performance & Value Creation
• Maintain strong financial performance, budgeting and cashflow management
• Progress development opportunities and strengthen investment attractiveness
• Convert commercial opportunities into contracted revenues and long-term agreements
• Support sustainable growth and long-term profitability
Programme Delivery & Strategic Projects
• Oversee delivery of key infrastructure and strategic programmes
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, on time and within budget
• Support network expansion and long-term commercial growth
Operations, Regulation & Service Delivery
• Oversee operational performance and customer service delivery
• Maintain accountability for Health & Safety performance
• Lead compliance with emerging sector regulation
• Drive operational excellence and continuous improvement
Stakeholder Leadership
• Act as the principal interface with shareholders and external stakeholders
• Build strong relationships with partners, suppliers, regulators and industry bodies
• Maintain confidence and alignment throughout the transaction process
Team Leadership
• Lead and develop a high-performing organisation
• Ensure capability and capacity to deliver both transaction and operational objectives
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement
Candidate Profile
We are seeking an established, commercially credible leader capable of operating at Board level and delivering results within a transaction, infrastructure or regulated environment.
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
• Board-level or executive leadership experience with full organisational accountability
• Experience leading or supporting company sales, investments or major commercial transactions
• Strong commercial and financial capability, including P&L ownership
• Track record of securing contracted revenues and long-term commercial agreements
• Experience within infrastructure, energy or regulated sectors
• Proven ability to lead through change and organisational transition
• Strong understanding of governance and risk management frameworks
• Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills
• Strong leadership and decision-making capability in complex environments
• Knowledge of district heating, heat networks or low-carbon energy infrastructure would be advantageous
• Experience delivering major capital programmes or infrastructure projects
A degree-level qualification in business, engineering, energy systems, sustainability or a related discipline would be beneficial, although equivalent experience is equally valued.
