At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead skills and employment initiatives for a major renewable energy project.
- Company: Join Island Green Power, a leader in sustainable energy solutions.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, competitive salary, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Be part of a pioneering role with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Shape the future of local communities through skills and employment opportunities.
- Qualifications: Experience in community-focused programmes and strong stakeholder management skills.
About the Role
Island Green Power (IGP) is delivering the West Burton Solar Project, one of the UK's largest Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs). As part of our commitment to creating lasting local benefits, we're looking for a Skills, Employment & Partnerships Lead to drive the delivery of our Skills, Supply Chain and Employment Plan (SSCEP).
Working closely with EPC contractors, local authorities, colleges, training providers and community organisations, you will create pathways into skills, apprenticeships and employment for local people, particularly young people, NEETs and other underrepresented groups.
This is an opportunity to shape the social value legacy of a major renewable energy project and help build an approach that can be replicated across IGP's growing portfolio.
Key Responsibilities
Skills & Employment Programme Delivery
- Lead the day-to-day delivery of the Skills, Supply Chain and Employment Plan.
- Chair and coordinate the Joint Working Group with EPC contractors and delivery partners.
- Ensure commitments are translated into measurable outcomes and community benefits.
Partnership Development
- Build and maintain strong relationships with local employment and skills organisations, including colleges, training providers, local authorities, DWP representatives and community groups.
- Develop collaborative partnerships that maximise participation and create sustainable pathways into work.
- Act as a connector between community needs and project opportunities.
Creating Opportunities
- Design and implement training programmes, employability workshops, apprenticeship initiatives and STEM engagement activities.
- Develop programmes targeted at local residents, disadvantaged groups and individuals facing barriers to employment.
- Support contractors in identifying opportunities for local recruitment and skills development.
Funding & Programme Support
- Identify and pursue external funding opportunities that enhance programme delivery and impact.
- Coordinate grant applications and partnership initiatives where appropriate.
- Ensure programmes are delivered efficiently and maximise available resources.
Monitoring & Reporting
- Maintain accurate data on employment, apprenticeships, skills initiatives and contractor performance.
- Produce regular reports for local authorities, project stakeholders and internal leadership teams.
- Track delivery against agreed commitments and recommend improvements where required.
Social Value & Communications
- Support internal and external communications that showcase the project's social value impact.
- Develop case studies, success stories and engagement materials that demonstrate positive outcomes.
- Contribute to IGP's employer brand and reputation within local communities and the wider renewable energy sector.
What We're Looking For
Essential
- Experience delivering skills, employment, social value or community-focused programmes.
- Proven ability to design and implement training, employability or workforce development initiatives.
- Experience engaging with young people, community organisations and/or disadvantaged groups.
- Knowledge of apprenticeships, skills frameworks and employment support programmes.
- Strong stakeholder management skills across public, private and voluntary sector environments.
- Excellent project management, organisational and reporting capabilities.
- Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on delivery.
Desirable
- Experience within infrastructure, construction, renewable energy or major project environments.
- Understanding of planning obligations and community benefit commitments associated with large-scale developments.
- Experience reporting against regulatory or planning requirements, including DCO, Section 106 or similar frameworks.
- Knowledge of the Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire or wider East Midlands skills and employment landscape.
- Experience supporting employer branding, communications or social impact storytelling initiatives.
The Opportunity
This is a rare opportunity to help shape the long-term legacy of a major renewable energy project.
Success in this role will be measured not only through plans and reports, but through tangible outcomes: apprenticeships created, people supported into employment, skills developed and partnerships that leave communities stronger than before.
As one of the first dedicated roles of its kind within IGP, you will have the opportunity to influence how we approach skills, employment and social value across our wider project portfolio for years to come.
Location & Contract
- Location: Remote or hybrid, with regular travel to the project site and local communities.
- Contract: Permanent or contract arrangements considered.
- Start Date: As soon as possible.
If you're passionate about creating opportunities, building partnerships and delivering meaningful social impact, we'd love to hear from you.
Please apply directly or contact our Talent Acquisition Manager, Paula Rabiega, for an informal discussion.
Skills, Employment & Partnerships Lead in Oxford employer: Island Green Power
Island Green Power (IGP) is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering local community development through impactful renewable energy projects. As the Skills, Employment & Partnerships Lead, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of local employment and skills training, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity and social value. Our collaborative work culture encourages innovation and personal growth, providing you with unique opportunities to make a lasting difference while working remotely or in a hybrid setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Skills, Employment & Partnerships Lead in Oxford
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Island Green Power.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Island Green Power.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Island Green Power.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Island Green Power. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Skills, Employment & Partnerships Lead in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Island Green Power. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Skills, Employment & Partnerships Lead, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Island Green Power
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Island Green Power. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
