Scheme Manager in Cheshire, Warrington

Salary: Dependent on skills and experience

Location: Sci-Tech Daresbury, Warrington

Contract: 37.5 hours per week; permanent, full-time

Reports to: Head of Scheme

Are you someone who thrives in a collaborative, mission-driven environment where technical know-how, stakeholder engagement, and attention to detail all matter? Are you motivated by the opportunity to lead operational delivery and contribute to a nationally significant Certification Scheme that supports the UK’s net zero transition? We’re looking for someone who is confident managing processes, communicating with a wide range of stakeholders, and staying calm under pressure.

You’ll play a central role in how our Certification Scheme is delivered and governed—especially as we evolve and expand our impact in the small-scale renewables sector. This is a fantastic opportunity to help MCS strengthen the day-to-day operations of the MCS installer and product certification schemes. In this role, you’ll work alongside an existing Scheme Manager to support the Head of Scheme in delivering the operational aspects of both certification schemes. Although both Scheme Managers will contribute to the delivery of all schemes, this role will take the lead on the day-to-day delivery and ongoing development of the product certification scheme specifically.

To deliver the MCS product certification scheme, MCS works with 10 different product certification bodies across the globe, offering certification for a broad range of renewable technologies. To support this focus, we’re particularly interested in someone with product certification experience who can bring their expertise into the small-scale renewables sector and apply it effectively to our Scheme – helping to build on and enhance existing expertise within the scheme management team. Beyond improving current operations, you’ll also help shape the future of the product certification scheme – contributing to its review and redesign to ensure it stays relevant and effective in a rapidly evolving market.

MAIN ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work alongside other Scheme Manager(s) to support our Head of Scheme in managing the delivery of the Certification Scheme, including both Installer and Product certification schemes.
• As necessary until Scheme retirement, support the operations and processes of two Installer scheme versions, through a period of transition.
• Support our Head of Scheme to ensure Scheme compliance with ISO 17067 for both Installer and Product certification schemes, the international standard for developing, operating and maintaining certification schemes for products, processes and services.
• Support other departments (notably the Customer Experience team) with managing and resolving Scheme related queries and issues from external stakeholders (including overseeing the management of the scheme management inbox and participation in cross-functional meetings).
• Maintain oversight of Scheme compliance and complaint management activity and inform responses to Scheme compliance related queries and provide support and guidance across teams, as and when required.
• Monitor, assess, and elevate Scheme risks, including systemic non-conformities across Certification Bodies, Manufacturers and Installers.
• Manage relationships with key Scheme stakeholders, including but not limited to MCS Installer and Product Certification Bodies, UKAS, Installers, Manufacturers, Ofgem, Government Departments.
• Act as the lead contact for MCS Certification Bodies, overseeing all communications, responding to queries, and providing consistent guidance in line with Scheme requirements.
• Support oversight, governance, and performance monitoring of Certification Bodies (CBs) in line with the MCS Sub-License and CB Agreements.
• Support the maintenance and management of the relationship with UKAS, acting as a key point of contact for queries and accreditation oversight.
• Collaborate with UKAS to ensure the integrity of the Scheme, including assisting with the management and delivery of the MCS-UKAS Scheme Owner Agreement.
• Act as a source of knowledge across the company in relation to Scheme structure, Scheme requirements, and Scheme systems.
• Define, develop and implement Scheme processes, supporting documentation, and Scheme systems infrastructure – working closely with the Standards team and Communications team to incorporate changes to Scheme Documents and Standards and to manage transitional periods effectively.
• Manage the in-life operation and development of ‘Scheme’ systems and tools, including Dynamics CRM and the MCS Installations Database (MID), in collaboration with the wider team and our Digital Applications Manager.
• Contribute to the management and delivery of the quarterly MCS Scheme Committee meetings that involve representatives from each Certification Body that holds MCS on their schedules of accreditation, along with UKAS.
• Evaluate scheme delivery, through creating the necessary measures and feedback mechanisms to understand the Scheme’s effectiveness and impact on the sector.
• Work alongside the Scheme Insights Manager and Scheme Analyst(s), to keep abreast of Scheme performance and trends in the small-scale renewables market.
• Maintain a detailed understanding of ISO 17065/ISO 17067 requirements in relation to Scheme delivery and Certification Body operations.
• Maintain an understanding of ISO 17020 and ISO 17025 requirements with respect to inspection and product testing activities.
• Serve as a brand champion for the Scheme, working closely with the Communications team to raise awareness and promote the Scheme across a wide range of communication channels and stakeholder engagements.
• Management and development of junior members of the Scheme Management team.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Knowledge

• Strong working knowledge of certification, the MCS Standards & Scheme documents.
• An understanding of the small-scale renewables technology sector, including its regulatory and policy environment (with associated government incentives), alongside practical knowledge of how products and installations fit within broader construction and building regulation requirements.
• Degree in environmental science, renewable energy or a related technical or certification focused field.
• Understanding of accreditation and associated international standards (including ISO 17065, ISO 17067, ISO 17020, and ISO 17025).
• Familiarity with certification scheme development and transition management, including change control and stakeholder consultation.

Skills

• Proven ability to deliver and manage complex technical, certification or compliance driven environments.
• Confident and professional communicator with excellent written, verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
• Able to analyse data and qualitative information to identify trends, risks and performance issues.
• Strong project management capabilities, adept at leading projects and managing tasks methodically to ensure timely delivery of objectives.
• Strong process mapping skills and operational design expertise.

Behaviours

• Adept at dealing at all levels in an organisation and across multiple stakeholders.
• Able to establish and maintain strong working relationships through excellent interpersonal skills.
• Gravitas, respect as a professional operating in the sector.
• Decisive being able to make informed decisions and proceed to action.
• Detail focused, with a commitment to quality assurance and compliance.
• Adaptable and resilient when managing change, within a fast-evolving environment.

ABOUT MCS

MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) is the UK’s national quality mark for small-scale renewable technology, such as solar panels and heat pumps. We’re here to set standards and provide protection, giving consumers confidence to invest in renewable technologies to heat and power their homes and small businesses. Working with industry, MCS defines, maintain, and improve quality, by setting standards for low‑carbon energy technology products, installers, and their installations.

OUR PEOPLE

As an MCS employee, you will have the ability to demonstrate, understand and apply our company values. These are embedded in all roles across the business, and you should evidence these values as part of the application process:

• We are expert
• We are open and inclusive
• We are innovative
• We are understanding
• We are principled
• We are passionate

We are a strong and ambitious team of near 80 and growing. People are at the heart of MCS and we empower each other, support each other, and work together to achieve our goals. From members of our team who are just starting their journey as an apprentice, to those who have worked in renewables for years, we have wide range of talents and expertise.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE WORKING FOR MCS

Aside from the exciting and challenging role, the people, our culture, and our mission, we have some amazing benefits that make MCS a pretty awesome place to work. Here’s a few favourites among our team:

• Our Team: We are an energetic sociable and talented bunch who are super passionate about what we do and determined to make a difference. We are friendly, supportive, collaborative and we learn from each other every day.
• Holiday: 25 days’ annual leave per annum – increasing to 28 days with three years’ service, and to 30 days with five years’ service. Possibility to purchase additional days for the following calendar year.
• Social Events: Regular events in the office, dress-down Fridays, and more.
• Wellbeing: All employees have access to an Employee Assistance Programme, Optional access to Medicash – A healthcare plan with the highest level of cover. Access to Mental Health First Aider, up to 8 counselling sessions, helping to ensure every team member feels supported, healthy, and empowered both inside and outside of work.
• Office treats: Weekly provision of organic free fruit, breads, spreads, breakfast items, tea, coffee and soft drinks when working from the office.
• Supportive HR Policies: Enhanced Maternity, Paternity leave, sick leave, and emergency paid leave, life assurance 5 x your salary.
• Grow with MCS: Access to and support with continuous professional development.
• Subscriptions: Payment of one professional subscription per year.
• New Starters: Welcome lunch with the CEO.
• Company Pension: 8% company contribution.
• Working week: 37.5 hours Monday – Friday with flexible working options.
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes: We offer a range of salary sacrifice schemes—including Cycle to Work, EV leasing, and additional annual leave purchase—subject to individual eligibility criteria.
• Free Parking: when working from the office.

Don’t meet every single requirement? We know that sometimes people can be put off applying for a job if they think they can’t tick every box, but we realise the ‘perfect candidate’ doesn’t exist. So, if you can do most of what we’re looking for, go ahead and apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles!

To apply, please send a CV and covering letter outlining how you meet the person specification and why you have applied for the role, before Friday 22. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible. Successful applicants will be invited to a face-to-face interview at the MCS office, Sci-Tech, Daresbury WA4 4AB.