At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the delivery of a groundbreaking sustainable waste infrastructure project in North London.
- Company: Join the North London Waste Authority, serving over two million residents.
- Benefits: Attractive salary of £165,000 plus bonuses and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a mature programme with a collaborative team and excellent career prospects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on environmental sustainability and community welfare.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in leading large-scale infrastructure programmes and managing complex relationships.
The predicted salary is between 40582 - 49600 £ per year.
The North London Waste Authority (NLWA) serves more than two million residents across seven London boroughs and is delivering one of the UK's most significant local authority infrastructure programmes. Through the North London Heat and Power Project, we are creating the next generation of sustainable waste infrastructure for north London, providing facilities that will serve communities for decades to come.
At the heart of the programme is a state-of-the-art Energy Recovery Facility currently under construction at Edmonton EcoPark. Once complete, it will process up to 700,000 tonnes of waste each year, generate electricity, support a major district heating network and deliver some of the highest environmental standards of any facility in the country.
We are seeking an exceptional Programme Director to lead the final delivery, commissioning and transition into operation of this landmark project. Reporting to the Managing Director and working closely with Members, senior stakeholders and LondonEnergy Ltd, you will provide visible leadership through a critical stage of the programme's lifecycle.
This is a role that extends well beyond project delivery. You will lead the Authority's relationship with major contractors and delivery partners, provide assurance on programme performance, risk and expenditure, and help senior decision-makers navigate complex technical, commercial and governance issues. You will play a key role in maintaining confidence, building consensus and ensuring momentum is maintained through to completion.
You will inherit a mature programme, an experienced client-side team and an established network of specialist advisers. Your challenge will be to provide strategic leadership, exercise sound judgement and guide the project through construction, commissioning and operational readiness while maintaining the highest standards of safety, environmental performance and public accountability.
We are looking for an accomplished infrastructure leader with experience of delivering programmes of comparable scale and complexity. You may come from the energy, utilities, transport, nuclear, waste or wider infrastructure sectors. Most importantly, you will bring the credibility to operate at board level, the commercial judgement to manage complex contractor relationships, and the ability to provide assurance to Members, Chief Executives and senior stakeholders.
You will be collaborative, resilient and inclusive in your leadership style, with the confidence to make difficult decisions and bring people with you. Combining strategic thinking with a strong delivery focus, you will be motivated by the opportunity to shape the successful completion of one of the most significant infrastructure projects currently underway in local government.
For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact: James Miller on 07701 233159 or james.miller@penna.com, Tom Niven on 07860 657044 or tom.niven@penna.com.
Recruitment Timeline:
- Closing Date: Midnight Sunday 13th September 2026
- Technical / Preliminary Interviews: W/C 21st September 2026
- Shortlisting Meeting: W/C 28th September 2026
- Further Assessment and Stakeholder Interviews: W/C 5th October 2026
- Final Panel Interviews: W/C 12th October 2026
Programme Director – North London Heat and Power Project (Full Time) employer: New Start
New Start is an exceptional employer located in Chelmsford, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With 27 days of holiday and participation in the Local Government Pension Scheme, we provide our team with valuable benefits while fostering an environment that encourages mentorship and collaboration among ecologists. Join us to make a meaningful impact on complex development projects in a dynamic and rewarding setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Director – North London Heat and Power Project (Full Time)
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like New Start, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Programme Director – North London Heat and Power Project (Full Time) at New Start.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Director – North London Heat and Power Project (Full Time)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at New Start
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
