Retrofit Strategy Programme Manager in Hertford

About the role

Are you a proactive collaborator who enjoys problem solving to make real change? We are looking for someone like you to join our team as the Retrofit Strategy Programme Manager. You will have the opportunity to work on this pivotal, system-facing role to support the implementation of Hertfordshire’s Retrofit Strategy by coordinating action across local authorities, housing providers, and community stakeholders. Hosted by East Herts District Council on behalf of the Hertfordshire Climate Change & Sustainability Partnership (HCCSP), the role is funded for an initial three-year period and will play a central role in stewarding Hertfordshire’s retrofit system during the early years of strategy delivery.

You will lead the programme coordination, governance support and secretariat for the Hertfordshire Retrofit Strategy Steering Group and Retrofit Subgroup, working with local authorities, housing providers, community organisations, industry and funders. The role is critical to maintaining momentum, funder confidence and shared direction across a complex partnership landscape. You will act as a central point of contact for retrofit delivery partners, helping to build shared understanding, track progress, and support the development of systems and capacity to meet our decarbonisation goals. This is not a technical role, but one that requires strong programme coordination, governance, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills alongside the confidence to operate in a system leadership environment.

Some of the main responsibilities include:

• Providing programme oversight for delivery of the Hertfordshire Retrofit Strategy and supporting the translation of strategic priorities into coordinated action.
• Acting as Lead Officer and Secretariat for the Retrofit Strategy Steering Group and the Retrofit Subgroup, including agenda planning, papers, action tracking and reporting.
• Maintaining oversight of progress, risks, interdependencies and delivery capacity across the retrofit system.
• Supporting the development of credible, investable propositions emerging from Steering Group priorities, aligned with funder expectations (including the MCS Foundation).
• Supporting delivery partners to align plans, overcome barriers, and access funding and training opportunities.
• Preparing clear briefings, progress updates and learning materials for governance bodies, partners and funders.
• Staying informed on national policy developments and ensuring local activity remains aligned.

About you

This role will suit someone who is motivated by climate action and systems change, and skilled at bringing people together to deliver shared goals. If you are a confident communicator, a natural collaborator, and have a keen interest in climate action and warmer homes, we’d love to hear from you. The ideal candidate will:

• Be an excellent organiser with strong attention to detail.
• Have experience working with or supporting multi‑stakeholder partnerships, boards or delivery groups.
• Be able to communicate complex topics clearly and accessibly.
• Understand the role of local authorities and partners in delivering retrofit and climate action.
• Be comfortable working in evolving governance and organisational contexts.
• Be enthusiastic about collaboration, systems change and community empowerment.
• Be comfortable working independently and flexibly, including very occasional evenings or weekends to meet partnership needs.

This is a fantastic opportunity to play a place‑shaping role in one of Hertfordshire’s most important climate programmes, working with a wide range of partners to help deliver warmer homes, lower carbon emissions and shape a more resilient future.

What can we offer you?

• Opportunities for growth and cross‑department working, learning new skills and service areas.
• 29 days annual leave (pro rata) rising to 34 days (pro‑rata) with 5 years' local government service.
• Usage of our e‑fleet during business hours for business‑related visits.
• Employee well‑being programme.
• Employee events group.
• Regular opportunities to socialise with other teams within the council.
• Flexible working arrangements, including flexi‑time.
• Please note this role is 30 hours per week, with Friday suggested as a non‑working day. This can be discussed further at interview.
• Up to 50% working from home for eligible posts.
• Free parking in our offices and select council‑owned car parks during business hours.
• Access to wellbeing and occupational health schemes such as the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Local Government pension scheme.
• Discounts at council‑owned leisure centres.
• Opportunity to network with colleagues across councils in Hertfordshire and the East Of England.
• Professional environment where your career path really matters and your development is supported by the organisation.

How to apply

For an informal discussion about the role please contact Helen Burridge, HCCSP Manager on 01992 531622. Closing date: 11 May at 23:59. Interviews will be held on 20 or 22 May.

We as a council are ambitious. To find out more about our ambitions and what it’s like working at East Herts, hear from our employees on our careers site. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer, valuing diversity and maintaining a firm commitment to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. We believe that creating inclusive environments leads to stronger collaboration and better outcomes in our work. Find out more about our disability confident scheme.