Associate Director - Energy in Buildings

Job Description

Role: Associate Director – Energy in Buildings

Team: Infrastructure Finance and Programmes/ Net Zero Buildings

Reports to: Senior Associate Director– Net Zero Buildings

About

The Scottish Futures Trust (SFT) is Scotland’s centre of infrastructure expertise.

We are seeking an experienced and professional Chartered Engineer with a background in low carbon building services design to manage and develop the Net Zero Public Sector Buildings Standard (the Standard), and promote its role in the decarbonisation of the public sector estate.

The role will suit someone who is keen to get involved in a wide range of activity from informing policy to project support. It will work with Scottish Government to inform policy and support the development of net zero carbon infrastructure solutions as well as supporting other SFT programmes and initiatives.

Location

You’ll be based at our office at Haymarket in Edinburgh, but can work flexibly with an expectation to be in the office for meetings as required. Additional travel will be required to attend external meetings.

Position

The appointment will be at Associate Director Level.

Benefits

This role is a permanent, full time position (35 hours per week), although we are happy to consider flexible working arrangements, including part-time.

An attractive salary is offered together with a car allowance for a low emissions vehicle, immediate membership to our defined benefit pension scheme administered by the Lothian Pension Fund, as well as 34 days annual leave – increasing to 39 after five years service – including public holidays.

Dimensions

The successful candidate will work as part of SFT’s Net Zero Buildings team of net zero specialists drawn from a combination of legal, procurement, financial, and energy management backgrounds, and will also be required to work closely with our partners on the Standard (Scottish Government and Zero Waste Scotland and NHS Assure which is part of NHS National Services Scotland).

Principal Responsibilities

• Progress the development and adoption of the Standard.
• Develop the Standard to support evolving Scottish Government policy linked to decarbonisation of both new and existing buildings.
• Engage with industry, Scottish Government, rest of UK and monitor international government activity to understand approaches in the UK and beyond in relation to decarbonising buildings.
• Work collaboratively with partners across the public sector and, with private sector consultants and contractors, draw on technical skills and experience to provide input and advice in relation to the implementation of the Standard and to adopt approaches that fit with stakeholder objectives which are aligned with Scotland’s Net Zero ambitions.
• Support the development and implementation of future Scottish Government support schemes for the public sector and link them to the Standard.
• Facilitate the setting up of, and oversee, governance arrangements for overseeing the on-going development and the adoption of the Standard (for example in specific sectors), where appropriate.
• Share knowledge with those involved in public sector procurement and private sector contractors in the principles of energy management and delivering Net Zero buildings and wider infrastructure.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Degree educated and recognised professional Chartered Engineer qualification (or equivalent) in a discipline with a focus upon energy and carbon performance of buildings.
• Background in low carbon building services design, delivering buildings that contribute to Scotland’s net zero targets and broader energy policy.
• Broad understanding of the policy, regulatory and economic drivers of development across infrastructure, and the implementation of net zero in buildings in particular.
• Direct experience of having worked with the Standard or similar standards.
• Proven track record in delivering successful projects and working in a commercial environment.
• Familiarity with low carbon building design techniques, standards and tools – e.g. dynamic simulation modelling, whole life carbon assessment.
• Experience of project and programme management.
• Experience of developing and implementing strategic energy initiatives from a commercial perspective.
• Experience in delivering a variety of contractual/procurement routes.
• Experience of dealing successfully with complex organisational issues, stakeholder & change management and brokering collaboration between organisations.
• Experience of working successfully across organisations with senior personnel and decision makers.
• Experience of working with professionals from across the public and private sectors.
• Expertise in facilitation, training and engagement with groups.
• Experience of effective working as part of a small team and across teams to deliver change and ambitious objectives.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Competencies

• Drive for Results

The drive to put energy into achieving results and take action to exceed goals and expectations. This includes being courageous in striving for continuous improvement and taking calculated risks to pursue opportunities to deliver results more effectively and efficiently.

• Impact and Influence

The ability to convince, persuade or influence others towards a point of view. It is about working collaboratively with others to gain commitment to a course of action, idea or vision.

• Commercial Focus

The ability to use sound business practices and commercial principles in all areas of responsibility, to achieve key business drivers.

• Enabling Change

The ability to plan to make a specific change or to put into practice a programme of change. It involves developing a strategy to make the change that is needed, taking note of barriers, risks and the need to put appropriate monitoring and communication systems in place.

• Decision Making and Judgement: Can generate alternatives, before making a decision or taking action, considering the risks associated with each option and selecting the option that has the best balance for risk and reward.