At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead energy management for 37,000 council homes and drive decarbonisation projects.
- Company: Join Southwark Council, dedicated to tackling climate change and improving community services.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, a competitive pension, and support for your learning and development.
- Other info: Fixed term role for two years with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability while working with diverse teams and stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of energy sector and project management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45852 - 53319 £ per year.
At Southwark, you’ll be part of a council that is committed to tackling the climate emergency, improving services for residents and building a fairer, greener future. This is a chance to make a visible impact across a major housing portfolio while working on projects that deliver financial, environmental and social value. Southwark Council is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and will continue to promote equal opportunities through our policies, practices and procedures.
This role sits within the Climate Change and Sustainability Team which is made up of 16 officers that deliver Southwark’s Climate Action Plan through a just transition. The team’s focus is to drive progress towards a carbon neutral, well‑adapted and resilient borough, improving the lives of our residents and supporting nature recovery. The team has three key streams of work: Programme Management, Energy Management and External Opportunities Management. This role is primarily focused on Energy Management, but collaborations across the team and wider council will be paramount to the success of the role.
Southwark Council is looking for a Housing Energy Portfolio Manager to lead the management and improvement of energy supply across our housing portfolio. This is an important role within the Climate Change Team. You will oversee a large and complex housing energy portfolio of around 37,000 tenanted council homes and nearly 16,000 leasehold homes, with annual spend of £20-30m on electricity and gas. You will help improve how the service operates, strengthen record keeping, resolve supply and billing issues, and identify opportunities to reduce energy use, save money and cut carbon emissions. You will play a key role in improving the management of energy supply across the housing service and supporting Southwark’s response to the climate emergency. You will have regular contact with senior staff and Councillors and will represent the Council in meetings with contractors, suppliers and external organisations. You will work closely with colleagues across Housing, Engineering Services, Climate Change, Service Design and Finance, as well as external partners including energy brokers and suppliers. The role also offers the opportunity to help shape and deliver decarbonisation projects that support the Council’s climate ambitions and create long‑term benefits for residents. This post is fixed term for two years.
What You’ll Do
- Lead and improve the management of energy supply across Southwark Council’s housing portfolio
- Monitor and analyse energy, billing and emissions data across around 3,000 meters
- Investigate and resolve usage anomalies, billing issues and record discrepancies with suppliers and brokers
- Improve workflows, processes and record keeping across the housing energy service
- Build strong working relationships with internal teams and external partners
- Identify and support decarbonisation and energy efficiency projects across the housing portfolio
- Monitor, evaluate and report on financial savings, energy reduction and carbon savings
- Prepare clear reports and present advice to senior officers, councillors and partners
- Support wider housing, climate, energy and utilities projects as required
What We're Looking For
We are looking for someone who can combine technical understanding with strong project and stakeholder management skills. You will bring:
- Knowledge of the energy sector, sustainability and renewable energy
- Knowledge of estate management, ideally within social housing or public buildings
- Experience of data management, analysis and record keeping with strong attention to detail
- Experience of planning and managing projects in energy, sustainability, estate management, housing or a related field
- Experience of improving services, ideally in the public sector
- Experience of working with contractors or suppliers to achieve strong service standards
- Strong organisational and project management skills, including budgets, timescales and risk management
- The ability to build effective working relationships with a wide range of colleagues and partners
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical topics in plain English
- A customer‑focused approach and a commitment to resolving issues effectively
Benefits
Benefits include: 27 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays, competitive pension scheme and excellent support for learning and development. There are shift enhancements for out of hours and weekend working associated with this post. Salary Range (Full time equivalent) £45,852 - £53,319. Contract: Fixed term for 2 years.
Housing Energy Portfolio Manager in London employer: Southwark Council
Southwark Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to creating a fairer, greener future while tackling the climate emergency. With a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation within the Climate Change and Sustainability Team. The role of Housing Energy Portfolio Manager offers meaningful opportunities for professional growth, competitive benefits including generous annual leave and a robust pension scheme, and the chance to make a tangible impact on the lives of residents in a vibrant borough.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Energy Portfolio Manager in London
✨Dive into Environmental Networks
Get involved with sustainability-focused organisations and attend their events. Look for local meetups or conferences in environmental management where you can connect with professionals in the field. This can lead to insider info on job openings at companies like Southwark Council that might not be advertised widely.
✨Show Your Passion with Projects
Consider undertaking personal or community projects that highlight your dedication to sustainability. Whether it's a local clean-up or a carbon footprint assessment, document your findings and results. This not only boosts your portfolio but also shows potential employers like Southwark Council that you're proactive and serious about the field.
✨Seek Out Green Job Boards
Don’t just rely on general job boards. Explore specific platforms that focus on sustainability and environmental management roles. Websites like EnvironmentJobs and Sustainable Business can be goldmines for full-time positions at companies like Southwark Council. Keep an eye out for their aggregation of listings!
✨Let Your Online Presence Shine
Make sure your social media and professional profiles reflect your passion for sustainability. Share articles, engage in discussions, and connect with leaders in the field. Your active presence can make a lasting impression on hiring managers at companies like Southwark Council when they search for candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Energy Portfolio Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sustainability:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sustainability shine through. Share any relevant experiences, like projects, volunteer work, or events you've participated in that align with Southwark Council's values. This position isn't just about meeting qualifications; it's about genuinely caring for the environment and showing us why you're the right fit for Housing Energy Portfolio Manager.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications and Experience:Make sure to showcase any specific qualifications, such as degrees in environmental science or certifications in sustainability practices in your CV. We want to see how your academic background and practical experiences align with the job you're applying for, so don’t hold back on anything that demonstrates your expertise in environmental management.
Tailor Your CV to the Role:As we're looking for someone to jump into a full-time role, be specific about previous roles or projects that demonstrate your capabilities in sustainability. Use bullet points to make accomplishments clear, and don’t forget to quantify your achievements wherever possible – it’s all about showing us the impact of your work!
Research Southwark Council and Reflect It In Your Application:We love candidates who take the time to understand what we're about. Mention specific initiatives or projects that Southwark Council is known for in your cover letter. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely excited about the chance to contribute to our mission in the role of Housing Energy Portfolio Manager.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southwark Council
✨Brush Up on Environmental Legislation
Given that we're diving into sustainability and environmental management, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of current environmental laws and regulations. Be prepared to discuss how these laws apply to real-world scenarios, as you might face some technical questions about compliance and best practices during your chat with Southwark Council.
✨Showcase Your Experience with Sustainability Projects
When you're discussing your background, highlight specific sustainability initiatives you've been involved in. Whether it’s a project at university or work experience, sharing measurable outcomes and your role will demonstrate your hands-on skills, which is super important for this full-time role at Southwark Council.
✨Familiarity with Tools and Software
Make sure you're familiar with any relevant tools or software commonly used in environmental management, like GIS for mapping or data analysis tools. Bring this up in your interview as it shows you’re not only passionate but also prepared to roll up your sleeves and get to work!
✨Connect Your Values with the Company's Mission
Full-time roles are all about team fit, so it’s important to align your personal values with those of Southwark Council. Be ready to discuss why you're passionate about sustainability and how you can contribute to their mission, as this will really resonate with the interviewers and show that you’re genuinely invested in their goals.
