Project Manager - Building Retrofit

West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is leading the way through Energy Capital’s Net Zero Homes and Communities programme, supporting delivery of innovative, practical projects that will help decarbonise homes and neighbourhoods across our region. We are delivering initiatives such as the Local Net Zero Accelerator, the Net Zero Neighbourhoods programme, and the Buildings Retrofit Pilot. Together, these programmes are testing and scaling solutions needed to reach net zero at pace.

In this role you will provide project management and leadership from early design to implementation, delivery and close. You will help turn ambition into action, ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget, and monitor and advise on quality assurance to a high standard, working collaboratively with local authorities, contractors, and other partners. This is a fixed‑term contract until 30th September 2028.

Responsibilities

• Provide project management leadership for agreed initiatives, with a particular focus on the Building Retrofit Pilot programme.
• Develop, implement, and maintain robust project processes and systems, ensuring project goals and objectives are met and documented effectively.
• Manage project budgets, forecasts, and costs throughout the project lifecycle.
• Foster a positive and productive working environment, adhering to all relevant policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with WMCA Assurance to support projects through internal frameworks and change management processes.
• Provide support to the directorate by engaging with legal, procurement, and financial experts.
• Ensure all project documentation is properly stored and accessible.
• Analyse project performance data and identify any potential issues or areas for improvement.
• Work closely with stakeholders and the internal team to prepare accurate project reports that contribute to wider reporting requirements.
• Build strong relationships with strategic partners, delivery partners, and key stakeholders, promoting project delivery through collaboration and best practices.
• Manage relationships with local authorities and external contractors to ensure timely and on-budget project delivery.
• Monitor progress across multiple stakeholder programmes including on‑site meetings and collaboration with local authority and housing association teams.
• Develop a strong understanding of housing and public buildings retrofit, encompassing the customer journey, performance evaluation, and current and future retrofit standards.
• Provide comprehensive meeting support for boards, groups, and forums established to support project development and implementation.
• Manage the Quality Assurance process from implementation to handover, ensuring quality and compliance.
• Support stakeholders through the WMCA Managed support team.
• Champion Energy Capital and the WMCA by acting as an external advocate and representative at stakeholder meetings.
• Manage project‑related communications and marketing activities, including drafting content for webpages and events.

Essential criteria

• A proven track record of managing and coordinating projects related to energy or net zero.
• A collaborative spirit, adept at working effectively with diverse stakeholders to achieve shared goals.
• Strong project and programme management expertise, encompassing systems and process development, appraisal, implementation, and quality delivery.
• A clear understanding of programme/project management and reporting processes, including stakeholder management, information management, risk and issues management, monitoring and control, change management, and financial monitoring.
• The ability to thrive in an environment where project deliverables and processes may evolve, and a willingness to champion new approaches and change management.
• Knowledge of building retrofit, and local net zero projects is a plus.
• A Project Management Qualification (APM, RICS, or CIOB).

Location

Summer Lane, with at least 2 days a week spent in the office.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary ranges are advertised with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. This may be adjusted in exceptional cases to secure the best candidate, allowing potential year‑on‑year increases.
• Salary requests above the maximum advertised range are not considered.
• Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme allowing tax‑free contributions.
• 28 days paid annual leave (with optional purchase of additional days) plus statutory days.
• EV car benefit scheme.
• Healthcare plans.
• Discounted gym membership, will writing, and mortgage advice.
• Discounted bicycle purchase including e‑bikes and adapted pedal cycles.
• 3 days of paid leave each year to volunteer.
• Interest‑free financing through SmartTech for the latest technology.
• Discounted shopping with many retailers, including access to a Costco membership via WMCA.
• Boundless unlocks unlimited entry to top‑rated UK attractions and additional benefits.
• Eye Care Scheme, offering a free eye test and a financial contribution towards glasses.