Project Manager - Innovate UK Project

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1. Purpose

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Energiesprong UK (ESUK) seeks a Project Manager to ensure the successful planning, execution, and completion of an Innovate UK-funded project which is focussing on changing the way energy retrofit of buildings is delivered.   The project has 13 diverse partners and covers a wide range of activities.   It is subject to final sign off in March.  The project value is c£4m.

As the Project Manager, you will collaborate with the Project Director; the ESUK team; the project partners and external stakeholders to deliver the project's objectives in compliance with Innovate UK requirements.

The core element of this role will include (but is not limited to):

1. Project implementation and deliverables

• Ensure the project and deliverables are implemented within the timeline presented to Innovate UK
• Ensure collaboration within the project between all project partners
• Provide partners with support when it comes to resolving project specific questions/issues
• Coordinate deliverables delivery, compile them and submit them on time
• Organize consortium meetings and events in collaboration with the communication team, including putting together agendas, preparing documents and delivering presentations, and ensuring actions are circulated and delivered

2. Maintain great relationships with Innovate UK

• Be the main point of contact with the Monitoring Officer assigned by Innovate UK
• Centralise the questions and queries from the project partners and communicate them to the Monitoring Officer

• Coordinate the queries from the Monitoring Officer to the project partners and compile the necessary documentation
• Manage and coordinate necessary project changes requests with the Monitoring Officer
• Regularly update the Monitoring Officer on project progress

3. Financial and Technical reporting

• Compile the monthly and quarterly reports and other additional reporting asked by Innovate UK
• Compile the periodic financial claims and reprofiles for ESUK
• Compile the periodic financial claims for the project as a consortium and coordinate with the partners
• Ensure that all partners submit their reporting and documentation on time and answer their queries
• Report to ESUK board on project progress, budget and risks

4. Budget and Risk Management

• Monitor budget spend at project level and at partner level
• Identify risks to the project delivery early on, address them on time with the relevant partners and if necessary, communicate them to Innovate UK early on to find the best way to mitigate them

5. Quality check and Compliance

• Ensure the quality of the deliverables and reports before submission to Innovate UK
• Ensure that the financial reports are compliant with Innovate UK rules and that all the necessary documentation are correctly filed in case of audit
• Be the main contact point with ESUK auditor and make sure the auditor has access to all the necessary documentation
• Ensure that the expenses incurred for the project are compliant and can be claimed
• Compile all proofs of compliance for contracting and expenses

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2. Context

Energiesprong UK is a not-for-profit SME.  We work as a market development team, working with social housing organisations, suppliers, and policy makers, to drive ambitious net zero energy solutions for housing.  Our goal is a market which works without intervention, where policy, demand and supply align perfectly allowing the UK to meet its 2050 carbon reduction targets in a cost effective and financeable way.  

Our retrofit principles to ensure homes are fit for 2050, are:

• Compatible with a future energy system, grid friendly, electric, no fossil fuels

• Desirable, comfortable, warm and affordable homes for residents

• Data driven with verified performance.

• Scaleable programmes that drive innovation, investment, technological advances and inclusivity.

We are project funded, typically by grant or contracts.   Our small team of talented individuals works remotely and independently, united by our ambition to drive progress towards net zero energy goals.

We are values driven.  Our values are:

• Ambitious and tenacious
• Creative
• Optimistic / positive  
• Equitable
• Pragmatic

ESUK believe in progressive and inclusive working practices and make the conscious business decision to base our full-time working week on a 32-hour, Monday to Friday timeframe.  We believe this offers our team a flexible and productive arrangement, where we can all contribute our best.

3. Person Specification  

Energiesprong UK takes a market transformation approach to make performance-assured retrofits commercially financeable and scalable. To achieve this, a number of market conditions will need to be changed so that housing providers can invest and industry is incentivised to innovate. This is the main role and purpose of the Energiesprong Market Development Team. Energiesprong is focusing on “to create what is needed” instead of focusing on “to do what is possible”.

This will require that the UK market development team (MDT) members collectively and individually take a leadership role. This is only possible if the team has vision and can act boldly using also unconventional approaches to break through the status quo.  

Expert knowledge is relevant, but a clear sense of direction is more important. The role therefore requires a ‘can-do’ attitude, lateral thinking; creativity in finding new approaches for what may seem impossible challenges; the ability to move quickly and execute decisions is key, as is drive for the objectives of Energiesprong.  

Strong analytical skills to identify and resolve issues are as important as strong interpersonal skills to develop robust relationships within the UK-MDT and with partnering organisations.  

We are also keen to offer the opportunity to someone who is passionate about sustainability in the built environment who sees the opportunity of being involved in a game changing project.

• Excellent communication, problem-solving and leadership skills
• Proven project planning, risk management, time management and other project management skills
• A background in business, management, budgeting and analysis
• A project management certification (PMP, PRINCE II, CAPM) or equivalent experience
• Experience of agile project management approaches and interfacing and integrating with agile software development processes

• Solid organisational, multitasking, attention to detail and accuracy skills  
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office & project management software  
• Experience of working within a relevant industry such as construction, manufacturing or energy is desirable.

Applicants meeting most of the criteria will be considered if they have the right experience and approach.

We are open to secondments for the duration of the project.

4. How to apply

Please submit your application with a cover letter and CV to join@energiesprong.uk by 23^rd February 2024.

You are requested to elaborate on your relevant experience and your personal ambition as well as style of working. The project proposal for the Innovate UK project can be made available on request.  

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