Head of Programmes & Partnerships

The Head of Programmes & Partnerships is a senior leadership role responsible for the development, delivery and continuous improvement of Act on Energy's programme portfolio. This includes our household support services and the operational strategy for energy efficiency, retrofit and financial intervention programmes. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, the postholder will lead Project Managers and Senior Project Officers, ensuring that programmes align with organisational priorities, are managed effectively and deliver measurable outcomes.

The role provides strategic oversight of programme performance, budgets, resources, risks and contractual commitments. Working closely with the Chief Executive, Chief Financial Officer, Head of Sustainability and Compliance, Board of Trustees and other senior stakeholders, the postholder will help shape organisational priorities, identify growth opportunities and strengthen partnerships that extend the reach and impact of Act on Energy's services.

The successful candidate will combine strong leadership and project management with financial acumen and excellent relationship management. They will build a collaborative, high-performing culture and ensure that programmes meet demanding standards of quality, compliance and delivery.

Reporting to the Chief Executive, they will be responsible for:

• Lead, manage and support Project Managers and Senior Project Officers, providing clear direction, guidance and accountability for effective delivery.
• Identify ongoing development opportunities.
• Foster a positive, inclusive and high-performing culture across programme teams.
• Conduct regular supervision, performance reviews and development planning.
• Support employee relations processes including capability, disciplinary and grievance matters where required.
• Ensure leadership and people-management practices are applied consistently across programme teams.
• Promote effective communication and collaboration across teams and departments.

• Ensure programmes are effectively planned, resourced and delivered to agreed objectives, timescales and budgets
• Provide strategic oversight of all externally funded and internally delivered projects and programmes.
• Develop timely delivery frameworks, project plans and reporting mechanisms to ensure successful programme outcomes.
• Establish project budgets, resource requirements and delivery schedules.
• Support the development of project proposals, tender submissions and funding applications, leading this work where required.
• Ensure effective mobilisation and handover arrangements for newly awarded projects.
• Monitor and communicate programme performance, identify emerging issues and implement corrective action where required.
• Identify opportunities for service innovation, growth and continuous improvement.

• Ensure robust quality assurance measures are embedded across all projects and programmes.
• Oversee compliance with all relevant regulatory, contractual and funding requirements to ensure organisational accountability. These include PAS 2035, PAS 2038, Trust Mark requirements, national funding frameworks, funder requirements, contractual obligations and organisational policies.
• Ensure effective governance arrangements are maintained, including reporting on risks, performance and financial management.
• Maintain accurate oversight of programme budgets, resources and contractual commitments.
• Promote continuous improvement and the adoption of effective systems and processes.

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with funders, commissioners, delivery partners and strategic stakeholders.
• Identify and develop opportunities for collaborative working and new partnership initiatives.
• Represent Act on Energy at meetings, conferences, partnership forums and networking events.
• Support organisational development through external engagement and relationship-building activities.

• Contribute strategic insight and leadership to Act on Energy's development plans and organisational priorities.
• Maintain an up-to-date understanding of sustainable energy policy, fuel poverty, climate change and emerging sector developments.
• Apply systems thinking and change management principles to improve organisational effectiveness.
• Lead initiatives that improve service delivery, programme performance and operational…