Managing Director

Managing Director

Leading an Urban Heat Network Through Its Next Phase

An established heat network business is entering a pivotal phase as it prepares for sale and transition to new ownership. The organisation represents a strategically important, investor‑ready platform within the UK’s low‑carbon heat sector, with significant long‑term growth potential.

We are seeking an exceptional Managing Director to lead the business through this demanding stage, shaping its future and delivering a successful outcome for shareholders, customers and future investors. This high‑profile, transaction‑led leadership role involves preparing the business for market, positioning it as a credible, investable infrastructure asset, and leading the organisation through a major commercial transaction.

A critical aspect of the role is strengthening the company’s commercial position ahead of sale, including progressing its development pipeline and converting opportunities into contracted customer connections and long‑term revenue agreements, enhancing both certainty and value. Alongside the transaction process the company continues to deliver strategic infrastructure projects that support network expansion and decarbonisation objectives.

You will bring strong commercial judgement, experience of company sale or investment processes, and the ability to engage confidently with investors, advisers and senior stakeholders. Equally important is the ability to maintain operational performance and stakeholder confidence throughout the transition period. This is a rare opportunity to lead a scalable, infrastructure‑grade business at a defining moment in its evolution, combining commercial delivery with environmental impact in one of the UK’s fastest‑growing sectors.

Transaction Leadership

• Lead preparation for and delivery of a major market transaction
• Ensure readiness for due diligence and investor review
• Work closely with advisers, the Board and shareholders throughout the transaction process

Investment Readiness & Governance

• Strengthen financial reporting, controls and transparency
• Maintain responsibility for governance and risk management frameworks
• Ensure alignment with shareholder and stakeholder requirements

Commercial Performance & Value Creation

• Maintain strong financial performance, budgeting and cash‑flow management
• Progress development opportunities and strengthen investment attractiveness
• Convert commercial opportunities into contracted revenues and long‑term agreements
• Support sustainable growth and long‑term profitability

Programme Delivery & Strategic Projects

• Oversee delivery of key infrastructure and strategic programmes
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, on time and within budget
• Support network expansion and long‑term commercial growth

Operations, Regulation & Service Delivery

• Oversee operational performance and customer service delivery
• Maintain accountability for Health & Safety performance
• Lead compliance with emerging sector regulation
• Drive operational excellence and continuous improvement

Stakeholder Leadership

• Act as the principal interface with shareholders and external stakeholders
• Build strong relationships with partners, suppliers, regulators and industry bodies
• Maintain confidence and alignment throughout the transaction process

Team Leadership

• Lead and develop a high‑performing organisation
• Ensure capability and capacity to deliver both transaction and operational objectives
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement

• Board‑level or executive leadership experience with full organisational accountability
• Experience leading or supporting company sales, investments or major commercial transactions
• Strong commercial and financial capability, including P&L ownership
• Track record of securing contracted revenues and long‑term commercial agreements
• Experience with in infrastructure, energy or regulated sectors
• Proven ability to lead through change and organisational transition
• Strong understanding of governance and risk management frameworks
• Excellent stakeholder management and relationship‑building skills
• Strong leadership and decision‑making capability in complex environments
• Knowledge of district heating, heat networks or low‑carbon energy infrastructure would be advantageous
• Experience delivering major capital programmes or infrastructure projects
• A degree‑level qualification in business, engineering, energy systems, sustainability or a related discipline would be beneficial, although equivalent experience is equally valued

• Salary: £150k – £190k depending on skills and experience
• 5% employer and 5% employee – Scottish Widows defined contributions scheme
• 25 days annual leave on joining increasing by 1 day per year (up to 30 days total)
• Or a market‑facing competitive day rate
• Hybrid working arrangements (with some presence required in London office)