Head of Programmes and Partnerships

Head of Programmes & Partnerships

Office based, Ardens Grafton and Birmingham

£46,490 - £51,317

37.5 Hours per week / Monday - Friday 09:00 - 17:00

Act on Energy is a leading energy advice charity working across Worcestershire, Warwickshire and the wider West Midlands. Although energy is in our name, people are at the heart of our organisation. Our vision is to eliminate fuel poverty and reduce carbon emissions, creating positive outcomes for people and the planet.

We work collaboratively with partners, local authorities, community organisations and households to tackle fuel poverty, improve energy efficiency and support the transition to net zero. By joining Act on Energy, you will become part of a dedicated and ambitious organisation committed to delivering meaningful change across the communities we serve.

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.

• 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…