Policy and practice officer jobs

GUCE Project Manager Role

Community Energy is gaining momentum nationally, where people are increasingly coming together to  take control of their own energy supplies.  Grand Union Community Energy (GUCE, pronounced “juice”) is looking to see local communities along the Grand Union canal in Hertfordshire enjoy a clean and resilient energy system that benefits all.  We develop, support and promote renewable energy and energy efficiency projects for communities from Watford to Tring, and build householder resilience by helping them reduce their bills and energy use.

We are seeking a Project Manager for two days a week, to help develop the opportunities that are forthcoming. Depending on the skills of the applicant the same individual could also cover aspects of other roles we are looking to fill.

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity for a person with experience in project management to join our small but expanding team. The Project Manager for Community Energy will be responsible for converting opportunities for local renewable energy generation and energy efficiency projects into reality. They will take projects from concept, through funding and construction to management.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Deliver new potential projects, such as opportunities with Watford industrial units:

  • Work with technical specialists to assess the energy needs of the community, including energy demand, infrastructure, and renewable energy potential (solar, wind, biomass, etc.).

  • Identify and engage stakeholders (local authorities, local organisations, energy providers, and residents).

• For new and existing projects: 

  • Develop and monitor an overall plan to realise projects including timelines, budgets, resources and risk management strategies in conjunction with the Development Officer / Project teams.

  • Manage share offers.

  • Communication with potential local investors.

  • Manage paperwork.

  • Ensure the projects are realised rather than remaining just good ideas.

  • Work with others to manage cross-functional teams, including installers, contractors, and local community leaders.

  • Coordinate with local authorities, regulatory bodies, and partners to ensure compliance with regulations and standards.

  • Foster a collaborative environment with all project team members.

  • Develop and manage project budgets, ensuring all costs are tracked, controlled, and aligned with available funding.

  • Work in partnership with the installer to oversee the procurement of materials, equipment, and services necessary for the project.

  • Track the progress of energy projects against objectives, milestones, and KPIs (key performance indicators).

  • Regularly report to stakeholders, funding agencies, and community members on project status and outcomes in collaboration with Project teams and Comms.

  • Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget.

Skills & Experience

Required

• Attitude: The successful candidate will be a self-starter with enthusiasm, flexibility, and motivation.

• Project Management: Strong skills in planning, budgeting, risk management, and delivering projects on time and within budget.

• Communication: Ability to effectively communicate energy topics to diverse audiences, including community members, government officials, and technical teams.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Ability to work with various stakeholders, from community members to local authorities and private companies.

• Problem Solving: Creative thinking to address local challenges with regards to renewable energy projects.

• Diversity: A commitment to diversity and anti-discriminatory practice.

• Commitment or interest in sustainability.

Desirable:

• Technical Knowledge: Understanding of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.

• Sector Knowledge: Familiarity with relevant policies, regulations, and funding mechanisms in the energy sector.

Experience: 

Experience in community engagement and project management is key, with that in renewable energy projects desirable.

In this role, the project manager serves as a bridge between technical experts, local communities, and other stakeholders, ensuring that energy solutions are not only sustainable and innovative but also beneficial and accessible to all involved.

Terms and Conditions

Salary: Pro-rated salary for 2 days per week, £13,000 to £19,000 per annum (£34,000 to £47,000 full time equivalent) depending on experience plus 3% pension contribution.

Hours: 2 days per week (15 hours). The working hours can be flexible.

Location: Home-working, ideally within the GUCE catchment area from Watford to Tring.

You will need to travel to meet stakeholders, attend relevant meetings and visit potential sites. You may be called upon to work outside office hours.

Contractual arrangements: 12 months fixed term with the opportunity to extend, subject to 3 months’ probation.

There is a notice period of four weeks from both sides.

Holidays: The equivalent of 28 days per annum excluding Bank Holidays, pro-rata for the part-time nature of the post.

Reporting to: John Bell, Chair

Start date: As soon as possible

Equal Opportunities

We actively encourage people of all backgrounds, ages, races, religions, belief systems, sexual orientations and gender identities to apply for this role. We particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups.

We are working towards being a Disability Confident employer and are open to discussing how best to make that work with our successful candidate. We are committed to offering an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role. Please let us know if you have a disability (as defined under the Equality Act, 2010) that you would like to declare. Please also let us know if there are any reasonable adjustments that we can make to ensure that the application process is as accessible to you as possible.

How to apply

Please apply via Charity Job.

Closing date:

19.8.2025 by 23:30

If you have any questions regarding the role or your application please email via the address on the GUCE website.

Funding for this role is provided through the Community Energy People Project 

Thanks to National Lottery players, Community Energy Pathways has been awarded £1.5M from The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest community funder in the UK, to deliver its Community Energy People project over three years. The Community Energy People project will enable 11 community energy groups across 11 counties to employ people for the first time, recruit more volunteers and deliver more projects, and faster. The new workforce will represent our diverse community. Community Energy Pathways will provide training and mentoring to those groups, as well as governance, HR and marketing support.