Senior programme developer jobs in bristol

About The Job

At the Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE), we’re on a mission to tackle the climate emergency and end the suffering caused by cold homes. From community energy projects to national policy work, we support people and organisations across the UK to take practical action and shape a fairer, zero-carbon future.

We’re looking for a Senior IT Manager to help us deliver secure, sustainable and people-focused IT systems, and support more than 140 colleagues to do their best work. If you’re someone who thrives on solving problems, improving processes, and helping others feel confident with tech, this is a role where your skills can make a real impact.

The role

As Senior IT Manager, you will lead on all things IT across CSE and our subsidiary, Retrofit West CIC. From supporting staff day-to-day to managing our infrastructure and external support partner, you will ensure our systems are secure, fit for purpose, and evolving with our needs.

You will sit within the Finance & Operations team and be part of CSE’s Senior Management Team (SMT), working closely with our Director of Finance & Operations. While you won’t directly manage staff, you will collaborate with the Operations Officers and support colleagues across every part of the organisation.

Your responsibilities will include:

· Managing our internal IT systems, tools and infrastructure.

· Being the main contact for our external IT support provider.

· Supporting colleagues with advice, onboarding, and day-to-day tech issues.

· Acting as CSE’s effective Data Protection Officer (training provided).

· Maintaining cyber security and overseeing our Cyber Essentials compliance.

· Supporting our bespoke in-house databases and CRM systems.

· Advising on IT procurement and platform decisions.

· Contributing to business continuity planning and risk management.

· Promoting sustainability and best practice across IT operations.

· This is a practical, hands-on role where you’ll help us run smoothly, safely, and sustainably - while also contributing to longer-term planning and improvements.

Who you are

You are calm under pressure, process-minded, and focused on making things work better. You enjoy working across teams, finding simple solutions to complex problems, and supporting others to use technology with confidence.

You will bring:

· Experience managing IT systems, infrastructure and external providers.

· Working knowledge of GDPR and cyber security best practice.

· Familiarity with platforms such as Microsoft 365, SharePoint, and cloud services.

· Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage risk and prioritise effectively.

· A people-focused approach- patient, clear and collaborative.

What success looks like in this role

This role is central to keeping our systems secure, stable and supportive of colleagues across CSE. We are looking for someone who can confidently take ownership, work independently, and continuously improve how we deliver IT.

In the first 6–12 months, success might include:

· A clear, well-documented overview of CSE’s IT systems and infrastructure.

· Smooth and reliable day-to-day IT support across the organisation, with positive feedback from staff.

· Effective working relationship with our external IT provider, with clear processes and expectations in place.

· Cyber Essentials accreditation maintained and compliance confidently overseen.

· Risks, dependencies and continuity plans identified and managed.

· Practical support provided to colleagues across departments, especially around internal databases and platforms.

· Recommendations in place for any long-term system or hardware improvements.

We are looking for someone who can build on strong foundations, while helping us work smarter and stay secure as we grow.

About us

CSE is a national charity based in Bristol with a clear mission: to tackle the climate emergency and end the suffering caused by cold homes. We believe in a future where everyone can live in a warm, healthy home powered by a fair and sustainable energy system - and we work with people, organisations and communities to help make that a reality.

Our team of over 140 staff brings together a wide range of expertise, from energy advice and community engagement to software development, data science and policy advocacy. We collaborate across teams and disciplines to deliver practical change, and we’re proud of our independence, integrity and commitment to social justice.

We’re always looking for people who care deeply about social and environmental justice and who enjoy working collaboratively to make practical change happen.

What we offer

Working at CSE means being part of a supportive, purpose-driven team, where your skills contribute to real social and environmental change. We offer:

· Salary: £47,508 – £55,953 (Salary Grade I)*

· Pension: Ethical company pension scheme - 8% employer / 6% employee contributions

· Holiday: 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

· Flexibility: TOIL (time off in lieu) for out-of-hours work, and flexibility to support work–life balance (role dependent)

· A commitment to supporting your career progression and continued development

· A range of staff-led groups, including our Employee Voice and EDI working group

Wellbeing:

o Health Cash Plan

o Life Assurance

o Enhanced sick pay

o Access to retail discounts and discounted breakdown cover

o Employee support programme

o Staff activities like yoga at lunch and a book club

Financial support & lifestyle benefits:

o Tech Scheme

o Cycle to Work Scheme (promoting sustainable commuting)

 A values-led workplace:

o Friendly, collaborative team culture

o Purpose-driven work that supports people and the planet

o We are a Living Wage Employer and a Disability Confident Employer

* The salary for the post will be on Scale I (£47,508– £55,953). Starting salary is expected to be at the lower end of the range with precise level depending on skills, relevant experience, and qualifications.  A suitably qualified and experienced applicant should expect to find themselves closer to the middle of the range following successful completion of their 6-month probationary period.  Subsequent movement is dependent on annual appraised performance against the defined job description for the post.

Our office is based in central Bristol, close to public transport links.

Our culture and values

At CSE, our values shape how we work together and with others. We look for these qualities in all our staff and expect them to guide day-to-day work and relationships. These include:

Commitment to CSE: Reflecting our charitable purpose, vision and strategic objectives in your work, and contributing to a culture where everyone feels welcomed, valued and able to belong.

Collaboration: Sharing knowledge and experience generously, valuing others’ contributions, and communicating with openness and respect.

Conscientiousness: Taking responsibility for your work, delivering to the best of your ability, and working to improve while caring for CSE’s resources and reputation.

Initiative: Looking for ways to improve outcomes, solve problems and try new approaches, while responding flexibly to change and supporting others to do the same.

Application procedure

To apply, please complete CSE’s application form, available at our website. We will also consider CVs (maximum 3 pages) accompanied by a supporting letter, if preferred. However, all applications should clearly demonstrate how your skills and experience meet the person specification outlined in the job description. CSE anonymises all applications prior to shortlisting.

Application deadline: 9am, Monday 28th July 2025

If you do not hear from us by the 6th of August 2025, please assume your application has not been successful.

Interviews:

Initial online interviews will take place during the week commencing Monday 4th August 2025.

Candidates invited to a second round will be interviewed in person at our Bristol offices during the week commencing Monday 11th August 2025. 

Applications should be sent:

By email to our jobs @ cse .org .uk email

By post to: Reception, Centre for Sustainable Energy, St James Court, St James Parade, Bristol BS1 3LH

If you require any reasonable adjustments to take part in the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials or accessible meeting spaces), please let us know and we’ll be happy to accommodate your needs.

CSE is committed to being an inclusive, diverse and non-judgmental workplace. We welcome applications from everyone, regardless of background or identity. We particularly encourage applications from people whose experiences or communities are underrepresented in our organisation or the wider workforce - including people from racially or ethnically minoritised backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQ+ people, and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

We know that people sometimes hesitate to apply for roles unless they meet every requirement. If this role excites you but you’re not sure you meet every single point in the person specification, we’d still love to hear from you.

Please note that at this time we do not require assistance from recruitment agencies.