Job Description
Climate Change ManagerLocation: Civic Centre, London Rd, Morden SM4 5DX (Hybrid)Contract: Initial 3 MonthsResponsible For: Managing a Climate Team of up to 6 FTE
Main PurposeLead the council's climate change agenda, developing, implementing and reviewing the Climate Strategy, Climate Action Plan and Climate Delivery Plan. Act as the council's principal climate specialist, maintaining its reputation as a leading authority on climate initiatives. Manage a high-performing team delivering climate projects, retrofit programmes and engagement activities. Work collaboratively across departments, advising Members, Executive Directors and senior managers to embed climate considerations into decision-making and achieve carbon reduction targets. Lead stakeholder engagement with residents, businesses, developers, community groups and partner organisations. Secure and manage external funding to support climate programmes and ensure delivery of council priorities.
Key Responsibilities* Lead and manage the council's climate programme, providing strategic and technical expertise on climate mitigation, adaptation and sustainability matters.* Recruit, manage, motivate and develop a multidisciplinary team of climate specialists, ensuring effective performance, budget management and service delivery.* Oversee delivery of the Climate Strategy, Climate Action Plan, Climate Delivery Plan and climate reporting requirements.* Act as the council's principal point of contact and technical adviser on climate change matters for councillors, senior leaders, residents, businesses, developers and community groups.* Develop innovative approaches to embed climate priorities across council services and decision-making processes.* Build effective partnerships with government departments, local authorities, voluntary organisations, businesses, academic institutions and other stakeholders.* Represent the council at meetings, partnership boards, public events and external forums, influencing decision-making and promoting climate initiatives.* Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, statutory duties, government policy and best practice relating to climate change and sustainability.* Lead energy master-planning, low-carbon regeneration and borough-wide climate initiatives.* Prepare, submit and manage funding bids, securing investment from government, private finance, venture capital, Section 106 agreements and other external sources.* Develop innovative funding and financing mechanisms to support climate projects and programmes.* Lead development of sustainable design and construction policies, guidance and planning initiatives.* Provide expert climate and sustainability advice to Planning and Development Control teams.* Act as the council's lead expert during complex negotiations, conflicts, planning appeals and public inquiries, including representing the council as an expert witness when required.* Promote sustainability achievements and climate initiatives internally and externally.* Ensure compliance with council policies relating to equality, diversity, health and safety, customer care and information security.* Undertake site visits across the borough as required.
Knowledge & Expertise* Extensive knowledge of climate mitigation and adaptation within a local government environment.* Strong understanding of climate legislation, policy, regulatory requirements and best practice.* In-depth knowledge of sustainable development planning, climate strategies and carbon reduction programmes.* Expertise in low-carbon technologies, renewable energy systems, decentralised energy generation and low-carbon regeneration projects.* Strong understanding of sustainable design and construction standards and low/zero-carbon technologies.* Knowledge of climate engagement, consultation and communication best practice.
Skills & Abilities* Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation and influencing skills.* Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, develop and manage teams.* Ability to design and deliver innovative climate solutions within budget and timescale constraints.* Strong project, programme and budget management skills.* Ability to analyse complex qualitative and quantitative data and develop effective reporting mechanisms.* Strong stakeholder engagement, partnership-building and conflict management abilities.* Strategic planning skills with the ability to translate objectives into deliverable outcomes.* Ability to identify funding opportunities and secure external investment.* Competent in Microsoft Office, databases and communication systems.
Experience & Qualifications* Significant experience leading multidisciplinary teams and delivering complex projects or services to agreed objectives, budgets and deadlines.* Proven experience in climate change, sustainability, energy management, carbon reduction, climate mitigation or adaptation programmes.* Experience managing projects within complex and rapidly changing environments and developing innovative solutions.* Experience managing budgets, funding streams and performance targets.* Experience engaging councillors, senior stakeholders and external partners in strategy development and project delivery.* Degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline, or substantial professional experience (typically 5-10+ years) in climate change, sustainability, energy, planning or related fields.* Evidence of continuing professional development through training, conferences, seminars and industry engagement.
Guidant, Carbon60, Lorien & SRG - The Impellam Group Portfolio are acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.