We are looking for a Circular Economy Facilitator to join us and support SevernNet and the Local Industrial Decarbonisation Plan (LIDP) rollout.
SevernNet is a non-profit social enterprise. We're run with the support of our members and our team of voluntary directors.
SevernNet brings together the businesses and community across Portbury Avonmouth Severnside (PAS) to enable barriers to be overcome and opportunities to be exploited through cooperation and collaboration.
We are promoting the area as a Circular Net Zero Economy Hub for the West of England and Severn Estuary Local Growth Area
A number of stakeholders have come together to form the West of England Industrial Cluster, successfully bid for funding from Innovate UK to develop a Local Industrial Decarbonisation Plan, and completed this plan in March 2025. We are now working on its rollout.
The cluster is developing from a hub centred across Portbury Avonmouth Severnside (PAS) with spokes to industrial sites across the West of England and beyond as illustrated in Fig 1. Key stakeholders and partners are illustrated in Fig2. [these may need updating]
The Circular Economy Facilitator will play a key role in the growth and strengthening of the circular economy and energy network of businesses and organisations across Portbury Avonmouth Severnside (PAS) and the wider area as required.
Job description – Circular Economy Facilitator
We are looking for a talented and enthusiastic person to manage this critical role, influencing the successful delivery of the Local Industrial Decarbonisation Plan rollout for the West of England Industrial Cluster; and development of the PAS Circular Economy.
You'll be a strong team player and communicator, an inclusive manager with robust, consistent project delivery and engagement skills; and a good understanding and experience of facilitation and circular economy working. You'll be reporting to our Managing Director; and working with, and supported by, the Cluster Manager and other SevernNet and WEIC team members and our Board.
The role will be on a self-employed basis. Whilst current funding is to the end of December 2025, we are seeking to secure further funding to support this as an ongoing SevernNet role.
Over 3 months, assuming 12 weeks, working 28 hours per week this totals £8736.
Primary Roles
* Working with other members of the LIDP Partnership to deliver the circular economy elements needed to support delivery of the LIDP
* Further developing, growing and strengthening the circular economy (incl. energy) network of businesses and organisations across Portbury Avonmouth Severnside to enable delivery of the required outcomes
* Putting in place supporting analysis, tools and media to facilitate and enable the PAS circular economy network
* Organising and facilitating network development events
* Providing opportunities for shared learning and identification and promotion of best practice; and signposting organisations to relevant support services
A more detailed task description is available below and here:
Outcomes
* A project plan to enable delivery of the LIDP Circular Economy outcomes, supporting roll out of the LIDP; and the further development and strengthening of the circular economy across PAS
* Successful delivery of the agreed circular economy elements of the LIDP Plan Rollout including progression of key initiatives and projects identified in the details job description
* An engaged, active and diverse circular economy network of businesses and organisations across PAS, providing a legacy beyond the LIDP project
* An effective online showcase of best practice examples and advice; and signposting to support services
* Effective and collaborative working with other partners
About You
You are a people person. An excellent facilitator and connector, able to think critically and creatively to achieve effective engagement and a growing cooperative network.
You thrive in a dynamic and collaborative work environment.
If you welcome the opportunity to be at the forefront of groundbreaking work across the West of England to demonstrate the importance of the circular economy in decarbonising the West of England Industrial Cluster, establish a sound base for a circular net zero economy across PAS, and be part of a great team, then read on.
Here's what we're looking for:
Essential Skills and Qualifications
* Relevant qualifications
* Proven circular economy and energy experience
* Experience in setting up and facilitating events; and in developing networks/communities of interest
* Project planning, monitoring, evaluation and delivery
* Workload prioritisation – managing multiple priorities and having a flexible approach
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills
* Good IT Skills – including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Wordpress and developing use of AI
* Proficient use of social media including LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram
* Understanding and adherence to GDPR and related constraints to engagement
Desirable Skills and Qualifications
* Degree Level Qualification (or equivalent)
* Understanding of, and passion for the circular economy, net zero and decarbonisation
The Offer
Working week:
Self-employed part-time role – [average 24.5 hours a week];
Rate:
Hourly rate £26 (subject to experience)
Paid within 21 days of receipt of approved timesheet and invoice
Annual Income:
Based on 28 hrs per week and 12 weeks until end 2025 £8736.
There may be potential to extend hours, supporting SevernNet's work in other areas.
Duration:
Fixed term [initial] contract until 31st December 2025
Location:
Based at SevernNet's Avonmouth office (St Andrews House) with the opportunity for flexible and home working dependent upon tasks and team needs. There will be a requirement to attend in-person events including meetings across Portbury, Avonmouth, Severnside.
Travel:
Expenses are recoverable based upon SevernNet's standard rates
Equipment:
If required, a laptop and mobile phone can be provided for the duration of the contract
Start date:
As soon as possible
Application Deadline:
Applications will be reviewed as they are received
Interviews:
Interviews will be arranged and an appointment will be made as soon as a suitable candidate is confirmed
Further details:
Please email if you would like to arrange an informal chat.
Application process:
Please email a CV and covering letter describing your motivations and suitability for the role with reference to the expectations set out in this application pack to:
Detailed Task Description
Deliver the Circular Economy aspects of the LIDP plan rollout, on behalf of, and in cooperation with colleagues and the Consortium; and further develop, grow and strengthen the circular economy and energy network of businesses across Portbury Avonmouth Severnside.
Progressing the CE Programme, various initiatives, pilots and studies and engagement activities including:
* Supporting the Local Heat Network (Feasibility Study)
* CE Hub and Centre of Expertise (Feasibility Study) - working to establish and progress a collaborative plan for the CE Hub, its model, potential partners and funding
* Resource Sharing Platform (Pilot)
* Waste Solution for SMEs (Pilot) -
* Facilitating regular Circular Economy Forum catch ups and network development events as relevant
* Energy and Resource Efficiency and Clean Power Generation (REEE): Encouraging REEE across PAS through working with partners, stakeholders and sharing connections and knowledge
* Facilitating and progressing identification of, in particular, hard to treat residuals and key resource eco-systems including circularity in construction
* Ongoing stakeholder engagement and communications including CE Forum (above), supporting events, developing case studies and other supporting materials, tools and analysis for knowledge exchange and share of best practice
* Signposting organisations to relevant support services
* Exploring options for Circularity Metrics and Impact assessment
Participate in WEIC Cluster partnership meetings, SevernNet Team Meetings etc. as required