We’re a values-driven, charitable organisation on a mission to make a real difference in Sunderland. Every day, we provide more than 60,000 people with a place they’re proud to call home. Our vision is clear: everyone deserves a good-quality home they can afford. We invest millions of pounds each year to keep our homes safe and decent, while also playing a part in tackling the UK housing crisis by building hundreds of modern, energy-efficient homes for rent right here in Sunderland. If you share our passion for creating thriving communities and want to be part of something that truly matters, we’d love for you to join us and help achieve our vision. If you have any accessibility needs or require adjustments, please let us know—we’re here to support you. We may close this vacancy earlier than the advertised closing date if we receive a large number of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible to ensure your application is considered. Salary : £40,000.00 Job Description: We’re excited to be growing our fantastic Asset Sustainability team with a new role that will help drive investment in our heat network portfolio across the city of Sunderland. You will be joining a supportive and diverse team, working closely with Steve, our Head of Asset Sustainability. The team is currently based at our Doxford Park, Sunderland head office, and will be moving to our newly constructed offices at Eastgate Point later this year. Click here for more information. Construction work begins on site for new Gentoo depot at Eastgate Point - Gentoo Group As Gentoo’s Heat Network Officer, you will play a key role in developing our heat network portfolio to ensure we deliver efficient, reliable and affordable heating for our customers. Through effective portfolio management, you’ll help us build a clear understanding of how our networks are performing and how this impacts customer bills. You will also ensure full compliance with current Heat Network regulations and legislation, while taking a proactive approach to preparing the organisation for future changes in the sector. The position focuses on creating a centralised customer‑focused approach to managing the Group’s Heat Networks, ensuring full compliance with current and emerging regulatory and legislative requirements We promote a strong work–life balance through a hybrid working model that blends time at home with time in our Doxford Park head office to support collaboration, innovation and on‑site meetings when required. Our standard 36‑hour working week, Monday to Friday, is designed with flexibility in mind, in this position, we offer an early 12:30 pm finish every Friday to enjoy more personal time. We are proud to offer these benefits as a certified “Great Place to Work,” reflecting our commitment to creating a positive and supportive working environment. A full UK driving licence and a basic DBS check (arranged and funded by Gentoo) are required for this position. What you will be doing Accurate metering and billing under the Heat Network (Metering and Billing) Regulations. Working closely with the Head of Asset Sustainability and external specialists, developing effective policies for heat metering, billing, tariffs, income and debt, alongside clear and timely customer communication. Optimising the Heat Network portfolio by developing an improvement plan aligned with Heat Network Assurance Technical Scheme (HNTAS) standards, while staying informed on national policy developments and leading applications for relevant funding opportunities such as the Heat Network Efficiency Scheme. Support the wider team in improving the energy efficiency and heating performance of existing homes, promoting innovative heating technologies that deliver the best outcomes for the organisation and its customers. What we are looking for: Essential: A full UK driver’s license. Demonstrable work experience with heat networks, district heating systems and low‑carbon energy technologies, alongside strong knowledge of UK energy policy, decarbonisation strategies, and Heat Network Regulations. Demonstrable experience in project management within infrastructure, energy or sustainability sectors is essential. A relevant qualification in engineering, environmental science, energy management, or a related field. Highly developed communication and relationship‑building skills with the ability to present complex information clearly to customers. A customer‑focused, accountable approach that includes effectively resolving complaints and promoting a positive customer experience. A genuine passion for wider energy and sustainability initiatives underpins success in this role. Desirable: Securing funding, alongside solid financial, budgeting, reporting, and forecasting skills. A relevant degree (or equivalent) Project management qualification, such as PRINCE2 or APM, with membership of a professional body A detailed understanding of the Construction, Design and Management Regulations 2015 is desirable, as is experience across key energy and compliance frameworks including SECR, ESOS, SAP, RdSAP and MEES. Knowledge of heat metering and billing technologies, together with experience in energy or utility services roles, is also highly desirable Some of our great benefits include: 31 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) with an option to purchase up to 5 additional days per year. Early finish on Fridays Flexible and hybrid working. Free Health Cash Plan, with cashback for dental, optical, physio, wellbeing therapies and more, with some free child cover. Access to private healthcare through the Health Cash Plan. Competitive Aviva pension scheme - Gentoo will contribute up to 10% based on your personal contribution. Salary sacrifice electric vehicle scheme Enhanced family-friendly leave Car mileage allowance if you use your personal vehicle for business purposes. Life assurance cover to the value of 3 times your annual salary