Context
At the Energy Systems Catapult, we devise innovative solutions to some of the toughest challenges facing our energy sector. We look for growth opportunities created by the transition of the energy system: one of the greatest market opportunities in the coming decades, as well as one of the most urgent issues for society. We pursue our mission at the Energy Systems Catapult by accelerating technology-based solutions and working with Government to address the market mechanisms and business models required to enable these solutions.
Transitioning to a low-carbon energy system to meet the 2050 net zero target is one of the most complex challenges we have ever faced. Consumers are at the heart of this transition, and understanding their needs and engaging with them to develop innovative and attractive solutions is key. Our Fair Futures work harnesses innovation to better understand and reduce vulnerability to fuel poverty, designing smarter policies, products, services and consumer protections.
Key work activities
You will be accountable for driving the strategy and development of the Catapult Fair Futures Programme. Working collaboratively with colleagues across the ESC, including Commercial, Consumer Insight, Product, Digital, Marketing, and other ESC teams as appropriate, the key work activities are:
Directing the development of the Fair Futures Programme
* Define and develop Commercial Strategy for Fair Futures: identify market opportunities, target customers, key propositions, and industry trends. Define and develop a commercial vision, strategy, and set of outcomes/objectives for the Fair Futures Programme, reviewed annually, which are well aligned with market needs and wider ESC strategy, and share within the organisation.
* Contribute to the development and prioritisation of the product roadmap for Warm Home Prescription: Drawing on insights into customer, participant, and internal ESC development and commercial needs, and provide advice to the product team on the development of actionable proposals for new features/innovation.
* Develop the business plan for the Fair Futures Programme: In conjunction with the Homes Programme Manager, develop the annual business plan for the Fair Futures Programme, identifying priority activities for the next year’s budget request. This will involve drafting initial plans and iterating with the Business Lead.
Solution architect for Fair Futures projects
* Capturing the necessary level of detail, requirements & information to identify high level solution option/s for our clients, spanning consumer research, data management, and general trial capabilities.
* Drive the necessary discussions & dialogue with the client, relevant project partners and colleagues to ensure those high-level options are explored and that realistic, timely and impactful solutions/s are selected for actual development and delivery. Secure ongoing commercially viable work with our established clients, whilst exploring, engaging, and securing additional work with other organisations that can benefit from the Catapult’s expertise and know how.
* Identify and secure new funding/commercial opportunities, this will often require you to use your consultative capabilities to bring relevant parties together. Provide the direction/support necessary for bid and commercial managers to write proposals, and review bid documentation.
* Working collaboratively with our established clients to explore & understand their needs, challenges and opportunities.
Your role in the delivery of work to clients
* Working closely with colleagues (mainly across the Project Management & Capability disciplines), as well as with clients and partners, you will be responsible for leading the scoping and driving the delivery of solutions.
* Ensure that delivery teams clearly understand what’s required, are galvanised & focused and produce the desired client solution/output.
* Responsible for ensuring that the outputs and insights from Fair Futures trials provided to stakeholders are of the necessary quality and that it is communicated in the most appropriate & impactful way.
What credentials are we ideally looking for?
* An understanding of the commercial, funding and technical factors within consumer energy research
* An understanding of consumer needs and perspectives in relation to low carbon energy, such as ensuring fair futures for all, and making complex energy technologies understandable and compelling to consumers. In particular a good understanding of the challenges Low Income and Vulnerable consumers face when engaging with the energy system
* A good understanding of consumer research methodologies, blending a knowledge of data analytics with consumer research.
* Understanding of UK home low carbon technologies, including heating, EV charging, home generation and storage, smart metering and energy management.
* Understanding of the UK energy system, and whole systems decarbonisation challenges, such as the need for flexibility, the implications for energy networks, markets, and policy makers, and current challenges in home decarbonisation and home energy management.
* Proven ability to manage relationships between organisations with different priorities and find ways forward that all parties are content with
* Be comfortable with managing the uncertainty inherent in innovation projects.
* Be comfortable with the hands-on work and flexibility required in a small team
* Strong presentation, communication and writing skills
* Ability to excel in a rapidly growing, fast-paced organisational environment
* Willing and able to travel around the UK (and potentially overseas in due course) as required
* Degree level in a relevant discipline.
Desirable
* Experience of working with public sector partners and an appreciation of how these organisations work, their motivations and constraints.
Next Step
So, if you would like to continue to develop your career in transport decarbonisation, and in doing so have a meaningful impact on the energy transition and the UK’s drive to hit Net Zero, then look no further. You may have just discovered the opportunity you were looking for.
We welcome applications from all, including those who may be returning to work, those wishing to work flexibly for any reason, and those who may need additional support.