Senior Project Manager

• Job Type: Full time Fixed Term 12 months' Maternity Cover Commencing December 2025
• Closing Date: 6th November 2025

The National Energy Foundation

The National Energy Foundation is an independent charity based in Milton Keynes, which has been at the forefront of improving the use of energy in buildings since 1988. We aim to give people, organisations and government the knowledge, support and inspiration they need to understand, manage and reduce the use of energy in buildings.

Role Summary

Our Senior Project Managers are fundamental to the successful leadership and delivery of NEF's programmes and projects. You will be wholly accountable for the oversight and performance of multiple projects, which will include leading an NEF team and coaching managers to deliver excellent results to funders, customers and important stakeholders. Projects could be concerned with fuel poverty, engaged people and those keen to improve the energy efficiency of their home as a part of whole home retrofit approach. Beyond this you will likely lead other work streams or priority areas, which may not be related to specific project delivery and you will almost certainly be involved in business strategy and project design.

Our Senior Project Managers need to be resilient, highly organised and proactive leaders. You will be comfortable leading teams of managers and front-line staff. You'll also be representing NEF in a leadership capacity externally. This could include chairing contract review meetings and attending funder events, conferences and other stakeholder engagement events. This role is very much about communication and people; you'll need exemplary leadership skills and the personal gravitas to lead and inspire diverse teams. You will take full accountability and ownership for the success of your teams.

This job would be suitable for a candidate with previous formal experience of project management and demonstrable experience of delivering high performing projects. You'll be able to show you have a 'can do' attitude which inspires others and a willingness to take ultimate responsibility for delivering good project outcomes to satisfied clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Be fully accountable for the performance of multiple projects, managing teams of internal staff across multiple levels, including comprehensive allocations of costs, resources, time and income. Maintain accurate financial records (and process invoices) where required and ensure that your projects are delivered within budget and on time.
• Create and manage project budgets successfully; ensure monthly reviews of delivery trackers and grants to review spend.
• Act as an accountable owner and first point of contact for:
  • Delivery questions and project decisions
  • HR and line management issues
  • Reporting (particularly external reporting)
• Provide inspirational leadership to managers and delivery staff under your line management (and beyond) ensuring all staff have clear objectives, regular reviews, personal development plans and day-to-day guidance and support.
• Take ownership of funder correspondence and act as an escalation and decision point for NEF.
• Lead the development (and improvement) of internal systems and processes, including relevant CRM systems and/or databases.
• Provide overall project oversight to senior members or staff and/or external stakeholders, through regular reports and analysis.
• Deliver high levels of compliance and quality (QMS) and ensure good operating practice is embedded into your team.
• Lead project steering groups, driving the direction of projects and ensuring projects are delivered successfully, ensuring everyone on your team is cognisant of the aims of the project.
• Lead recruitment exercises and provide training, mentoring and support to delivery staff, both at the commencement of their role and ongoing.
• Act as a key representative of NEF, in a leadership role, at external events and/or meetings as required.
• Contribute fully to NEF's business development direction, as well as delivering existing projects. Define, own and lead day-to-day project delivery, creating and reporting on KPIs (internally and externally) and inputting into future project strategy.
• Support, assist and deputise for the Operations Director as workload and/or circumstances might require.
• Other activities as agreed with your Line Manager

Person Specification

• Ability to work with and for our customers in a professional and non-judgmental way. Visible resilience and personal gravitas to lead and inspire others.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to lead representation of NEF at external events, deliver training and write project reports.
• An excellent understanding of Project Management within our sector and excellent knowledge of: energy saving (through behaviour change)
  • energy efficiency
  • fuel poverty
  • renewable energy
  • project management tools
• The ability to lead, engage, challenge, inspire and support a team of internal staff at all levels and external contractors.
• Ability to manage a range of internal and external stakeholders, customers and consumers at varying levels.
• Exemplary and dependable emotional intelligence.
• Highly organised, with a methodical approach to projects and a keen eye for detail. Ability and willingness to travel. Regular travel to events is a feature of the job.
• Ability to work outside of office hours, by arrangement.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Outlook, Excel, Word, Office 365 and Dynamics 365. Possession of a full UK driving license and use of a car with business insurance cover.

Application process

Please send a paragraph outlining why you are suitable for the role to: by midday on 5 th November 2025.

Job Application Form

To apply, please submit your CV and Cover Letter outlining why you feel you would excel in this role at NEF using the form below by the closing date. Applicants who send their CV without a covering letter will not be considered for the role.

The National Energy Foundation is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.

Join us in shaping a sustainable and healthier future! Apply today and be a part of a dynamic team dedicated to making a positive impact.

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