UK Agri-Tech Centre

A leading energy organization seeks a Divisional Managing Director to execute the GBE Local strategy. With a focus on community energy, the role involves overseeing the development of local energy projects, engaging stakeholders, and building a high-performing team. Ideal candidates should possess extensive experience in the UK energy sector and demonstrate strong leadership skills. This position offers an opportunity to shape the future of clean energy and drive significant projects aimed at achieving net-zero goals.

Great British Energy (GBE) is a publicly owned energy company, created to accelerate the deployment of clean energy technologies and to ensure UK taxpayers, billpayers, communities and the energy workforce reap the benefits of a clean and secure energy system. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Corporate Officer (CCO) will translate GBE's strategic vision into operational excellence, ensuring the organisation is equipped to deliver on its growth and public value objectives. This includes designing and implementing a digital first operating model, driving productivity, resilience, and public trust, and embedding a culture of continuous improvement. Reporting directly to the CEO and serving as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), the CCO leads corporate functions such as Corporate Services (IT/Estates), Data, Digital & AI, Procurement and supply chain management, and Health, Safety, Sustainability & Social Responsibility. The CCO will line manage the HR Director and work closely with the General Counsel to ensure alignment across governance, compliance, and people strategy. The CCO will champion operational excellence, commercial discipline, and digital transformation across all corporate functions, ensuring compliance, safety, sustainability, and strong stakeholder engagement. Key Responsibilities Implement the Target Operating Model (TOM) across corporate functions; set SLAs and KPIs that enable market-facing verticals to deliver outcomes efficiently. Lead the design and implementation of scalable operational processes to support rapid growth and adaptation in the evolving energy sector. Data, Digital & AI Own strategy, architecture, and secure operations; champion automation and data governance for end-to-end business processes. Drive digital transformation, leveraging technology and data analytics to improve efficiency, transparency, and innovation. Work with Divisional Managing Directors to implement the key digital enablers of their go-to-market strategies and simplified customer journies. Procurement & supply chain management Lead group procurement policies (Procurement Act/MPM alignment), contract management, and internal outsourcing strategies; support grant delivery processes where applicable. Build and manage resilient supply chains and strategic vendor partnerships (those not specific to asset development or operations), ensuring commercial discipline and value for money. Health, Safety, Sustainability & Social Responsibility (HSSR) Establish best-in-class safety management systems; embed nature-positive practices and social responsibility in operations. Ensure full compliance with health, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements, and lead on ESG and sustainability reporting. Corporate services Oversee IT operations, estates/facilities, and enterprise platforms; ensure business continuity and cyber resilience. Governance & assurance Coordinate with Board/ELT committees; uphold standards of transparency, accountability, and public value. Represent GBE with key external stakeholders, including regulators, industry partners, and local communities. Leadership & culture Build high-performing teams; role-model GBE values; partner with the HR Director on organisation-wide change and engagement. Foster a high-performance, inclusive, and values-driven culture, mentoring and developing senior leaders across the organisation. Person Specification Essential Experience and Skills Executive leadership of complex corporate functions at scale, delivering measurable service excellence. Proven experience as a COO / CCO or senior operational leader in energy, renewables, infrastructure, or a comparable sector. Strong commercial acumen and financial literacy, with experience managing large budgets and contracts. Track record of digital transformation, data governance, and cybersecurity stewardship. Deep experience of public procurement policy and contract management. Demonstrated success in scaling operations in a fast-growth or start-up environment. Proven Health & Safety leadership and integration of sustainability principles. Deep understanding of UK and international energy markets, regulatory frameworks, and public sector governance. Exceptional leadership, change management, and communication skills, with the ability to build high-performing teams and drive organisational culture. Operating model design in matrix organisations, ideally with energy sector familiarity. International operational experience, bringing a global perspective to strategy and delivery. Experience with advanced digital transformation initiatives and data analytics. Advanced degree (e.g., MBA or MSc in Engineering, Operations, or related discipline) Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in business, engineering or related field (required). Advanced degree (MBA or equivalent) preferred. Relevant professional certifications (e.g., CIPS, NEBOSH, Prince2) are advantageous. Apply Now Click the Apply Now link below to apply for this role. You will need to submit your CV, Covering Letter and complete the equal opportunities questionnaire. To arrange a confidential conversation, please contact the Edinburgh office via or call us on . Contact the team at FWB to discuss your individual or company requirements, or to discover more about our specialist services.

Great British Energy (GBE) is a publicly owned energy company, created to accelerate the deployment of clean energy technologies and to ensure UK taxpayers, billpayers, communities and the energy workforce reap the benefits of a clean and secure energy system. GBE Local is central to our strategy. We believe that GB Energy can be a transformative actor in the world of local and community energy and our vision is to make hosting and owning a local energy scheme possible for every community across the country. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Divisional MD will be the visionary entrepreneur who brings this vision to life. Our central idea is that by GB Energy acting to simplify and modularise the key technical and commercial aspects of Local and Community energy, we can act as a market maker, significantly increasing the uptake and driving us towards our ambitious target of unlocking 1000 projects by 2030. GBE Local will act as a vehicle for scale, to enable decarbonisation, resilient energy supply and cost management - working closely with our partner ecosystem and playing an 'integrator' role. This will also include the administration of advisory, grants and concessional finance solutions across GBE Local's ecosystem. This role demands entrepreneurial leadership and deep sector expertise, combining customer-centric delivery with efficient financial structuring and the ability to act as an "intelligent buyer" to oversee the installation and integration of solutions, advocating for capital allocation through compelling, data-driven business cases that deliver measurable social, environmental and financial returns. The MD will shape strategy, build capability (including regional hubs), and deliver complex, multi-stakeholder projects across 3 key areas: Developing and implementing a range of commercial products or modules to Local customers, such as Local Authorities and other Public Sector bodies, acting as a vehicle for scale, to enable decarbonisation, resilient energy supply and cost management - working closely with the partner ecosystem and playing an 'integrator' role. Develop and take to market a range of products that enable community ownership in a simplified way. Turning the Local Power Plan into a scalable asset class that strengthens UK supply chains, increases community ownership and accelerates progress to net zero. Key Responsibilities Set and execute a national GBE Local strategy aligned with GBE's mission, Strategic Plan and the Local Power Plan covering development, investment/ownership, construction and operations of local clean energy assets, working with GBE's Strategy team where required to ensure whole business alignment. Build a portfolio of commercial products or "standardised modules" for Local customers (across rooftop solar PV, BtM battery storage, flexibility services, clean heat and other proven local technologies), balancing risk, return and community impact. Define market entry and partnership strategies (including shared ownership with private developers), ensuring alignment with spatial and local area energy plans. Capital Allocation & Investment Case Development Advocate for internal capital allocation by presenting robust investment cases (NPV, IRR, payback, risk-adjusted returns, affordability impacts, community benefit metrics). Design and deploy a suite of financial instruments (e.g., grants, repayable grants, debt, equity) to unlock barriers and accelerate delivery, working closely with DESNZ, UKIB, National Wealth Fund and other partners, including local authorities. In alignment and collaboration with other GBE MDs, establish disciplined stage gate governance (from origination to FID, construction and operations) with clear decision rights and portfolio reporting. Customer Focused Delivery & Regional Hubs Build a digital-first, customer-centric delivery function that offers a range of commercial products and provides technical, commercial and project planning support to Local Authorities, Mayoral Combined Authorities and Community Energy Groups. Establish regional hubs to operate close to customers, develop local knowledge, and ensure consistent service standards nationwide. Drive operational excellence: standardised processes, templates and playbooks; predictable cycle times from concept to customer delivery; and measurable service quality. Build a framework for identifying, qualifying and performance managing a network of local delivery partners who act as GB Energy's "boots on the ground" and provide quality delivery and customer excellence. Work closely with finance providers to ensure delivery partners provide assurance and bankability to project delivery and asset management. Stakeholder Engagement & Policy Influence Lead senior engagement with Government ministers, devolved administrations, regulators, system operators, local government, community energy organisations and industry leaders. Work with GBE's Policy & External Affairs function to influence policy and regulation that enable local generation, flexibility and community ownership, providing evidence based insights from delivery. Internally, act as a key leader within GBE's project teams, coordinating with Offshore, Onshore and cross cutting Supply Chain functions to ensure pipeline coherence, procurement leverage and UK jobs. Externally, build trusted partnerships with public advisory bodies, finance institutions and private developers to create a joined up public offering in the local energy space. Risk, Governance & Compliance In alignment with GBE-wide governance, oversee the implementation of enterprise-grade risk management frameworks spanning financial, operational, regulatory, planning and community risks for GBE Local. Ensure best practice HSE, quality assurance, information governance and cyber resilience across the Local portfolio and delivery operations. Oversee transparent reporting, assurance and audit readiness consistent with public sector standards. People & Culture Develop and inspire a high performing, multidisciplinary team blending development, project finance, construction, operations, customer service and data/tech skills. Foster a culture of purpose, performance and inclusion with clear accountabilities, learning pathways and leadership succession plans. Digital, Data & Performance Take a digital-first approach to designing the commercial products to be offered, including customer interfaces, product platforms and case-flow management applications. Champion data-driven decision-making pipeline analytics, investment dashboards, customer service metrics and benefits tracking (jobs, local ownership, affordability, carbon reduction). Set and monitor KPIs such as pipeline GW, number of projects reaching FID, £ capital leveraged, % community/shared ownership, cycle time to commission, customer satisfaction, risk adjusted returns. Public Representation Serve as a visible spokesperson for GBE Local for media, conferences, investor and community forums, communicating progress, impact and lessons learned with clarity and credibility. Person Specification Essential Experience and Skills Local Energy Expertise: Extensive experience in the UK energy sector, including experience in senior leadership roles focused on distributed generation, community energy, or local energy systems. Proven track record of delivering small-to-medium scale renewable projects (e.g., solar PV, EV charging, BtM battery storage and clean heat). Regulatory and Markets knowledge: highly aware of regulatory frameworks, barriers and revenue streams within the local energy market, including ability to understand routes to revenue staking, flexibility markets and key commercial instruments such as PPA models. Customer Service Model Design: Demonstrated success in designing and implementing customer service models and scalable commercial projects. Experience in customer-centric businesses. Financial Structuring & Capital Competition: Deep understanding of project finance and investment structuring, including grants, repayable grants, debt and equity instruments. Ability to advocate for internal capital allocation by producing robust investment cases with clear IRR, NPV, and community benefit metrics. Stakeholder & Policy Engagement: Proven ability to engage credibly with Government ministers, devolved administrations, local authorities, community energy organisations, and private developers. Strong political acumen and experience influencing policy and regulatory frameworks. Operational Leadership: Experience in designing and leading customer-focused delivery functions, ideally including digital-first service models and regional hubs. Skilled in operational excellence, process standardisation, and performance management. Risk & Compliance: Expertise in implementing risk management frameworks across financial, regulatory, planning and community dimensions. Familiarity with UK planning processes, subsidy control, and public sector governance standards. People Leadership: Track record of building high-performing, multidisciplinary teams from scratch or through transformation. Ability to inspire and lead through ambiguity in a start-up or scale-up environment. Portfolio Development & Delivery: Demonstrated success in building and scaling a portfolio of local energy assets, including origination, development, construction . click apply for full job details

A public energy company in the UK is seeking an experienced HR Director to lead the development of its HR function and workforce culture. The ideal candidate will have a proven leadership track record at the HR Director level and experience in establishing new HR functions. Key responsibilities include driving cultural change, influencing strategic direction, and overseeing employee relations. The organization is focused on delivering clean energy and creating societal impact. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape HR practices in a growing organization.

Great British Energy (GBE) is a publicly owned energy company, created to accelerate the deployment of clean energy technologies and to ensure UK taxpayers, billpayers, communities and the energy workforce reap the benefits of a clean and secure energy system. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the HR Director will be responsible for developing the new organisation and delivering across all aspects of its people agenda. The role requires an individual who has experience in setting up new HR functions and/or organisations, developing a workforce and culture to best enable a new organisation to deliver. This role will require close working with others in Great British Energy and its partners (such as The Crown Estate) to ensure efficient use of capabilities and clear responsibilities and accountabilities are in place, as well as a close working relationships with the DESNZ policy, HR and sponsor teams. The role requires an individual who has experience in developing a workforce and culture to best enable a new organisation to deliver. Responsible for developing the organisation's people agenda, developing and implementing HR strategies that align with GBE's goals, creating policies and procedures that build a enable GBE to be an attractive and great place to work. The role will oversee employee relations, establishing GBE's culture and positive employee experience as well building the HR function and supporting other through the implementation and people change management of their own functions. Key Responsibilities Work with the Board and Executive team to establish and lead a high performing HR function, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation. As part of the Great British Energy leadership team, shape the development of the company's strategy, culture, values and operating model. Set direction, lead and drive cultural and organisational change across the organisation, role modelling behaviours in line with Great British Energy's desired culture and values. Lead Great British Energy's engagement with our workforce, ensuring people-related communications are effective and punctual to keep staff informed. Act as a key advisor to the Chair, Board and Executive team on HR matters. Deliver expert opinion, impartial robust advice and support on all people related issues including capacity and capability, diversity and inclusion, cultural and organisational change and well-being matters to the Great British Energy and leadership team. Promote and sustain effective compliance with appropriate employment legislation, public sector guidance and other relevant policies throughout the organisation. A close working relationship with Department of Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ)will be essential. Provide HR expertise in the setup of the new organisation, utilising best practice to ensure Great British Energy has effective structures, workforce size and shape, culture and capabilities. Set and monitor relevant people targets, ensuring the team delivers against Great British Energy's strategic objectives Empower, coach, and manage the team and others to develop organisational capability and promote effective succession planning and talent management across the organisation. Lead and maintain effective oversight of provision of services by third-party suppliers relating to HR services e.g. through our Integrated Corporate Services provider including pay, pensions and employee assistance and welfare programmes. Lead engagement and relationship management with Trade Unions to support positive employee relations environment. Lead on the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy for the organisation including reporting and monitoring of progress and engagement with stakeholders. Establish strong working relationships with DESNZ Director of HR and act as interface where sponsorship support required on HR matters. Develop and report on people-related KPIs, supporting GBE's Impact and Performance Framework and transparent reporting of workforce outcomes. Lead on HR evaluation and continuous improvement, ensuring feedback and data drive ongoing enhancement of people policies and practices. Champion people change management through GBE's rapid growth and TOM implementation, supporting leaders and staff through organisational transitions. Embed sustainability, ESG, and wellbeing into all aspects of people strategy, policies, and culture. Support digital transformation in HR, leveraging technology and data analytics to drive efficiency, insight, and a modern employee experience. Person specification Essential experience and skills A proven track record of successful leadership experience at HR Director level and ability to work as part of a senior executive leadership team to provide organisational leadership, direction and strategic focus. Provides authentic, inclusive, inspiring, and visible leadership of the function and wider organisation, with ability to lead and develop a diverse multi-disciplinary staff through continual improvement and transformational change. Proven ability to influence and build strong credible relationships with colleagues, external partners, and senior stakeholders. Evidence of delivering improved organisational performance and cultural change against a backdrop of innovation and change whilst promoting inclusivity. Passionate about the Company and its policy objectives to deliver clean energy, drive economic growth, create UK jobs and supply chains and provide value for the UK taxpayer, whilst demonstrating a passion for creating societal impact and value. Hold membership of a chartered professional body relevant to the HR Director role (e.g., CIPD) at level 5 or above. Experience of setting up HR Functions and/or new organisations and leading organisational change programmes Experience or know how within the energy industry. Apply Now Click the Apply Now link below to apply for this role. You will need to submit your CV, Covering Letter and complete the equal opportunities questionnaire. To arrange a confidential conversation, please contact the Edinburgh office via or call us on . Senior Talent Attraction & Research Consultant Contact the team at FWB to discuss your individual or company requirements, or to discover more about our specialist services.