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Practice Manager - Networks & Energy Storage

Salary: 64k-74k per annum FTE + Benefits 

Status: Permanent /Full-time preferable (requests for part-time/flexible working arrangements are welcome)

About Us

Energy Systems Catapult is an independent research and technology organisation. Our mission is to accelerate Net Zero energy innovation.

Launched in 2015 by Innovate UK, the Catapult has built a team of more than 250 people, with a range of technical, engineering, consumer, commercial, incubation, digital and policy expertise. They draw on sector-leading test facilities, modelling tools, and data collected from our back catalogue of more than 500 research projects. 

We use that ‘whole energy’ system capability to support innovative companies -- small and large – to test, trial and scale their new products and services. Our impact comes when those innovators attract new customers, new investment and new grants so they can thrive in the future energy system. 

Based in Birmingham, Energy Systems Catapult is part of a network of nine, world-leading technology and innovation centres, established by Innovate UK. The Catapult Network fosters collaboration between industry, government, research organisations, academia, and many others to transform great ideas into valuable products and services. 

We believe that innovation often stems from connecting different areas and ideas, and that working together in person can be an important enabler for that. We therefore expect people to be in the Birmingham office ~40 days/year (roughly one day per week). 

Context

A crucial facet of the transformation of the energy system is the intrinsic role of energy networks and energy storage.

As a part of the Infrastructure and Engineering team within the Catapult, you will lead the Networks & Energy Storage Practice, establishing and growing it to ensure the Catapult has the capability and capacity to effectively contribute to broader energy system transformation efforts from energy networks and energy storage perspectives.

The Networks & Energy Storage Practice is a key source of specialist knowledge for the Catapult. It offers impartial scientific, engineering and technical knowhow, drawing on the latest sector expertise as required. Engaging and collaborating with sector expertise is central to the work of the Practice and includes: bringing knowledge into the Catapult; collaborating on projects and other activities; and supporting or leading dissemination of findings and insights from a whole system perspective back into the sector.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to bring to bear your strong influencing and leadership skills in a creative and forward-looking environment on the cutting edge of energy innovation.

The Catapult is an impartial body with unrivalled capabilities in whole energy system; networks and energy system; and storage and energy system modelling and analysis. This means that we can play a key role in shaping and supporting evidence-based policy and investment decision making by a range of public and private sector partners.

The Catapult is an exciting, rewarding and intellectually stimulating place to work. The offices are newly designed to be stylish and to spur innovation, collaboration and creativity. Working at the Catapult allows you the opportunity to work alongside likeminded and talented colleagues and partners from a diversity of fields, contributing to the development of an evidence-based strategy for energy transformation. 

The Opportunity

This role requires identification of areas where the Catapult can deliver maximum value to catalyse the commercial application of low carbon technology, solutions and systems. The Networks & Energy Storage Practice Manager takes responsibility for:

• Leading, managing and developing the Networks & Energy Storage Practice including the analysts, engineers and consultants that work within it.
• Being the focal point within the Catapult for sector-specific technology data and analysis related to energy networks and energy storage.
• Working with the Infrastructure and Engineering Business Leader to develop the Networks & Energy Storage Practice Strategy and Business Plan to shape the services and capabilities it offers within and outside of the Catapult
• Identifying and securing revenue generating opportunities for the Networks & Energy Storage Practice as a part of the Infrastructure and Engineering Business Plan. Such opportunities could include leading bids, contributing to bids or direct consulting and similar propositions.
• Defining the required capability within the Networks & Energy Storage Practice and maintaining the associated roadmap for that capability and associated assets, to enable the Catapult to contribute to broader energy system transformation efforts from energy networks and energy storage perspectives.
• Recruitment, line management and mentoring of the analysts, engineers and consultants within the Networks & Energy Storage Practice in line with the Business Plan.
• Engaging with energy networks and energy storage expertise in the sector to: inform the Catapult’s activities and analysis; share learnings from the Catapult’s work; and explore opportunities to collaborate and support the development of the sector.
• Identifying and developing strong collaborative relationships with key academic partners
• Work with senior industry and Government stakeholders up to CEO/CTO and Director General levels
• Represent the Catapult on relevant industry, Government and academic forums
• Providing specialist knowledge on energy networks and energy storage to others within the Catapult and relevant stakeholders as required, helping to inform the technological, engineering, economic, regulatory and policy implications for innovations and investment decisions.
• Facilitating understanding of how technology, market and policy solutions can contribute to the delivery of a clean, secure and affordable energy system, and what actions need to be taken to drive new innovations through to commercial reality.

Key Work Activities

In service of the above, the Networks & Energy Storage Practice Manager will typically:

• Act as the technical lead in the delivery of projects with a focus on energy networks and energy storage. This is a key role, leading the development of thinking, engaging with a diverse range of people, facilitating the development of a shared vision and purpose and getting buy-in from senior government and industry decision makers.
• Define, or inform the definition of, analytical tools and methods and direct analysis undertaken using pre-existing and new tools; working with analytical and modelling expertise, both within the Networks & Energy Storage Practice and in other teams within the Catapult.
• Develop, and support the development of, commercial collaboration opportunities with relevant partners, helping to realise improved low carbon energy provision and/or growth opportunities for UK business.
• Support the identification, proposal and delivery of energy networks and energy storage related internal research & development projects and external revenue generation projects for clients outside the Catapult as the subject matter expert.
• Contribute to the development of the knowledge base, communications material and presentation of the Catapult’s knowledge to key partners
• Coach and mentor others within the Networks & Energy Storage Practice (or other colleagues as appropriate) to support the development of individuals and Catapult capability. 

What credentials are we ideally looking for?

You will need to be results orientated and self-motivated with extensive analytical, presentation, planning and organisational skills and with substantial client facing experience, able to lead, facilitate and persuade through your personal authority and approach. A willingness to work in a fast-paced engineering environment and with experience of leading the specification, development and application of appropriate modelling tools and datasets is also critical.

Experience:

• Direct experience of research, development and demonstration activities in the energy networks and energy storage sectors is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of technologies in the aforementioned areas in relation to their: development, deployment and commissioning, operation and maintenance, decommissioning and the supply chain factors related to this.
• Understanding of how businesses develop and exploit new technology and ultimately make money from technology is highly desirable.
• Working knowledge of the policy and regulatory environment associated with the energy system is highly desirable.
• A demonstrated ability to learn about new areas of technology and their application and some knowledge and experience of energy-related technologies.
• Experience simplifying complex areas into a critical analysis of the key issues.
• Experience specifying, directing and interpreting relevant analysis is highly desirable.
• Experience engaging with whole systems analysis would be beneficial.
• Working knowledge of how government funded projects and bids operate is beneficial.
• Experience generating commercial opportunities.

Skills & Behaviours

• Proven leadership, team working and project management skills.
• Strong inter-personal skills – articulate and able to work with a diverse team of colleagues with backgrounds across science, engineering, business, and policy.
• A strong relationship builder, well versed in engaging with external stakeholders to learn, persuade and identify mutually beneficial opportunities.
• Able to understand, interpret and effectively communicate analytical outputs and the wider implications of these.
• Confident at constructively challenging the established norms and an ability to ask the difficult questions whilst maintaining relationships.
• Able to anticipate requirements, consider implications and work effectively with others to identify productive routes forward and resolve issues in a timely manner with consideration of the wider needs of the team.
• Strong communication and associated IT skills with an ability to produce clear, compelling, concise and accurate written documentation; deliver engaging and informative presentations; and provide reasoned and persuasive arguments and explanations.
• Strong presentation and communication skills.
• Ability to excel in a fast-paced organisational environment.
• A can-do attitude, able to work with limited supervision under pressure and to tight deadlines.
• Persuasive and approachable, you can successfully manage relations with clients, colleagues and other stakeholders.
• Comfortable dealing with ambiguity and ability to work effectively in line with changing priorities.

Qualifications: 

• Educated to minimum of Masters degree level, or ideally Doctoral (e.g. PhD, EngD) level in a relevant engineering or science subject with a strong systems approach.
• Management or business qualification (e.g. DMS, MBA) is desirable but those with several years commercial experience will be considered.

Other Requirements: 

Willingness to travel, within the UK and globally as required. Knowledge of UK and EU regulations covering energy networks and energy storage is desirable but not essential. Knowledge of the energy system and wider energy system interaction with energy networks and energy storage is also desirable.

Employee Benefits:   

Annual leave 28 days plus bank holidays (FTE) + Buy/Sell holidays Buy/sell holiday – maximum 1 week based on contracted hours + Pension 2 for 1 contribution via salary sacrifice scheme up to 10% + Discretionary bonus scheme + Recognition scheme to celebrate “above and beyond”+ EV Scheme Salary sacrifice + Cycle2work Salary sacrifice + Life assurance 4 x salary + Health Cash Back Plan + Retail and gym discounts + Employee Assistance Programme 24/7 phoneline and 6 free counselling sessions + Snacks and drinks + Annual company off-site event.

Flexible working options for eligible employees = (Sabbatical/Compressed/Staggered/Flexible hours) + Working within a hybrid office attendance model with the expectation of being in the office at least 1 day a week + and:  

Maternity Leave = (100% 13 weeks / 50% 13 weeks/SP 13 weeks/Unpaid leave for 13 weeks)

Adoption Leave = (100% 13 weeks/50% 13 weeks/SP 13 weeks/Unpaid leave for 13 weeks)

Paternity Leave = (100% 2 weeks)

Shared Parental Leave = (100% 10 weeks/50% 13 weeks/SP 13 weeks)

Would you like to Apply?

The closing date for applications is Sunday 15th February 2026 

Please note that at this time we are unable to provide UK visa sponsorship.

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.

Energy Systems Catapult undertakes innovative and exciting work that will help shape the future of energy, with this in mind we encourage candidates to submit their applications as early as possible, as we do reserve the right to remove this advert or close it to further applications at any point during the recruitment process.

(Strictly No Agencies).

"We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of race, sex, disability, religion and belief, sexual orientation, or status regarding gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity."

Privacy Statement

Purpose of the Privacy Statement

The purpose of this Privacy Statement is to make you aware of how and why your personal data will be used during any recruitment process and how long it will usually be retained for.  This statement provides you with certain information that must be provided under the General Data Protection Regulation ((EU) 2016/679) (GDPR).

In the recruitment process we, Energy Systems Catapult Limited, are a “Data Controller”. This means that we are responsible for deciding how we hold and use personal data about you.

The Energy Systems Catapult Limited is located at Cannon House 7th Floor, 18 Priory Queensway, Birmingham, West Midlands, England, B4 6BS and can be contacted by email at: dataprotectionoffice@es.catapult.org.uk. 

Data Protection Principles

We will comply with data protection law and principles, which means that your data will be:

Used lawfully, fairly and in a transparent way;
Collected only for valid purposes that we have clearly explained to you and not used in any way that is incompatible with those purposes;
Relevant to the purposes we have told you about and limited only to those purposes;
Accurate and kept up to date;
Kept only as long as necessary for the purposes we have told you about;
Kept securely. 

The Kind of Personal Data we hold about you

In connection with your application for work with us, we will collect, store and use the following categories of personal information about you:

The information you have provided in our application form;
The information you have provided to us in your curriculum vitae and covering letter;
Any information you provide to us during an interview;
Any other information provided by you as part of the recruitment process. 
We may ask you for information to allow us to monitor our equal opportunities and diversity performance in recruitment. Also, if you inform us that you have a disability we will keep this information on record to allow us to make reasonable adjustments as needed. 

How we will use your Personal Data

We will use the personal data we collect about you to:

Assess your skills, qualifications and suitability for the role;
Carry out background and reference checks, where applicable;
Communicate with you about the recruitment process;
Keep records relating to our hiring processes;
Manage recruitment related activities, which includes setting up and conducting interviews and tests for applicants, evaluating and assessing the results thereto, and as is otherwise needed in the recruitment and hiring processes;
Comply with legal or regulatory requirements.
We will also use information about any disability you may have to consider whether we need to provide appropriate adjustments during the recruitment process.

Such processing is lawful as it is necessary for our legitimate purpose in seeking to attract, evaluate, and select applicants for employment. 

Data Sharing: Greenhouse Software Inc

Your personal data will be shared with Greenhouse Software, Inc., a cloud services provider located in the United States of America and engaged by us to help manage our recruitment and hiring process. Accordingly, if you are located outside of the United States, your personal data will be transferred to the United States once you submit it through this site. This transfer will be subject to appropriate additional safeguards under the Privacy Shield so as to comply with EU law. 

Data Retention

We will retain your personal data for a period of 12 months after we have communicated to you our decision about whether to appoint you to the role. We retain your personal data for that period so that we can show, in the event of a legal claim, that we have not discriminated against candidates on prohibited grounds and that we have conducted the recruitment exercise in a fair and transparent way. After this period, we will securely destroy your personal data in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. 

Your Rights in Connection with Personal Data

Under the GDPR you have the right to request access to your personal data, to request that your personal data be rectified or erased, and to request that processing of your personal data be restricted or transferred.

When you apply for this role, and tick the confirmation box below, you have provided consent for us to process your personal data for the purpose of the recruitment exercise. You have the right to withdraw your consent for processing for that purpose at any time. Withdrawal of consent to process your data may mean that we cannot continue with your application to us.

If you wish to exercise the rights granted to you under GDPR please contact: dataprotectionoffice@es.catapult.org.uk.