The Organisation

The Retrofit Academy (TRA) is a Community Interest Company dedicated to improving the sustainability of the UK’s housing stock. Our vision is a world where every home is warm, healthy and low carbon and our mission is to train over 200,000 competent retrofitters by 2030. We measure our success based on our impact, not our balance sheet. We have become a key partner to government and industry in the journey towards net zero.    

We have a 30-strong team who share our core values of being practical, ethical, empowering and positive. Having developed four class-leading qualifications, established a vibrant membership and created partnerships with local authorities and educational providers nationwide, The Academy is now well placed to increase our impact.   

The Role

The Midlands and the North is a major area of focus for The Retrofit Academy. As the Regional Partnerships Manager – Midlands and the North, you will be The Retrofit Academy’s lead in the area. Your aim will be to build training infrastructure in the region under The Retrofit Academy brand, creating licensing partnerships with local authorities and training providers.   

You will be responsible for building and managing partnerships between LEPs, local authorities, clients, employers and training providers. You will work closely with our infrastructure and training partners in the Midlands and the North of England. By nurturing these networks, you will increase training capacity, graduate numbers and create high quality jobs, as well as developing income streams for The Retrofit Academy and its partners.  In addition, you will help to enhance stakeholder input into the retrofit agenda.

Person Specification

You will have proven capabilities in strategic business development, programme and project management, commercial management and leading collaborative initiatives.

Educated at least to degree level, you are likely to hold an MBA or an equivalent qualification or be qualified through experience. You will be an experienced manager of people and resources.   

You are likely to have a background in public services, possibly in local or central government, either in the areas of economic development, skills or programme management, although we will consider applicants from alternative backgrounds who can demonstrate the required skills and experience.

You will have a positive attitude and be able to work effectively with others at all levels. You will be able to self-motivate and take the lead without close supervision. You must be comfortable working remotely.    

You will want to work in a fast-paced environment and be at ease with continuous change. You will be able to work effectively with colleagues within the Academy across corporate functions including HR, marketing and finance.

You should be comfortable acting as a spokesperson for TRA.  

You must be willing to travel across the Midlands and the North as required.

Key Responsibilities

• Overall lead for TRA initiatives across the Midlands and the North
• Managing the Local Retrofit Training Consortiums for the Midlands and the North
• Working with relevant partners to identify and secure skills funding to turbo-charge upskilling
• Managing the relationship with external stakeholders, developing a pipeline of Infrastructure Partnerships
• Sourcing and managing additional funding
• Leading Regional Employer and Client Groups
• Leading a Retrofit Careers Programme across the Midlands and the North
• Developing Training License Partnerships with prospective Retrofit Academy Hubs and Spokes
• Budget planning and management

Qualifications, Skills and Knowledge

To be considered for this role you should demonstrate the following qualifications, knowledge, experience and qualities:

Qualifications

• Educated to degree-level or higher
• MBA or other management qualification preferred, but not essential

Knowledge

• A strong understanding of the theories which underpin effective partnership building and innovation
• Knowledge of the built environment and training sectors are desirable
• Knowledge of local government desirable
• Knowledge of public sector procurement and funding regulations

Experience

• You will have worked in business development, economic development, policy or a strategic function for a minimum of 5 years  
• You will have experience of leading projects and programmes that have collaboration at their core
• You will be experienced in managing senior level stakeholders and building trust

Personal Qualities

• Able to think strategically and have the ability to do strategy in practice
• Ability to research and understand customer needs
• Top-class written and verbal communication skills, able to educate and engage our audiences effectively. A fantastic presenter.
• Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail
• Ability to manage and motivate a team and work effectively as part of a leadership team
• You will be motivated to tackle issues such as climate change and fuel poverty
• You will be ethical, but also enjoy working in a business culture
• Hungry to make a difference and have impact
• Able to work under pressure by being organised, reliable, calm and displaying a “can-do” attitude
• Able to manage your own workload through effective time management and prioritisation
• Able to manage staff and suppliers effectively
• Able to engage confidently with senior stakeholders, taking feedback and providing challenge where appropriate
• Able to work independently and as part of a senior team
• Willingness to be flexible and to adapt your style and approach to suit the task at hand
• High degree of attention to detail and a commitment to quality
• Professional and relatable, always demonstrating ethical behaviours