Overview
DataGlow Energy is an exciting and innovative development platform incubated within Octopus Energy that integrates a local data centre (as a heat source), solar farms, and a Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) network for homes and other heat users. We are based in Octopus London offices and share the culture of a firm that has recently been awarded the ‘best company to work for’ in the UK.
The Melbourn Energy Superloop is DataGlow’s flagship project – a first-of-its-kind community heat network in the UK. If implemented it will not only offer significant savings for residents on gas, but it will also reduce carbon emissions by around 90%.
The programme is being delivered through a collaboration between Deep Green (lead on data centre), aql (lead on data provision), Kensa (lead on heat pumps and networks) and Eclipse (lead on power).
Purpose
You will lead this trailblazing project for the UK. Success here will set a new standard for how we can use emerging data centre and renewable technology in an socially and environmentally responsible way, while reducing bills.
You will lead the end-to-end programme to deliver this flagship infrastructure project. Responsible for managing the day-to-day complex multi-stakeholder project delivery and interfaces the role will steer the initiative from feasibility through final investment decision and potentially into contracting for delivery. Delivery will include construction of a small-scale data centre, installation of a village-wide underground multi-service network and the phased installation of several hundred properties from gas boilers to ground-source heat pumps.
The role will report to the Development Director but interacts with senior management within Octopus and industry leaders such as Deep Green, aql and Kensa.
Key Responsibilities
- Overall programme management across multiple workstreams: Develop and manage the phased project programme and risk register (currently held by another team member who is changing role) ensuring synchronisation between different workstreams. Driving the team including strategic partners towards hitting key milestones and actively managing the risks. Running the whole project meetings, undertaking relevant reporting and ensuring that interdependencies are identified and coordinated.
- Budgetary control: Manage the multi-million-pound development budget and ensure that suitable inputs provided and updated to the programme delivery budgets from consultants and partners.
- Programme Contract Management: Administer the Development Phase Services Agreements (in place with partners), lead on developing Construction Phase Service Agreements and other key contracts with other members of the Dataglow team. Hold the overall contracts map/schedule for the programme, where necessary commission advice and lawyers to develop suitable contracts. Support the development of the contracting strategy for each of the key delivery elements.
- Melbourn Superloop Workstream Development: Collaborating with partners to integrate different parts of the Superloop system (heat pumps, data centre, solar input, and broadband components). Ensuring that appropriate partner and sub-contractors arrangements are in place. Where required, coordinate site assessments, technical and financial feasibility studies, design development across multiple workstreams to ensure an effective and integrated approach takes place.
- CDM: Responsible for developing and implementing a suitable CDM strategy for the programme. Leading on the client role.
- Transition to Delivery: Co-ordinate and where necessary compile FID documentation, procurement strategy, support contracting for construction, heat pump installation, and data centre/broadband delivery as required.
- Supporting other workstreams including community engagement and other actions as agreed with the DataGlow team.
Person Specification
We are seeking an entrepreneurial and self-motivated programme manager to play a key role in developing the above project through to FID and into delivery.
- Programme Management Experience: 5–10 years in project/programme management, preferably within built environment, energy, infrastructure, utilities, or large-scale M&E. Ideally at both design and construction stages including CDM experience.
- Contractual Literacy: Experience in developing, negotiating and managing multiple contracts, preferably within built environment or infrastructure context.
- Communication: Strong soft skills to work with diverse partners and community representatives. Fluent English speaker.
- Qualifications: Desirable but not essential to have a higher education qualification in relevant topic area or a Professional Certification in programme management: PRINCE2 Practitioner, APM PMQ, or PMP or similar.
- Work eligibility: Full and unrestricted permission to work in the UK
Why Join Us?
· Skills development: Gain unparalleled exposure to a range of different project types in a fast growing and changing energy and data centre sector.
· Career growth: Collaborate closely with senior management from multiple companies, investors and others.
· Impactful working: Contribute to innovative energy projects that create lasting environmental and social benefits
· Future expansion: Be part of our growth journey as we look to develop other projects around the UK and beyond.
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