Hybrid Heating Trial Manager – Project Manager – Renewable Energy

Location: Belfast

Type: Full-Time | Permanent | 37 hours

Hours: Monday–Thursday 08:30–17:00; Friday 08:30–16:30 (flexibility may be required)

Salary: £47,000 per annum + 10–15% annual bonus

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Bonus and Benefits:

• 10–15% annual bonus

• Employer-enhanced contributory pension

• Free life assurance

• “Give as you earn” charity scheme

• Enhanced maternity/paternity pay

• Enhanced sick pay for qualifying staff

• 20 days annual leave + 11 bank holidays + up to 5 additional days based on length of service

• Free onsite parking

• Dedicated health and wellbeing programmes

• Cycle to Work Scheme

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We are excited to be supporting our highly regarded and forward-thinking client in the recruitment of a Project Manager for a permanent opportunity.

Northern Ireland’s Gas Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) are preparing to undertake a major Hybrid Heat Pump Trial involving more than 100 homes across Northern Ireland between 2026 and 2028. The project aims to evaluate the potential household, decarbonisation, and wider energy system benefits of hybrid heating solutions.

The post holder will lead the end-to-end delivery of this flagship initiative on behalf of the DNOs, overseeing all stages from installation through to final reporting. You will manage the Trial Delivery Team, coordinate participant onboarding, organise the installation of hybrid heat pumps and monitoring equipment, maintain clear communication with participants, produce detailed quarterly and annual performance reports, and present findings to key stakeholders.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone to lead the delivery of a priority project for the renewable gas industry.

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Key Accountabilities

1. With support from the Trial Delivery Team, the Hybrid Heating Trial Manager will deliver the 100+ home Hybrid Heating Trial within agreed timelines and budget. Responsibilities include:

2. Finalising Trial preparations including documentation, procedures, communication materials and IT systems ahead of activity commencing in Q2 2026

3. Supporting the delivery of a marketing campaign to attract trial participants

4. Assessing the suitability of participants to ensure an accurately weighted Trial

5. Working with installation partners to coordinate hybrid heat pump and monitoring equipment installations, ensuring smooth delivery and accurate data capture

6. Managing participant communications, implementing a communications plan, resolving issues, and capturing engagement data

7. Managing the allocation of installation grants to participants

8. Reviewing live monitoring data, identifying issues, and providing regular updates to key stakeholders including the Department for the Economy and the Utility Regulator

9. Analysing hybrid heat pump performance data and contributing to detailed annual reporting

10. Supporting independent academic evaluation of the Trial

11. Presenting findings to internal and external stakeholders

12. Collaborating closely with all participating DNOs throughout project development, delivery and reporting

13. Managing the Trial budget, monitoring expenditure and allocating resources effectively

14. Identifying risks to project delivery and developing mitigation plans

15. Developing effective working relationships with colleagues, DNOs, contractors and partner agencies

16. Ensuring compliance with Health & Safety, Equality, and customer care policies

17. Participating in training and development activities to support performance in the role

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You Will Need

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in either:

o Leading the delivery of a research project or trial

or

o Leading the delivery and/or installation of low-carbon heating projects

Essential:

• Experience drafting high-quality written briefings for internal and external stakeholders

• Experience analysing and processing large datasets

• Strong customer relationship management experience

• Ability to work independently using own initiative

• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication

• Ability to multi-task and work under pressure

• Methodical, detail-focused approach

Desirable:

• Degree-level education

• Experience managing a research project or trial from start to finish

• Experience working on joint research projects with multiple partners

• Experience delivering presentations

• Experience providing sustainable energy or sustainability advice to housing providers

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What’s in It for You

• An exciting, permanent opportunity to play a key role in shaping Northern Ireland’s renewable energy strategy through the delivery of a high-profile, forward-thinking project

• Competitive salary with performance-based bonus

• Employer-enhanced contributory pension

• Free life assurance

• “Give as you earn” charity scheme

• Enhanced maternity/paternity pay

• Enhanced sick pay for qualifying staff

• 20 days annual leave + 11 bank holidays + up to 5 additional days based on length of service

• Free onsite parking

• Dedicated health and wellbeing programmes

• Cycle to Work Scheme

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Right to Work

We welcome applications from all candidates; however, the employer is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Applicants must have permanent UK work authorization, such as Indefinite Leave to Remain or ROI or UK citizenship.

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Interested?

Apply now or contact Patricia at Apple Recruitment for a confidential conversation.

Apple Recruitment Services is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer.