Managing Director- London

Managing Director

Leading an Urban Heat Network Through Its Next Phase

An established heat network business is entering a pivotal phase as it prepares for sale and transition to new ownership. The organisation represents a strategically important investor-ready platform within the UKs low-carbon heat sector with significant long-term growth potential.

We are seeking an exceptional Managing Director to lead the business through this exciting but demanding stage shaping its future and delivering a successful outcome for shareholders customers and future investors.

This is a high-profile transaction-led leadership role. You will take ownership of preparing the business for market positioning it as a credible investable infrastructure asset and leading the organisation through a major commercial transaction.

A critical aspect of the role will be strengthening the companys commercial position ahead of sale including progressing its development pipeline and converting opportunities into contracted customer connections and long-term revenue agreements enhancing both certainty and value.

Alongside the transaction process the company continues to deliver strategic infrastructure projects that support network expansion and decarbonisation objectives.

You will bring strong commercial judgement experience of company sale or investment processes and the ability to engage confidently with investors advisers and senior stakeholders. Equally important will be your ability to maintain operational performance and stakeholder confidence throughout the transition period.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a scalable infrastructure-grade business at a defining moment in its evolution combining commercial delivery with environmental impact in one of the UKs fastest-growing sectors.

Recruitment Process

Indicative timetable:

12 July 2026 deadline for CV and Cover letter to

13 July 2026 longlist

16 July 2026 technical interview

17 July 2026 - shortlist

24 July 2026 interview

w/c 27 July meeting with Leader Chief Executive and Chair of Board for the preferred candidate

This is an indicative timetable and may be subject to change

Contract Details and Benefits

Contract details and benefits

The role can be offered as a fixed term contract (for example for 18-24 months) aligned to the transaction or potentially as a permanent contract depending on the nature of candidate experience.

• Salary: 150k - 190k depending on skills and experience
• 5% employer and 5% employee Scottish Widows defined contributions scheme
• 25 days annual leave on joining increasing by 1 day per year (up to 30 days total).
• Or a market-facing competitive day rate
• Hybrid working arrangements (with some presence required in London office)

For an informal and confidential discussion please contact:

Victoria Elliott

About the Business

The organisation is an established heat network company operating within the low-carbon energy sector.

The business was created to capture and utilise locally generated waste heat distributing it through a growing network to residential commercial and public-sector customers.

The first phase of the companys long-term business plan has largely been delivered including securing funding establishing operations developing key infrastructure assets and commencing customer supply.

Once fully developed the network will have the capacity to serve a substantial customer base with low-carbon heat and play a significant role in supporting decarbonisation and net-zero objectives over the coming decades.

Governance

The company is governed by a Board comprising Executive Directors Independent Non-Executive Directors and shareholder representatives.

The Managing Director reports directly to the Board and works closely with shareholders and funding stakeholders to ensure effective governance transparency and alignment throughout the transaction and transition period.

The Role

This is a transaction-led Managing Director appointment focused on preparing the company for market and leading it through sale and transition to new ownership.

The successful candidate will provide strong visible leadership at a critical stage in the companys development ensuring operational stability enhancing commercial value and positioning the organisation as a credible infrastructure investment opportunity.

Alongside maintaining performance the Managing Director will be responsible for strengthening the business ahead of sale including progressing the development pipeline and improving revenue certainty.

This is a demanding but high-impact opportunity to shape the future of a significant low-carbon infrastructure business.

Key Responsibilities

Transaction Leadership

Lead preparation for and delivery of a major market transaction
Ensure readiness for due diligence and investor review
Work closely with advisers the Board and shareholders throughout the transaction process

Investment Readiness & Governance

Strengthen financial reporting controls and transparency
Maintain responsibility for governance and risk management frameworks
Ensure alignment with shareholder and stakeholder requirements

Commercial Performance & Value Creation

Maintain strong financial performance budgeting and cashflow management
Progress development opportunities and strengthen investment attractiveness
Convert commercial opportunities into contracted revenues and long-term agreements
Support sustainable growth and long-term profitability

Programme Delivery & Strategic Projects

Oversee delivery of key infrastructure and strategic programmes
Ensure projects are delivered safely on time and within budget
Support network expansion and long-term commercial growth

Operations Regulation & Service Delivery

Oversee operational performance and customer service delivery
Maintain accountability for Health & Safety performance
Lead compliance with emerging sector regulation
Drive operational excellence and continuous improvement

Stakeholder Leadership

Act as the principal interface with shareholders and external stakeholders
Build strong relationships with partners suppliers regulators and industry bodies
Maintain confidence and alignment throughout the transaction process

Team Leadership

Lead and develop a high-performing organisation
Ensure capability and capacity to deliver both transaction and operational objectives
Foster a culture of accountability collaboration and continuous improvement

Candidate Profile

We are seeking an established commercially credible leader capable of operating at Board level and delivering results within a transaction infrastructure or regulated environment.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

Board-level or executive leadership experience with full organisational accountability
Experience leading or supporting company sales investments or major commercial transactions
Strong commercial and financial capability including P&L ownership
Track record of securing contracted revenues and long-term commercial agreements
Experience within infrastructure energy or regulated sectors
Proven ability to lead through change and organisational transition
Strong understanding of governance and risk management frameworks
Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills
Strong leadership and decision-making capability in complex environments
Knowledge of district heating heat networks or low-carbon energy infrastructure would be advantageous
Experience delivering major capital programmes or infrastructure projects

A degree-level qualification in business engineering energy systems sustainability or a related discipline would be beneficial although equivalent experience is equally valued.