Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £82,401 - £90,416
Location: Sheffield (This is a hybrid role with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office)

The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) brings together the local authorities of Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield and to serve the communities and businesses of South Yorkshire. From transport to housing, from business growth to skills, the MCA has a great story to tell. We have ambitions to deliver recovery and renewal for people, businesses and places across South Yorkshire.

Please note that SYMCA follows a structured salary grading system for all roles, and the offered salary for each post will be at the starting point within the specified grade. We value the skills and experience of potential candidates, and there will be opportunities for salary enhancements as you grow within South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) is currently in the process of reviewing its terms and conditions of employment including pay and grading. As part of this project, the post advertised may be subject to changes in the near future. All changes and any impact on individual posts will be discussed further should you be successfully appointed to the position you have applied for.

Please note South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority does not hold a sponsorship licence and cannot provide Skilled Worker sponsorship for any roles advertised.

Applications must be accompanied by a cover letter to detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role (please see role profile attached).

Please note that this is a politically restricted post.

Key Responsibilities

This is an exciting and high-impact leadership role at the heart of South Yorkshire’s transition to a greener, fairer, and more resilient economy. As Director of Energy and Environment, you will shape and lead a portfolio that is fundamental to the region’s future – from driving net zero ambitions and energy innovation, to delivering nature recovery and climate adaptation.

You will join the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) at a pivotal moment. As a growing organisation with increasing powers, investment capacity and influence, SYMCA is being recognised by government as a national leader in clean growth, public sector decarbonisation, and community-led environmental action. We are leading on environmental protection with our catchment-wide water management programme, and are keen to define best practice on nature recovery and biodiversity net gain.

South Yorkshire is emerging as a national leader in the clean tech economy, with distinctive regional strengths across nuclear technologies, hydrogen, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and energy storage. This role will be central to driving region-wide growth in these industries—convening private and public partners, mobilising investment, and turning technical potential into economic opportunity.

The Director will work directly with the Mayor, senior regional and national leaders, and key stakeholders to turn ambition into action—ensuring South Yorkshire secures the full economic and social value of its clean growth opportunity.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

We are seeking a strategic and experienced leader with a deep understanding of energy, climate resilience, and green growth. The successful candidate will bring a strong track record of influencing senior stakeholders, leading multidisciplinary teams, and delivering complex programmes aligned with government priorities.

About You

Deep expertise in government infrastructure and energy policy, including green finance and socio-economic transition
Senior-level experience in strategy, policy and programme leadership within a complex organisation
Proven ability to build and lead high-performing, multidisciplinary teams
Demonstrated experience influencing senior stakeholders, government departments, and community partners
Strong understanding of renewable technologies and decarbonisation pathways
Experience in business case development, investment planning and risk management
Understanding of regional governance and political landscape

Benefits

All colleagues have access to a local Government Pension Scheme and the chance to be part of an organisation where you can really make a difference. Located in Sheffield City Centre, we are well-placed for transport links and encourage employees to take advantage of the active travel facilities. Work/life balance is extremely important to us here at SYMCA with our recognised family/friendly policies, genuine work flexibility, recognition, and shared success.

In addition to the above, some of benefits include -

Annual Leave Purchase Scheme – The ability to purchase up to a further 15 days per year in additional to your normal annual leave

Hybrid working – Our offices are a space where we come together and collaborate. Most of our roles are offered on a hybrid basis with the exception of some support roles being onsite full time.

Rewarding You - Reducing everyday expenses through discounts, benefits, financial advice, wellbeing solutions and more with Reward Gateway!

Training on the job - Support with upskilling skills through on the job training and qualifications

Holiday – Up to 36 days annual leave (depending on length of service). Pro-rata for part time colleagues.

Diversity at South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority

Our workforce is made up of a diverse community, where we all belong and feel part of something bigger. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief. We will consider flexible working requests for all roles unless operational requirements prevent otherwise.

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority

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Director of Energy and Environment