Energy Lead

Lewis Davey is delighted to be working with an innovative leader in real estate and sustainable consulting.

This is a critical and senior position within the team, responsible for enabling the sustainable growth of the global network while improving profit margins. The role leads category management for centre utilities across 3,500+ locations worldwide, covering an estimated £70M in annual spend across 120+ countries.

The successful candidate will oversee the end-to-end process of supplying centres with utilities. This includes identifying suitable suppliers, securing competitive market rates to manage costs, and ensuring sustainability targets are met. The role involves continuously reviewing and optimizing contracts, driving cost-reduction initiatives through technology, and establishing clear reporting on centre-level consumption across both direct and indirect supply routes. Additionally, the position plays a key part in supplier management, handling escalations, ensuring service-level agreements are met, and resolving any issues related to service, delivery, or billing.

This role is also accountable for managing relationships with internal stakeholders, external partners, and the supplier network to drive collaboration, enhance commercial performance, and support strategic objectives.

With ambitious sustainability goals, including achieving Net Zero carbon emissions before 2040, this role will be instrumental in supporting key initiatives, such as transitioning to 100% renewable electricity by 2030 in alignment with RE100 guidelines.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category management strategies to drive cost savings, efficiency, and value creation through innovative service and product delivery.
• Ensure cost recovery through customer payments, centre recharges, rebates, or other methods.
• Track and report savings targets and consumption data.
• Build strong supplier relationships to enhance quality, reliability, and innovation.
• Lead vendor selection, including RFPs and RFQs, and negotiate contracts to secure optimal terms.
• Oversee vendor performance, ensuring continuous improvement and value creation.
• Approve large or technical expenditures.
• Align strategies with stakeholder needs while maintaining a client-focused approach.
• Manage category risks, ensure compliance, and develop contingency plans.
• Monitor market trends to keep offerings competitive and aligned with client expectations.
• Lead renewable energy initiatives, working with landlords to improve energy provision, data access, and renewable usage.
• Oversee compliance with energy regulations and drive RE100 strategy execution, including on-site renewable energy and PPA solutions.
• Engage regional teams to implement sustainability initiatives and ensure effective energy procurement.
• Develop site audit action plans as needed.

Candidate Profile

• 5+ years Experience in utilities, supply chain, procurement, or related fields, with expertise in category management and strategic decision-making.
• Strong understanding of market trends, pricing, supply/demand dynamics, and innovation to maintain competitive offerings.
• Proven ability to develop and implement cost-saving, efficient, and value-driven strategies.
• Experience in cost recovery methods such as customer payments, recharges, and rebates to ensure profitability.
• Skilled in supplier relationships, procurement, contract negotiation, and vendor performance optimization.
• Effective collaboration with stakeholders and proactive risk management.
• Expertise in renewable energy markets, energy reduction strategies, and built environment efficiencies.

Benefits

• Competitive pay scales reviewed annually.
• Discretionary annual company bonus.
• Private healthcare and life cover.
• Unlimited holidays.
• Hybrid working with a focus on connectivity, flexibility, and relationship-building.
• Bespoke training programmes and access to a dedicated learning portal.
• Reward Gateway with exclusive discounts.
• Wellbeing Centre and Global Employee Assistance Programme.
• Colleague recognition scheme, including quarterly and annual awards with great prizes.
• Generous referral scheme.
• Provided laptop and tech.
• Early finish on Fridays.