HEAD OF COMMERCE & ENGAGEMENT

Written By Olivia Smith

THE COMPANY

Energy Central Campus (ECC) is a unique business-led partnership between the Port of Blyth, Northumberland County Council and the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, focused on creating the pipeline of talent required for the expanding clean energy sector, at the same time, inspiring, training and delivering pathways to employment for the local community

Based in one of the UK’s leading clean energy clusters, ECC places employer engagement at the heart of everything it does, ensuring education and training is shaped by real industry need.

The campus will consist of two main sites.

Energy Central Learning Hub (ECLH), opened in 2024 at the Port of Blyth, brings together STEM education, vocational training and industry engagement, and operates as a conference and events venue for the clean energy sector.

Energy Central Institute (ECI), opening in 2027 in Blyth town centre, will focus on higher-level skills, research and innovation, working with industry, the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult and higher education institutions across the North East.

THE ROLE

This role is an excellent opportunity for an experienced professional to lead strategic engagement and commercial activity, supporting the long-term sustainability and growth of ECC.

As Head of Commerce & Engagement at ECC, the candidate will report directly to the ECC Ltd Board of Directors and:

  • Drive commercial and stakeholder engagement strategies to help achieve ECC core objectives and underpin sustainability

  • Strategic political, public sector and wider stakeholder engagement, ensuring alignment with national & regional strategies / priorities

  • Strategic engagement with employers & business focussed organisations, including the developing of cross sector partnerships

  • Establish and manage strategic relationships with key industry partners

  • Establish and manage strategic relationships with key delivery partners including schools, colleges and universities, together with other skills initiatives

  • Oversight and management of all commercial & revenue generation activity

  • Development of bids for funding & strategic opportunities

  • Work closely with the Head of Operations to ensure ECC strategic objectives and outputs are met

  • Support the Board in managing ECC governance, strategy & sustainability

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

Given the scope of the role, the ideal candidate will demonstrate the following skills and experience:

  • Strategic stakeholder engagement across a broad range of stakeholder types (political, education/skills, business/industry etc) at a senior level

  • Commercial acumen and BD experience

  • Income generation in educational/skills

  • Understanding of educational funding models

  • Bid development for public funding

  • Ability to operate in small agile organisation

  • Experience of working with/reporting directly to a main Board

REMUNERATION & BENEFITS

  • ‍65k-75k per annum, depending on experience

  • Up to 10% annual bonus

  • Private medical insurance

  • 30 days holiday (plus 8 statutory days)

  • Defined pension contribution scheme

‍HOW TO APPLY

‍ Applications including full CV, details of current salary and remuneration package by email to:

‍ ‍recruit@energycentralcampus.co.uk

‍Closing date for applications: Monday 20th April 2026, 5pm

‍Interviews will be held on Friday 8th May 2026

‍ ‍

Olivia Smith