Location
London Borough of Tower Hamlets

Hours
Full Time

Salary
Starting at £59,394 per annum

About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Principal Energy Contracts Officer to lead the operational and commercial management of energy and water supplies across the London Borough of Tower Hamlets' diverse property portfolio, including the corporate estate, leisure centres, schools, parks, and housing blocks. This key role within the Energy and Sustainability Team involves ensuring the effective delivery of utility contracts, accurate billing, financial control, robust supplier performance management, and the integrity of energy and water data.

You will provide expert commercial and market insight to help the Council manage risk, control costs, and make informed decisions in a constantly evolving energy market. Leading the Council's utility management activities, you will oversee a significant utility expenditure portfolio and provide support across Council departments and schools. You will play a leading role in ensuring the Council receives best value from its energy and water contracts.

The role sits within the Housing and Regeneration Directorate’s Energy and Sustainability Team, responsible for managing energy consumption, utility procurement, and energy performance across the Council's property portfolio and partner organisations. By working closely with a wide range of stakeholders, the team ensures public buildings are operated efficiently, reliably, and cost-effectively, supporting essential services and the long-term needs of the communities served.

As Principal Energy Contracts Officer, you will take the lead on the Council's energy and water supply portfolio, ensuring contracts, suppliers, billing arrangements, and financial processes are managed effectively and efficiently. You will act as the Council's subject matter expert on utility supply matters, providing commercial advice and market intelligence to support strategic decision-making. The role combines contract management, financial oversight, supplier engagement, data management, and stakeholder support, offering significant variety and responsibility.

You will also support the delivery of utility services to schools and other partners, ensuring high standards of customer service, compliance, and value for money.

Our Benefits
Competitive salary starting at £56,154.
Local Government Pension Scheme membership.
Generous annual leave: 29 days, rising to 33 with 5+ years’ service, plus bank holidays and 3 additional days at Christmas.
Flexible and agile working to support work–life balance.
Staff money-saving schemes (e.g., rent deposit loans, season ticket loans).
Learning and development opportunities through our Learning Academy, with clear career development and leadership pathways.

About Tower Hamlets Council
Tower Hamlets is a unique borough at the heart of London – where history and innovation sit side by side. From the docks and markets that shaped the East End to the global business hub of Canary Wharf, it is one of the most dynamic, diverse, and ambitious communities in the UK. As one of the fastest growing and youngest boroughs in the country, it offers unrivalled opportunities to make a real difference to people’s lives. Our residents are energetic, creative, and resilient, and the Council is committed to delivering the best possible services and opportunities.

Our award-winning new Town Hall in Whitechapel provides a modern, flexible workplace for staff, located at the heart of the borough and directly opposite Whitechapel Tube and Elizabeth line station. It is a hub for collaboration, innovation, and community, designed to bring out the best in our people.

As an employer, we put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do. Our active Employee Network Groups celebrate and champion our workforce, helping to ensure everyone feels a sense of belonging. Guided by our TOWER values – Together, Open, Willing, Excellent and Respect – we are building a positive, inclusive culture where colleagues can thrive.

At Tower Hamlets Council, you will find exciting challenges, supportive colleagues, and the chance to shape one of London’s most important and vibrant places. If you want a role where you can see the impact of your work every day, Tower Hamlets is the place for you.

Experience
Proven experience in energy contract management, utility procurement, or a related commercial role within a complex property or public sector environment. Strong understanding of energy markets, contract negotiation, and supplier performance management is essential.

About you
You are commercially minded with excellent analytical and communication skills. You demonstrate the ability to manage multiple stakeholders and deliver value for money in a dynamic environment. You are proactive, adaptable, and able to provide expert advice and market insight to support strategic decision-making. A commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion is important to you.

Qualifications
Relevant qualifications in energy management, commercial management, procurement, or a related discipline are desirable but not essential. A willingness to engage in continuous professional development and learning is expected.