Contract: 26 hours per week (based on 37.5hr week), 8 month contract
Probation period: 3 months
Salary: £39-44,000 FTE, pro rata (26 hours equates to £27,040-£30,506.67)
Reporting to: Board of Directors
Location: Bristol based, Remote/hybrid
Hiring timeline: ASAP

To apply: Please send a cover letter and CV to info@cheeseproject.co.uk

This is a unique opportunity to manage and develop the multiple-award-winning Community Interest Company, The CHEESE Project CIC. Our project trains surveyors to conduct thermal imaging surveys in homes across the Bristol area, helping residents identify and reduce energy loss. This rewarding and impactful work receives strong, positive feedback and fosters genuine change.

An ideal candidate will have experience that will help them carry out our key responsibilities of surveyor management, business development, grant application, community engagement, and general operational management of the business. Far more important, however, is for the candidate to be a pro-active, engaged individual with an organised and positive way of working, who can communicate well and inspire those around them.

The role involves presence in the Bristol and surrounding areas and is largely a remote working position. The contract would be extended dependent on funding, however we are currently delivering multiple funded projects.

Your Role – Business Manager

The Business Manager plays a crucial role in our organisation’s success, representing The CHEESE Project CIC in Bristol, enhancing our brand reputation, and driving growth.

Responsibilities:

Business Development:

• Identify and pursue new opportunities to expand the project’s reach and impact.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with local community and other organisations, businesses, and stakeholders.
• Promote the project to potential clients and partners through various channels.
• Oversee marketing and outreach efforts to increase awareness and engagement.

Grant Application and Management:

• Research and identify potential grant funding opportunities.
• Prepare and submit compelling grant applications to secure funding.
• Manage grant funds and ensure compliance with grant requirements and reporting.

Community Engagement:

• Oversee the website and social media accounts to ensure that the project has a wide reach and influence.  
• Develop existing relationships with local communities to encourage participation in the project, and foster creation of new relationships.
• Organise and lead community events, workshops, and presentations.
• Act as the primary point of contact for community enquiries and support.

Survey Management:

• Recruit and manage a team of Heatview^TM surveyors.
• Oversee the Development Coordinator and Project Support Officer in scheduling and coordinating thermal imaging surveys in homes around the Bristol area.
• Ensure surveyors adhere to safety and quality standards during surveys.
• Provide ongoing support and professional development opportunities for surveyors.

Operational Oversight:

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of The CHEESE Project CIC
• Ensure all activities align with the project’s mission and goals.
• Monitor project progress and report on key performance indicators.
• In collaboration with the Treasurer, monitor the project’s finances and create budgets.
• Implement and maintain efficient systems, processes, and policies.

Requirements:

Essential

IT Skills and Organisation

• Proficiency in general IT skills, including Microsoft Office.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.

Leadership and Professionalism

• Proven experience working to a professional standard with enthusiasm, a proactive attitude, and a strong desire to learn.
• A positive attitude with the ability to inspire and motivate others, coupled with a proactive approach to work and problem-solving.

Community Engagement

• Demonstrated experience in building and maintaining partnerships with various stakeholders.

Other

• Possession of a full UK driving license.
• Presence in Bristol for in-person meetings and activities.

Desirable

IT Skills and Organisation

• Experience using Xero accounting software.
• Familiarity with platforms such as WordPress and Calendly.

Leadership and Professionalism

• Proven experience in managing and leading small teams and groups of volunteers.
• Strong ability to train, motivate, and support team members.

Community Engagement

• Experience in engaging with local communities and organising events or workshops.
• Experience in collaborating with local governments, NGOs, and community organisations.

Marketing

• Experience in marketing, outreach, and public relations to promote project awareness.
• Skills in using social media and digital platforms, including our website for outreach.

Grant Funding

• Proven track record in writing successful grant applications and securing funding.
• Experience in managing grant funds and compliance with reporting requirements.

Other

Knowledge of thermal imaging and energy loss reduction techniques.

Background in environmental science, sustainability, or energy efficiency projects.

Would you like to be a voluntary Non-Executive Director

To help to scale up a leading edge, community-led, not-for-profit organisation that tackles both fuel poverty and climate change?

Working with trusted local community organisations, we have developed over ten years the highly successful CHEESE Project CIC (Cold Homes Energy Efficiency Survey Experts). It uses a unique thermal survey system, enhanced by pressure reduction, to reveal energy loss from homes. We combat climate disruption and fuel poverty, using our own internal Heatview® survey protocol, software and camera equipment. We have surveyed over 1,200 homes to date, with over 100 5* reviews on Trustpilot, and have won 5 awards including Community Energy England’s Small Community Energy Organisation of the Year 2024. Our surveys are extremely effective in engaging householders directly with energy loss from their homes, vital for the UK’s Climate change goals, because they enable a highly targeted and at first low-cost response. We are currently partners with Retrofit West CIC, who subsidise our surveys with vouchers for 70% of the cost, and are 1 year into a 2 year Energy Redress grant-funded project.

We are looking for Bristol-based voluntary Non-Executive Directors to join The CHEESE Project board. Being a Non-Exec Director means you will play an important role in helping shape our organisation as we grow, combating climate disruption and fuel poverty in Bristol and surroundings.

Overall the role requires a time commitment of no more than 1 day a month, including attendance at monthly Board meetings, annual strategy meetings, the AGM, and member events depending on schedules. There is a particular need for anyone with experience with business/commercial, financial/accounting, building science/research-led, and marketing expertise, but all backgrounds are welcome!

If you have any spare time to commit to this award-winning company, please email willow.merewood@cheeseproject.co.uk with your CV and cover letter before February 23rd. We welcome earlier applications.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion, or belief.

PLEASE NOTE: Please do not send in CVs on their own. We will not accept applications from agencies.