Decarbonisation Projects Lead

pla; Gravesend; Hybrid; GBP 61,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK port authority based in Gravesend is seeking a Decarbonisation Projects Lead to accelerate low-carbon operations. This role involves managing decarbonisation projects, developing business cases for low-carbon infrastructure, and collaborating with key stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have experience in sustainability project delivery and a strong understanding of decarbonisation technologies. The position offers a competitive benefits package, including generous leave and medical benefits, and is crucial for shaping the decarbonisation strategies of major waterways.

Benefits

28 days annual leave (plus Bank Holidays)

Medical Cash Plan (Westfield Health)

Generous pension

Onsite parking with electric charging

Access to Occupational Health, Mindfulness, Counselling and Physiotherapy

Cycle to Work Scheme

Car-leasing scheme (Tusker Cars)

Access to MyGymDiscounts

Qualifications

• Experience in maritime, transport, or energy sectors.
• Knowledge of energy systems and policy.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of major decarbonisation projects.
• Develop feasibility studies and funding proposals for low-carbon infrastructure.
• Work with stakeholders to shape future energy needs.
• Track technology and policy developments for PLA strategy.
• Represent PLA at industry forums.

Skills

Experience delivering infrastructure or sustainability projects

Strong knowledge of decarbonisation technologies

Proven ability to develop commercial business cases

Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills

Strong analytical ability with complex data

Job description

Overview

Department: Environment

Reporting to: Head of Sustainability

Grade: 5

Salary: £60,168 per annum

Contract Type: Fixed-term for 18 months

Working pattern: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week

Base: Walsingham House, London with occasional travel to Gravesend, Kent

Closing date: 27th February 2026

Interview dates: 19th March 2026

Who we are:

We are the UK’s biggest port, central to the country’s economy and ambitions for growth. We connect the UK to the world, but we are much more than a conventional port.

We are driven by our purpose to protect and improve the 95 mile stretch of the River Thames which is tidal from Teddington Lock on the border of Surrey, through the heart of London, Kent, Essex and out to the North Sea.

The role

The Port of London Authority is looking for an experienced Decarbonisation Projects Lead to accelerate the transition to low‑carbon operations across the tidal Thames. This role will drive the development of vessel‑charging infrastructure, energy transition technologies and strategic projects that support our Net Zero River Plan. It also represents a rare opportunity to influence decarbonisation at national scale, shaping infrastructure that supports the UK’s busiest inland waterway and its transition to Net Zero.

Key responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of major decarbonisation and energy‑transition projects.
• Develop feasibility studies, business cases and funding proposals for vessel charging and other low‑carbon infrastructure.
• Work with operators, terminals, planners, engineers and government bodies to shape future energy needs.
• Track technology, policy and market developments to guide PLA strategy.
• Represent the PLA at industry forums and contribute to sustainability reporting.

What we are looking for

• Experience delivering infrastructure or sustainability projects (maritime, transport or energy experience ideal).
• Strong knowledge of decarbonisation technologies, energy systems and policy.
• Proven ability to develop commercial business cases and secure funding.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Strong analytical ability, comfortable working with complex data.

In return, we offer a competitive benefits package

• 28 days annual leave (plus Bank Holidays)
• Medical Cash Plan (Westfield Health)
• Generous pension
• Onsite parking with electric charging
• Access to Occupational Health, Mindfulness, Counselling and Physiotherapy
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Car-leasing scheme (Tusker Cars)
• Access to MyGymDiscounts

For further information or if you would like to have an informal discussion about the position, please contact the Head of Sustainability on [e-mail].

The PLA are not registered with the UK Home Office and do not sponsor candidates who require a visa or work permit to work in the UK, therefore an offer of employment cannot be made unless you currently hold the rights to live and work in the UK.