Energy managers help businesses save money and manage their energy more efficiently
As an energy manager, you'll plan, regulate and monitor the energy use in an organisation or facility. Your aim will be to improve efficiency by evaluating energy use, calculating energy efficiency and putting in place new policies and changes where needed.
You'll coordinate all aspects of energy management, from reduction of carbon dioxide emissions to waste management and sustainable development.
Energy managers work in a range of industries from manufacturing, engineering and construction to areas such as education, healthcare and hospitality.
What does an energy manager do?
As an energy manager, you'll:
- develop an understanding of how energy is used in an organisation in order to make improvements
- develop, coordinate and implement energy audits, strategies and policies to reduce energy consumption
- encourage the use of renewable and sustainable energy resources within an organisation or community and raise the profile of energy conservation
- develop solutions for carbon management
- create policies and systems for buying energy and helping with contract negotiations
- provide technical and practical advice and offer training on energy efficiency
- develop promotional activities and materials to publicise particular schemes
- keep accurate records and regularly collect energy monitoring data
- carry out site inspections and energy surveys
- benchmark energy consumption against best practice guidelines
- keep up to date with legislation.
How much does an energy manager earn?
- Starting salaries for energy management roles are typically £26,000 to £38,000, depending on the employer, sector and location.
- With experience, energy managers may earn £40,000 to £55,000. Salaries can be higher for senior roles, particularly in London and in the private sector.
- Senior and highly experienced energy managers can earn £60,000 to £85,000. Salaries may be higher for roles with significant responsibility, particularly in London.
Some organisations, particularly those in the private sector, may offer additional benefits. These can include a company car or car allowance if travel is required, a mobile phone, pension scheme, private healthcare or bonus scheme.
Income figures are intended as a guide only.
How many hours does an energy manager work?
You'll typically work Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, although flexible and hybrid working arrangements may be available depending on your employer and role. You'll usually need to spend some time on site carrying out surveys, audits and other practical work. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to attend meetings or events.
You can work part time or on a consultancy basis. Career breaks are also possible, but if you take time off, you must keep up to date with changes in legislation and initiatives.
How do I become an energy manager?
You need to have a good understanding of electrical and mechanical systems as well as knowledge of the energy use of organisations.
A degree is not essential but there are specialist subjects available that focus on energy and the environment, for example:
- energy engineering
- environmental science
- sustainable energy.
Alternatively, one of the following subjects may also be helpful:
- architecture
- building and construction or surveying
- business studies or administration
- energy management
- engineering
- surveying.
Entry with an HND or foundation degree is also possible, particularly if it is in a related subject such as:
- building technology
- business studies
- engineering
- environmental studies.
You may also choose to do an apprenticeship, such as the Level 3 Energy Manager. Apprenticeships combine paid work with part-time study, allowing you to train on the job.
You don't need a postgraduate qualification, although it may help you progress to a more senior position. Consider courses that include a work placement, as these can provide valuable practical experience. Specialist courses in energy management are available. Search postgraduate courses in environmental science
Skills you need to become an energy manager
You'll need:
- an understanding of regulatory and compliance requirements relating to energy consumption
- analytical skills to assess energy use and identify opportunities for improved energy efficiency
- change management skills to introduce and embed energy-saving initiatives
- influencing and negotiating skills to motivate colleagues to work towards a common goal
- knowledge and enthusiasm for energy management, energy efficiency and renewable energy issues
- networking and relationship-building skills, both within and outside the organisation
- project management skills to coordinate different aspects of a project to achieve an overall goal.
Energy manager work experience
As you may be competing against candidates from a range of backgrounds, relevant work experience can help strengthen your applications. Some degree courses include a sandwich placement or year in industry, which can provide particularly useful experience.
You could also apply for internships and summer placements with energy companies, consultancies, local authorities and other organisations with dedicated energy or sustainability teams. Major energy employers such as EDF, National Grid and SSE may offer opportunities.
Look for part-time work, placements or other work experience in areas such as energy management, sustainability, environmental management, facilities management or engineering. Experience that develops your project management, data analysis, communication and organisational skills can also be valuable.
Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.
Who employs energy managers?
Any organisation that is a large user of energy is likely to employ someone with the responsibility for energy saving, although it may be part of another job.
Employers can be found in a variety of areas and sectors and include:
- energy agencies and partnerships
- health trusts
- higher education institutions
- large charities
- local government
- voluntary and community organisations.
If you'd like to enter the commercial sector, you could find work with:
- construction companies
- environmental consultancies
- manufacturers
- nuclear energy companies
- retail chains and supermarkets
- utilities companies.
Look for job vacancies at:
Where can a career in energy management lead?
You may develop your career in a number of ways, depending on your employer, the sector you work in and your experience. To improve your chances of progression, you must keep up to date with legislation, compliance and reporting requirements through training and continuing professional development (CPD). You may choose to complete a postgraduate qualification part time, such as a Masters in energy management, while working. You can also develop your technical skills, including the use of specialist software for monitoring and analysing energy consumption and efficiency.
Professional bodies offer training and development opportunities throughout your career. The EMA (Energy Managers Association) provides membership, CPD events, training and resources for energy management professionals.
The Energy Institute (EI) also offers energy management training at different stages of your career, including:
- Level 1: Certificate in Energy Management Essentials
- Level 2: Energy Management Professional
- Level 3: Advanced Energy Manager.
Find out more about EI energy management and energy efficiency training.
Depending on your role, you may also undertake specialist training in areas such as BREEAM, a sustainability assessment method used for buildings and other built environment projects.
With experience and further professional development, you could specialise in areas such as:
- corporate energy strategy
- energy consultancy
- environmental engineering
- environmental protection
- facilities management.
Experienced energy managers may also work towards Chartered Energy Manager status through the EI. You'll need to be a Member (MEI) or Fellow (FEI) of the institute and demonstrate the required professional knowledge and experience.
You can also develop your professional credentials through the EMA, for example by becoming an EMA Recognised Energy Manager or, if you have suitable experience, an EMA Registered ESOS Lead Assessor.