Energy Manager

What does an energy manager do?

As an energy manager, you will enable organisations to reduce their energy consumption by helping them to implement more sustainable energy, carbon and water systems. 

The job role of an energy manager involves the following duties:  

• Benchmarking energy consumption against best practice guidelines  
• Carrying out site inspections and completing energy surveys 
• Collecting energy monitoring data and keeping accurate records 
• Creating energy policies and systems 
• Dealing with energy contract negotiations 
• Developing and overseeing strategies to reduce energy consumption 
• Encouraging the use of renewable and sustainable energy resources 
• Keeping up to date with energy legislation 
• Negotiating with contractors and external stakeholders 
• Overseeing carbon management 
• Raising the profile of energy conservation 
• Sharing advice and providing training on energy efficiency. 

How to become an energy manager

There are several routes to becoming an energy manager. You could complete a university or college course, an apprenticeship, or apply to an employer directly. 

You should explore these routes to becoming an energy manager to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions. 

You will need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site. 

University 

To become an energy manager, you could complete an undergraduate or postgraduate university course in a relevant subject.

• Equivalent entry requirements explained 
• Find a university course 
• Funding advice 

College/training provider 

You could complete a college course in environmental science, energy engineering, or business studies to help you start your journey to becoming an energy manager. 

• Equivalent entry requirements explained 
• Find a course near you 
• Funding advice 

Apprenticeship 

You could train to become an energy manager by completing an apprenticeship related to:  

• Architecture  
• Business studies 
• Building and construction 
• Energy management 
• Engineering,  
• Environmental sciences,  
• Surveying. 

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you’ll be fully employed and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and college or training provider. 

• Guide to apprenticeships 

Work 

If you have experience working in a related industry such as architecture, surveying or engineering, you might be able to apply directly to an employer for a position as an energy manager. 

Work experience 

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as an energy manager. Potential employers will be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV. 

• Find out more about work experience 

Skills  

Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as an energy manager include:  

• Ability to influence others and negotiate  
• Excellent communication skills 
• Good sense of initiative  
• Knowledge of energy management and renewable energy 
• Leadership qualities
• Project management skills. 

How much could you earn as an energy manager?

The expected salary for an energy manager varies as you become more experienced. 

• Newly trained energy managers can start at £25,000
• Trained with experience energy managers can earn up to £85,000*
• Self-employed energy managers set their own rates. 

Salaries depend on location, employer, level of responsibility, any overtime you may do, and whether you have completed an industry recognised training route. 

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources