Job Description

About us

SevernNet is a non-profit social enterprise. We're run with the support of our members and our team of voluntary directors.

SevernNet brings together the businesses and community across Portbury Avonmouth Severnside (PAS) to enable barriers to be overcome and opportunities to be exploited through cooperation and collaboration.

We are promoting the area as a Circular Net Zero Economy Hub for the West of England and Severn Estuary Local Growth Area

A number of stakeholders have come together to form the West of England Industrial Cluster, successfully bid for funding from Innovate UK to develop a Local Industrial Decarbonisation Plan, and completed this plan in March 2025. We are now working on its rollout.

The cluster is developing from a hub centred across Portbury Avonmouth Severnside (PAS) with spokes to industrial sites across the West of England and beyond as illustrated in Fig 1. Key stakeholders and partners are illustrated in Fig2.

The Circular Economy Facilitator will play a key role in the growth and strengthening of the circular economy and energy network of businesses and organisations across Portbury Avonmouth Severnside (PAS) and the wider area as required.

We are looking for a talented and enthusiastic person to manage this critical role, influencing the successful delivery of the Local Industrial Decarbonisation Plan rollout for the West of England Industrial Cluster; and development of the PAS Circular Economy.

You'll be a strong team player and communicator, an inclusive manager with robust, consistent project delivery and engagement skills; and a good understanding and experience of facilitation and circular economy working. You'll be reporting to our Managing Director; and working with, and supported by, the Cluster Manager and other SevernNet and WEIC team members and our Board.

The role will be on a self-employed basis. Whilst current funding is to the end of December 2025, we are seeking to secure further funding to support this as an ongoing SevernNet role.

Over 3 months, assuming 12 weeks, working 28 hours per week this totals 8736.

Primary Roles

Working with other members of the LIDP Partnership to deliver the circular economy elements needed to support delivery of the LIDP Further developing, growing and strengthening the circular economy (incl. energy) network of businesses and organisations across Portbury Avonmouth Severnside to enable delivery of the required outcomes Putting in place supporting analysis, tools and media to facilitate and enable the PAS circular economy network Organising and facilitating network development events Providing opportunities for shared learning and identification and promotion of best practice; and signposting organisations to relevant support services
A more detailed task description is available below and can be downloaded here: https://severnnet.org/jobs-skills/

Outcomes

A project plan to enable delivery of the LIDP Circular Economy outcomes, supporting roll out of the LIDP; and the further development and strengthening of the circular economy across PAS Successful delivery of the agreed circular economy elements of the LIDP Plan Rollout including progression of key initiatives and projects identified in the details job description An engaged, active and diverse circular economy network of businesses and organisations across PAS, providing a legacy beyond the LIDP project An effective online showcase of best practice examples and advice; and signposting to support services Effective and collaborative working with other partners

About You

You are a people person. An excellent facilitator and connector, able to think critically and creatively to achieve effective engagement and a growing cooperative network.

You thrive in a dynamic and collaborative work environment.

If you welcome the opportunity to be at the forefront of groundbreaking work across the West of England to demonstrate the importance of the circular economy in decarbonising the West of England Industrial Cluster, establish a sound base for a circular net zero economy across PAS, and be part of a great team, then read on.

Here's what we're looking for:

Essential Skills and Qualifications

Relevant qualifications Proven circular economy and energy experience Experience in setting up and facilitating events; and in developing networks/communities of interest Project planning, monitoring, evaluation and delivery Workload prioritisation - managing multiple priorities and having a flexible approach Excellent written and verbal communication skills Good IT Skills - including Word, Excel and PowerPoint Proficient use of social media including LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram Understanding and adherence to GDPR and related constraints to engagement

Desirable Skills and Qualifications

Degree Level Qualification (or equivalent) Understanding of, and passion for the circular economy, net zero and decarbonisation

The Offer

Working week:

Self-employed part-time role - average 24.5 hours a week;

Rate:

Hourly rate 26 (subject to experience). Paid within 21 days of receipt of approved timesheet and invoice

Annual Income:

Based on 28 hrs per week and 12 weeks until end 2025 8736. There may be potential to extend hours, supporting SevernNet's work in other areas.

Duration:

Fixed term [initial] contract to 31st December 2025

Location:

Based at SevernNet's Avonmouth office (St Andrews House) with the opportunity for flexible and home working dependent upon tasks and team needs. There will be a requirement to attend in-person events including meetings across Portbury, Avonmouth, Severnside.

Travel:

Expenses are recoverable based upon SevernNet's standard rates

Equipment:

If required, a laptop and mobile phone can be provided for the duration of the contract

Start date:

As soon as possible

Application Deadline:

Applications will be reviewed as they are received

Interviews:

Interviews will be arranged and an appointment will be made as soon as a suitable candidate is confirmed

Further details:

Please email kate.royston@severnnet.org if you would like to arrange an informal chat.

Application process:

Please email a CV and covering letter describing your motivations and suitability for the role with reference to the expectations set out in this job description to: kate.royston@severnnet.org.

A detailed task description is available here: https://severnnet.org/jobs-skills/

Job Types: Part-time, Fixed term contract, Freelance
Contract length: 3 months

Pay: 26.00 per hour

Benefits:

Free parking On-site parking
Application question(s):

It is essential for the role that the successful applicant is able to work from our Avonmouth office and attend local events as required. Are you within a reasonable travel distance to be able to do this?
Education:

Master's (preferred)
Experience:

circular economy: 1 year (preferred)
Work Location: In person