Join us as Research and Policy Manager

As a leading international standard for energy efficiency and comfort, Passivhaus is growing rapidly and will play a key role in the delivery of zero carbon buildings over the next ten years. The Passivhaus Trust (PHT) is a non-profit organisation that promotes and supports the development of Passivhaus in the UK and is the UK affiliate of the Passivhaus Institut and the International Passive House Association (iPHA).

We have set an ambitious strategy aiming to encourage the industry to deliver 10% of all new buildings to the Passivhaus standard by 2035, and for 50% of the industry to be trained in Passivhaus principles by 2050 Achieving these ambitions will require robust research, evidence and policy development to demonstrate the benefits of Passivhaus and influence the policies, standards and practices that shape the built environment.

join us - policy and research manager

Who we're looking for

This role will play an important part in developing and delivering the Trust's research and policy programme, helping to ensure that the growth of Passivhaus in the UK is underpinned by high-quality evidence and informed by practical experience.

Role Title: Research and Policy Manager

Reports to: Passivhaus Trust Co-Director and works alongside members across the full PHT team.

Based at: Remote working (UK based) plus visits to 38 Graham Street, London N1 as appropriate.

Salary: £43,000 – 53,000 FTE dependent on experience.

Term: temporary or permanent PAYE, 3-4 days per week, (potential for full time if required) with a 3-month probationary period. We are happy to consider flexible arrangements, such as part-time working, job-shares, or secondments for appropriate candidates.

Deadline for applications: Friday 23rd October 2026

Interviews: November 2026 (may be held earlier for strong candidates)

About the role

The role will contribute to the development and delivery of research projects and policy initiatives that support the Trust's strategic objectives. This role focuses on the following areas:

Research & Standards

Preparing PHT position papers & content for associated materials (presentations, animations, videos), for example on “Passivhaus and net zero” or “Passivhaus and the retrofit challenge”
Setting up and managing technical projects & working groups and overseeing preparation of technical papers & guides, including managing research sub-contractors
Support development and fundraising for the Trust’s research & guidance projects
Collaboration with Passivhaus practitioners and universities on latest research topics
Liaison with the Passivhaus Institute and iPHA about the development of the PH standards
Engagement with UK certifiers about application of the PH standards in the UK
Supervising monitoring of UK Passivhaus project performance
Managing complaints relating to Trust members or certified projects
Responding to technical queries Plus activities common to all roles

UK Policy

Support engagement with key Government policy makers to promote the PH approach
Engagement with UK local authorities and key client bodies (e.g. SFT, Housing Associations, GLA, Homes England) to support their policy development & promote PH
Liaison with other UK-wide policy groups (e.g. UKNZCBS, LETI, ACAN, UKGBC, FHH) to encourage their adoption of PH
Monitor UK consultation/policy papers to determine their relevance to PH and preparation of draft responses and associated webinars
Attendance and presentations at relevant UK policy events

Common activities

Management of external advisors/ contractors
Making presentations and writing articles and news items
Liaison with members and other technical or policy contacts
Assisting with events, seminars, conferences, and campaigns
Providing research and policy information & news to the PHT marketing team
Representing PHT at public events and meetings

About you

An experienced research and policy manager, you will have a strong and technical understanding of Passivhaus and the wider low-energy building sector, with experience of research, technical standards and policy engagement. You will be confident working with a wide range of stakeholders and able to translate complex technical and policy issues into clear, practical outputs.

You will be highly organised, proactive and comfortable taking responsibility for delivering projects independently, while working collaboratively as part of a small team.

Essential skills & experience

Desirable

Relevant degree or equivalent professional experience

5–10 years' relevant experience in research, policy, the built environment or a related field

Certified Passivhaus Designer/Consultant/ Certifier qualification, which may be expired

Demonstrable experience of research and analysis

Experience producing technical, research or policy outputs

Strong understanding of Passivhaus and low-energy building principles

Knowledge of UK building, energy or climate policy

Experience working directly with UK policymakers, government departments or public bodies

Strong project management and organisational skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines

Ability to work independently and take responsibility for delivery

Experience of developing or managing technical standards, guidance or working groups

Experience collaborating with universities or research organisations

Experience of monitoring or evaluating building performance

Experience developing research proposals and securing project funding

Knowledge of UK building regulations and relevant standards

Experience of retrofit policy and practice, including EnerPHit

Experience managing external consultants, advisors or contractors

Experience presenting at conferences, seminars or industry events

Experience writing for professional or industry audiences

How to apply

Please send:

A detailed CV
A 300-word statement (as an attachment, not in the body of the email) explaining your suitability

to vacancies@passivhaustrust.org.uk. Incomplete applications will not be assessed.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview, with a short assessment to complete as part of the process. Further details will be shared with those shortlisted.

Application deadline: Friday 23rd October 2026

Interviews: November 2026 (may be held earlier for strong candidates)

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

If you've got the right skills for the job, we want to hear from you. We encourage applications from the right candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, belief, race, caring responsibilities, care experience or social background.

Disability and Accessibility

If you have any difficulties with your application because of a disability, please contact info@passivhaustrust.org.uk and we will discuss how we can help.

Further information

Download the job description

Aoout the Passivhaus Trust

24th September 2026

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