At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the CEO on high-priority projects and drive innovation initiatives.
- Company: Fast-growing company focused on energy transition with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, private health insurance, and pension scheme.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with excellent career growth opportunities and structured training.
- Why this job: Gain unique insights into business operations while tackling real-world challenges.
- Qualifications: Strong academic background in relevant fields and problem-solving mindset.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35000 £ per year.
Location: Wakefield (5 days per week at our head office)
Type of contract: 18‑month fixed‑term contract, with the opportunity to move to a permanent full‑time role based on performance
Salary & benefits: £30,000 – £35,000 with an annual performance bonus of up to 15%. Workplace pension scheme and private health and dental insurance.
Reporting to: Associate Director, CEO's office (Entry‑level role)
The energy transition needs people who can figure things out.
About the Role
This is a Founder's Associate role at entry level, reporting directly to the Associate Director within the CEO's Office and working closely with the CEO. It is a broad, high‑trust, high‑context seat at the centre of the business, giving you a direct line of sight into how a fast‑growing company is run.
Your remit will span multiple workstreams rather than sitting in a single function. In a typical week you might be supporting legal, HR and people matters, driving an innovation initiative, or owning a discrete piece of a special project that lands on the CEO's desk. The common thread is that you take ownership, move quickly, and bring clear thinking to problems that don’t yet have an obvious answer.
You will have direct exposure to the CEO, the senior leadership team and the wider corporate function, giving you an unusual perspective on how priorities are set, decisions are made and time and capital are allocated across the company. You will be expected to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and good judgement.
You will join us alongside our incoming graduate analysts and take part in the same structured training programme, development plan, and graduate cohort experience. While this is not a rotational programme, you’ll be embedded across the business, working alongside and gaining exposure to engineering, development, operations, business development, commercial and finance teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Special projects: take ownership of discrete, high‑priority projects that land on the CEO's desk – scoping the problem, pulling together the analysis, and driving them through to a clear outcome.
- Innovation & grant funding: support our innovation pipeline and competitive grant applications (e.g., Innovate UK, Horizon Europe), helping draft submissions, coordinate consortium partners, and track milestones, claims and reporting against awarded funding.
- Consortium & partnership building: help build and manage consortia and partnerships – such as our work with Transport Scotland and major fleet operators – supporting stakeholder coordination, letters of intent and business cases that bring partners on board.
- Legal & governance: support the coordination of legal, contractual and corporate governance matters – from collaboration agreements and grant contracts to board and committee documentation – keeping documents, processes and approvals organised.
- AI & ways of working: identify and roll out AI agents, automations and tools that make the CEO's Office and the wider business faster and lighter.
- Business leadership support: provide direct, high‑trust support to the Associate Director and CEO across correspondence, research, briefings, external profile (events and speaking opportunities) and meeting preparation and follow‑ups.
- Insight & reporting: track developments across energy markets, transport policy and emerging technology, and translate findings into clear, actionable insight.
What You'll Thrive On
- Being drawn to problems that don’t have obvious answers.
- Holding your own in a room of experienced people and being keen to learn from them.
- Thinking clearly under pressure and prioritising effectively.
- Being genuinely excited by the energy transition – not just as a career move, but as something worth getting right.
- Being fluent in AI tools and curious about how technology can unlock better ways of working.
- Coming with a strong academic background in engineering, computer science, maths, economics, environmental science or a related field – though what matters most is how you think, not what you studied.
Eligibility
Please note, this role requires the right to work in the United Kingdom from the start date of the job, for the duration of the 18‑month contract. This position does not offer visa sponsorship.
Equal Opportunity
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Founder's Associate (Graduate) in Wakefield employer: Aegis Energy
As a Founder's Associate at our Wakefield head office, you'll be part of a dynamic and innovative team dedicated to driving the energy transition. We offer a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth through structured training and direct exposure to senior leadership, ensuring you gain invaluable insights into business operations. With competitive salary packages, performance bonuses, and comprehensive health benefits, we are committed to fostering a rewarding environment for our employees.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Founder's Associate (Graduate) in Wakefield
✨Embrace Internships & Mentorships
Get your foot in the door by seeking out internships or mentorship programmes that focus on corporate leadership. These experiences not only build our skills but also help us make valuable connections that can lead to opportunities at companies like Aegis Energy.
✨Join Professional Associations
Look for associations relevant to corporate leadership and management, such as the Institute of Leadership and Management. Becoming a member gives us access to networking events, forums, and job listings that can seriously boost our chances at landing that entry-level role.
✨Tap into University Career Services
If we’re fresh out of uni, let’s use our university’s career services! They often have tailored support for students looking to enter corporate management, from workshops to job fairs where we can connect directly with recruiters from Aegis Energy and similar firms.
✨Craft a Unique Approach
When reaching out for entry-level positions, let’s personalise our communications. Research Aegis Energy, understand their values and current projects, and mention how we align with those in our outreach. This shows we’re genuinely interested and increases our chances of a positive response.
We think you need these skills to ace Founder's Associate (Graduate) in Wakefield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Leadership Potential:Even though this is an entry-level role in corporate leadership management, you should showcase any leadership experiences you've had. Think about group projects at uni, societies you led, or even volunteering roles where you took charge. This demonstrates that you have what it takes to step up!
Tailor Your CV to Show Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills relevant to corporate leadership and management like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Additionally, if you’ve undertaken any relevant courses or certifications, like project management or leadership training, be sure to add those to your CV. They can really set you apart!
Craft a Motivational Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your eagerness to learn and grow within this role. Discuss how your academic experiences and personal interests align with corporate leadership values, and mention why you're excited about Aegis Energy specifically. This isn't just about qualifications; let them feel your passion!
Be Clear on Your Availability:As this is an entry-level position, make sure to clarify your availability in your application. If you have any commitments like internships or studies, let them know how you can manage your time. This will help Aegis Energy understand how you can fit into their team, and it shows you're organised!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aegis Energy
✨Lead with Your Potential
As it’s an entry-level role in corporate leadership management, focus on showcasing your potential to grow and adapt. Prepare examples of when you've taken the initiative in group projects or how you’ve influenced outcomes even without formal authority.
✨Know Your Management Theories
Brush up on popular management theories and concepts like situational leadership or the four pillars of management. Be ready to discuss how you would apply these theories practically in a corporate setting like Aegis Energy.
✨Show Your Communication Skills
In leadership, strong communication is key. Think about times you've successfully navigated group dynamics or handled a conflict—these stories will help illustrate your people skills and how you engage with others.
✨Ask About Growth Opportunities
Since it's an entry-level position, show your enthusiasm for learning. Ask about mentorship programmes or training opportunities at Aegis Energy—this not only demonstrates your eagerness for professional development but also indicates you're serious about contributing to the team's success.
