Set the long‑term asset strategy that shapes Cadent’s network of the future
As our Head of Asset Strategy, you’ll be accountable for defining, owning and evolving Cadent’s long‑term asset strategy, ensuring the gas distribution network remains safe, reliable, resilient and affordable while supporting the transition to Net Zero and a multi‑molecule energy system. This is a pivotal leadership role, shaping how Cadent plans, prioritises and invests in its asset base across regulatory cycles.
This is a permanent role, reporting to the Director of Asset Strategy, where you’ll provide the strategic authority on asset strategy across Cadent. You’ll translate future energy scenarios, regulatory expectations and system needs into coherent asset strategies and investment priorities that balance cost, risk and performance for customers.
The role carries significant strategic influence, working closely with Engineering, Operations, Finance, Regulation and Network Leadership to ensure asset strategies are robust, deliverable and aligned to Cadent’s Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP) and Asset Management Policy (G/30). A company car is provided, recognising the seniority of the role and the requirement for national stakeholder engagement.
Why you’ll love this role:
- Strategic Asset Leadership – Define and own Cadent’s long‑term asset strategy, guiding how the network evolves across regulatory periods.
- Investment Direction – Set the strategic basis for RIIO investment plans, ensuring asset strategies optimise cost, risk and performance under uncertainty.
- Whole‑System Thinking – Establish a holistic, whole‑system asset strategy aligned to Net Zero pathways and future energy scenarios.
- Decision‑Making Frameworks – Lead the governance and development of asset decision‑support frameworks to ensure transparent, evidence‑based investment decisions.
- Innovation & Digital Enablement – Champion the use of advanced analytics, modelling and digital tools, including AI, to strengthen asset insight and scenario analysis.
- Regulatory Influence – Shape and influence the regulatory framework, engaging with Ofgem and industry bodies to ensure it enables efficient, customer‑focused outcomes.
- Asset Management Excellence – Lead Cadent’s Asset Management Centre of Excellence and drive alignment with ISO 55001 and IAM principles.
What you’ll bring:
- Strategic Asset Management Expertise – Extensive experience developing long‑term asset strategies in a regulated environment.
- Senior Leadership Capability – Proven ability to influence at executive level, set long‑term direction and build high‑performing, inclusive teams.
- Strong Commercial & Risk Acumen – Deep understanding of balancing whole‑life cost, risk, performance and regulatory incentives.
- Data & Insight‑Led Thinking – Experience using data, modelling and digital tools to inform strategic decisions under uncertainty.
- Regulatory & Stakeholder Confidence – Strong track record engaging with regulators, industry bodies and senior external stakeholders.
- Change & Innovation Mindset – Commitment to evolving asset strategy approaches in line with system transformation and Net Zero ambitions.
Qualifications:
- Degree‑level qualification (or equivalent senior experience) in asset management, engineering or a related discipline.
- Strong knowledge of asset management standards (IAM / ISO 55001).
- Chartered status or equivalent senior professional recognition (desirable).
What’s In It for You
Here at Cadent, we recognise that our people are truly unsung heroes. Quietly confident, delivering every day – that’s why we’re committed to supporting our people to get the best out of themselves. For this role, we offer:
- Private Medical Insurance for you, your partner and your family available through MyChoices, our flexible benefits programme, with access to a 24‑hour Bupa HealthLine.
- 25 days’ holiday, plus 8 statutory days and an option to buy or sell holiday days.
- Annual Performance Bonus of up to 15% of your salary.
- Generous pension scheme where the company double matches your contributions up to 12%.
- Competitive salary reviewed annually against the market median salary for your role, skills, knowledge and experience.
- Generous family policies and flexible benefits.
- Free Employee Assistance Line – confidential support and advice on any challenges.
- Professional development support – coverage for membership subscriptions, course fees, books, examination fees, study leave, where relevant.
- Additional benefits that help align work and home life.
Diversity and Inclusion
Don’t meet every requirement? No problem! If you’re excited about this opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification mentioned, we would still love for you to submit your application – you may just be the right person for this role or other opportunities at Cadent.
We value diversity and are committed to being an equitable employer. Our employee communities – Women in Cadent, Pride at Work (LGBTQ+), Embrace (ethnicity and religion), Thrive! (disability), the Cadent Military Community, the Grief Awareness Community, and the Men's Engagement Network (M.E.N) – can’t wait to welcome you!
