At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic planning and execution in a dynamic energy company.
- Company: Join a family of brands revolutionising energy for a greener future.
- Benefits: £50,000 salary, flexible working, mentorship, and real project experience.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and support from a dedicated mentor.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while transitioning from military or elite sports.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic planning and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 £ per year.
Join us, be part of more. We're so much more than an energy company. We're a family of brands revolutionising how we power the planet. We're energisers. One team of 21,000 colleagues that's energising a greener, fairer future by creating an energy system that doesn't rely on fossil fuels, whilst living our powerful commitment to igniting positive change in our communities. Here, you can find more purpose, more passion, and more potential. That's why working here is #MoreThanACareer.
We do energy differently - we do it all. We make it, store it, move it, sell it, and mend it.
This programme is designed to support you as you transition into a new career. Whether you're leaving the Armed Forces or finishing an elite sporting career, we welcome the experience, discipline and resilience you bring. You'll gain hands-on experience in a FTSE100 organisation, receive tailored support, and join a community that values who you are and what you can offer.
The Strategy and Corporate Development team are responsible for setting the strategic vision, ambition and direction for Centrica Business. They translate this into business plans and performance measures used to track delivery and measure success. Working closely with the Director of Strategy and Planning, you'll have primary accountability for developing the Business Unit's Strategic Plan, ensuring it is clear, coherent and actionable. You'll then monitor the delivery of the plan and make recommendations for adjustments to ensure strategic success.
During your placement you will:
- Translate strategic ideas into a comprehensive Strategic Plan for the Business Unit
- Work with Strategy, Commercial, Operations and Tech teams to understand business vision, ambition and objectives
- Coordinate cross-functional input and alignment to ensure the plan is executable
- Report progress against the Strategic Plan to the MD and Centrica Business Leadership Team
- Deliver high quality stakeholder management across the spectrum of senior and peer stakeholders to ensure buy-in
- Continuously challenge and improve ways of working seeking to optimise efficiency whilst delivering commercial success
- Operate in a complex, ambiguous environment, solving problems that are not clearly defined
- Apply structured, logical thinking to bring clarity to ambiguity
- Make informed decisions on planning approach, milestones, sequencing and prioritisation
- Work autonomously to identify risks, issues & dependencies, taking proactive action
- Adapt plans in response to changing priorities or emerging information
- Balance competing priorities and trade-offs (e.g. speed vs rigour, ambition vs deliverability)
What we're looking for: We're looking for potential, not perfection. You don't need to meet every requirement to apply:
- Deep experience within strategic and campaign planning
- Proven ability to translate high-level strategy into concrete plans, milestones and deliverables
- Experience leading planning processes, turning strategy into a fully executed, successful plan
- Exceptional digital literacy; ability to structure complex strategic inputs into clear, useable datasets and plans
- An ability to design the planning system - not just operate it
- Expert use of Excel and Powerpoint, building robust planning tools and exec-ready visualisations
- Experience in project management toolsets: Microsoft Planner, Project, Visio/Miro, PowerBI
- Strong ability to integrate and exploit AI to maximise efficiency and output
- Expert communicator - able to structure written reports and presentations for full range of stakeholders, ensuring informed, risk aware, agile decision-making
- An absolute, resolute focus on delivery
- PM qualifications or experience operating within environments using methodologies such as Agile or Scrum is desirable
On placement you'll also have a dedicated business mentor, opportunities to meet senior leaders, and plenty of support to settle into your role.
This placement is open to:
- Military Service Leavers: leaving the Forces or within the 2-year CTP window at application
- Elite Athletes: international competition experience and/or professional UK sports experience within the last three years
We recognise excellence: We want you to feel included, supported and able to succeed. On placement you'll receive:
- Real project & transformation experience in a FTSE100 organisation
- £50,000 salary for the 12-month placement
- A dedicated mentor to help you build commercial skills
- Flexible working and travel to office locations when collaboration is needed
- Access to our Employee Networks
- A Buddy from our Ex-Military or Athlete communities
- For Service Leavers: the chance to begin placement during your final four resettlement weeks
How to apply: Please upload one document (Word or PDF) that includes:
- Personal Statement (max 750 words). Tell us: Which placement role you're applying for, How your skills, experience, capabilities and personal qualities align to the role
- CV (max 2 pages). Highlight your: Transferable skills related to the role & your key achievements, Qualifications, Military or athletic experience
Key dates:
- Application deadline: midnight Friday 26th June
- Screening Interviews - online: Will take place in June - mid July
- Business Area Interviews - face to face: July and August at one of our office locations
- Placement Start Date: You must be able to start on Wednesday 30th September
If you need any reasonable adjustments during the process, please let us know - we're happy to support you.
Not available in September 2026? We'll also be offering placements in March 2027, June 2027 and September 2027. The application process for March will likely open in November.
If this placement isn't the right fit, you can explore more opportunities at www.lifeatcentrica.com
Why should you apply? We're not a perfect place - but we're a people place. Our priority is supporting all of the different realities our people face. Life is about so much more than work. We get it. That's why we've designed our total rewards to give you the flexibility to choose what you need, when you need it, making sure that you and your family are supported not only financially, but physically and emotionally too.
If you're full of energy, fired up about sustainability, and ready to craft not only a better tomorrow, but a better you, then come and find your purpose in a team where your voice matters, your growth is non-negotiable, and your ambitions are our priority.
Help us, help you. We would love for you to share any information about yourself throughout our recruitment process so that we can better understand you and help shape your journey.
Military & Athlete 2026 Talent Placement - Strategy and Planning Manager employer: Centrica - CHP
At Centrica, we pride ourselves on being more than just an energy company; we are a community dedicated to fostering a greener future. Our Military & Elite Athlete Talent Placement Programme offers a unique opportunity for personal and professional growth, providing tailored support, mentorship, and real project experience within a FTSE100 organisation. With a flexible working environment and a commitment to employee well-being, we ensure that every team member feels valued and empowered to thrive in their career journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Military & Athlete 2026 Talent Placement - Strategy and Planning Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections, especially those in the energy sector or with experience in strategy and planning. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to strategic planning and stakeholder management. We recommend using the STAR method to structure your answers – it’ll help you showcase your skills effectively!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find loads of resources to help you prepare for the recruitment process. Let’s get you that placement!
We think you need these skills to ace Military & Athlete 2026 Talent Placement - Strategy and Planning Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Personal Statement:Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Make sure to clearly outline which role you're applying for and how your unique skills and experiences align with the position. Keep it engaging and authentic – we want to see the real you!
Tailor Your CV:Don’t just send a generic CV! Highlight your transferable skills and key achievements that are relevant to the Strategy & Planning Manager role. Remember, we’re looking for potential, so showcase what makes you stand out!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. This will help us understand your ideas better and show off your exceptional communication skills!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s super easy and ensures your application gets to the right place. Plus, you’ll find more info about us and what we stand for!
How to prepare for a job interview at Centrica - CHP
✨Know Your Strategic Stuff
Make sure you understand the company's strategic vision and how your role as a Strategy and Planning Manager fits into that. Brush up on their recent projects and initiatives, and think about how your military or athletic experience can bring a unique perspective to their strategy.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples from your past where you've tackled complex problems. Think about how you used structured thinking to navigate ambiguity and make informed decisions. This will demonstrate your ability to operate in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities.
✨Master the Art of Communication
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You’ll need to communicate with a range of stakeholders, so be ready to showcase your ability to create compelling presentations and reports. Use your military or sports background to highlight your teamwork and leadership skills.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Tools and Tech
Familiarise yourself with the project management tools mentioned in the job description, like Microsoft Planner and PowerBI. Be prepared to discuss how you've used similar tools in the past to enhance efficiency and deliver results. This shows you're not just a planner but also someone who can execute effectively.
