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 throughout your journey.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while transitioning from military or elite sports.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic planning and project management tools.
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.
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. We have five placement roles available, and Strategy & Planning Manager role is one of them.
What you'll do:
- 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: We'd love to see:
- 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.
Who the programme is for:
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:
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 and 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 Wednesday 1st July.
- 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.
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 in Westhoughton 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 and fairer 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 transition.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Military & Athlete 2026 Talent Placement - Strategy and Planning Manager in Westhoughton
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Find out about energy and utilities conferences or trade shows happening near you. These events are a goldmine for placements, offering networking opportunities with industry experts and, often, the chance to chat directly with hiring managers from companies like Centrica - CHP.
✨Join Relevant Student Societies
If you're at university, get involved with any energy-focused societies or groups. They often have insider knowledge on placement opportunities and may even set up exclusive company visits or guest speaker events where you can make good connections.
✨Leverage University Career Services
Don't forget about your uni’s career services! They frequently have partnerships with companies in the energy sector and can help you find placement opportunities that match your skills and interests.
✨Apply Directly on Our Website
Make sure to check our website for placements at Centrica - CHP. Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, as you'll be looking for opportunities specifically aligned with the company’s needs and culture.
We think you need these skills to ace Military & Athlete 2026 Talent Placement - Strategy and Planning Manager in Westhoughton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sustainability:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for renewable energy and sustainability shine through! Discuss any projects or experiences that made you passionate about the energy sector—this will help us see your commitment and motivation for the Military & Athlete 2026 Talent Placement - Strategy and Planning Manager placement at Centrica - CHP.
Highlight Technical Know-How:Make sure your CV highlights relevant coursework, projects, or technical skills that relate to energy and utilities. For example, if you've studied data analysis, engineering principles, or specific software used in the industry, we want to see that front and centre!
Communicate Your Team Spirit:We love collaboration, especially in the energy sector where teamwork is vital! In your application, reflect on any experiences you've had working in teams, whether it's group projects at uni or extracurricular activities. It’ll show us that you're ready to engage with others at Centrica - CHP.
Tailor Your Application to the Position:Each placement is unique, so make sure your application is tailored to the Military & Athlete 2026 Talent Placement - Strategy and Planning Manager position. Reference specific aspects of the job description and express how they resonate with your skills and ambitions. This will help your application stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Centrica - CHP
✨Showcase Your Passion for Sustainability
When interviewing for a placement in the energy-utilities sector, it’s crucial to demonstrate your enthusiasm for renewable energy and sustainability. Make sure to discuss any relevant projects or coursework you’ve tackled that align with the latest trends in this industry—this is your chance to show you've got your finger on the pulse!
✨Familiarise Yourself with Tech Tools
Get comfortable with the key software and tools commonly used in energy-utilities, like GIS systems or energy management software. Being able to talk about your experience or understanding of these tools can really set you apart in the interview, especially since many placements look for candidates who can hit the ground running.
✨Be Ready for Behavioural Questions
In this placement, you might face behavioural interview questions focused on teamwork and problem-solving on site. Be prepared to share examples of when you've worked in a group to overcome challenges, perhaps in a project or during your studies. Employers want to see you can adapt and collaborate effectively in a dynamic environment.
✨Link Your Studies to Practical Applications
Since this is a placement, you want to highlight how your academic knowledge can be applied in real-world scenarios. Discuss specific courses or projects that relate to energy efficiency or management, and illustrate how they equip you to contribute meaningfully at Centrica - CHP. This shows you're not just eager to learn but also ready to apply your knowledge!
