At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic planning and execution in a dynamic, supportive environment.
- Company: Join a leading energy company committed to sustainability and community impact.
- Benefits: £50,000 salary, flexible working, mentorship, and real project experience.
- Other info: Opportunities for growth and networking with senior leaders.
- Why this job: Make a difference while transitioning from military or elite sports to a corporate career.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic planning and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 £ per year.
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.
A programme designed to help you thrive during career transition. We’re delighted to open applications for our Military & Elite Athlete Talent Placement Programme – September 2026 Intake. 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:
- 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:
- 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.
Military & Athlete 2026 Talent Placement - Strategy and Planning Manager in Windsor employer: Centrica Plc
Centrica is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and well-being of its employees, particularly through its Military & Elite Athlete Talent Placement Programme. With a commitment to flexible working arrangements, a supportive community, and tailored mentorship, you will thrive in a dynamic environment that values your unique experiences and skills. Join us to not only advance your career but also contribute to a greener, fairer future while being part of a collaborative team that champions personal and professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Military & Athlete 2026 Talent Placement - Strategy and Planning Manager in Windsor
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections, especially those in the energy sector or with military backgrounds. They might have insider info on openings or can even refer you directly, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to strategy and planning. Think about how your military or athletic experience translates into strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. We want to see that you can adapt and thrive in a corporate environment!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your unique skills! Whether it's your leadership from the military or teamwork from sports, make sure to highlight these experiences during interviews. We love seeing how diverse backgrounds can bring fresh perspectives to our team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our mission to create a greener future. Let’s do this together!
We think you need these skills to ace Military & Athlete 2026 Talent Placement - Strategy and Planning Manager in Windsor
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 Strategy & Planning Manager position. Keep it concise, engaging, and focused on what makes you a great fit.
Tailor Your CV:Don’t just send a generic CV! Highlight your transferable skills and key achievements that relate specifically to the role. Remember, we want to see how your military or athletic background has prepared you for this opportunity, so make those connections clear.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We want to understand your journey and how it relates to our mission without getting lost in complex terms.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the application process and deadlines there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Centrica Plc
✨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, especially those related to sustainability and energy transition, so you can speak confidently about how you can contribute.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your military or athletic background that demonstrate your leadership abilities. Think about times when you led a team through challenges or developed a plan that resulted in success. This will help you illustrate your capability to coordinate cross-functional teams effectively.
✨Be Data Savvy
Since the role requires exceptional digital literacy, be ready to discuss your experience with tools like Excel, PowerPoint, and project management software. Bring examples of how you've used data to inform decisions or improve processes, as this will show your analytical skills and attention to detail.
✨Practice Stakeholder Management
Think about how you’ve managed relationships with various stakeholders in the past. Prepare to discuss how you would ensure buy-in from senior leaders and peers for the strategic plans you develop. Being able to communicate effectively and manage expectations is key in this role.
