At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead workplace transformation and enhance operational performance across various sites.
- Company: Join a family of brands revolutionising energy for a greener future.
- Benefits: £50,000 salary, flexible working, mentorship, and access to employee networks.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while transitioning from military or elite sports to a fulfilling career.
- Qualifications: Experience in change projects, strong communication skills, and a collaborative mindset.
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.
Location: UK wide. Hybrid with regular travel to office sites required. For example: Leicester, Stockport, London, Windsor, Reading
Length of Placement: 12-month Fixed Term Contract with significant potential to roll off into a Permanent role
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 Workplace Lead role is one of them.
What you’ll do:
- As a Workplace Lead, you’ll enable the performance and growth of Centrica by combining workplace transformation delivery with strong operational leadership across a portfolio of sites.
- The role ensures workplaces are not only safe and functional but actively managed as a performance enabler for collaboration, connection and productivity.
- This is a hands-on, high-impact role operating across two critical dimensions:
- Transformation Delivery: Deliver workplace change programmes (moves, refurbishments, new concepts, employee experience improvements), embed new ways of working and support colleagues through change journeys.
- Operational Delivery: Own the day-to-day performance of the workplace environment, resolve issues, optimise services and drive consistency.
This combination reflects Centrica’s shift to an outcome-led workplace model, where workplace is managed as a system—not just a set of buildings.
Key Accountabilities:
- Transformation & Change Delivery: Deliver workplace change activity across assigned locations, ensuring safe, smooth and high-quality implementation. Translate workplace strategy into practical delivery, embedding standards, concepts and colleague journeys. Support change readiness, communication and adoption of new ways of working.
- Operational Leadership & Performance: Take accountability for workplace outcomes across a defined portfolio (experience, utilisation, service performance). Establish a strong operational rhythm (issues, escalation, communications, stakeholder engagement) to ensure consistency and pace. Identify risks, resolve issues quickly and ensure workplace readiness at all times.
- Insight & Continuous Improvement: Use data, feedback and observation to identify improvement opportunities. Drive continuous improvement in workplace processes, experience and service delivery. Support the move from reactive issue management to proactive optimisation.
- Supplier & Partner Management: Work closely with FM partners & suppliers to ensure delivery against agreed standards & SLAs. Monitor performance, challenge where required & escalate issues to achieve outcomes. Ensure services support the intended workplace experience and ways of working.
- Stakeholder Engagement & Influence: Build strong relationships with business leaders, People teams and enabling functions. Act as a credible, trusted interface between Workplace and the business. Influence decisions, align stakeholders and ensure workplace supports business outcomes.
- Digital & Behavioural Adoption: Support the adoption of workplace technology, tools and digital solutions. Reinforce behaviours that maximise the value of workplace investment. Help colleagues & leaders understand how to use space, tech & time together effectively.
You’ll also live our values: Courage, Care, Delivery, Agility and Collaboration.
What we’re looking for:
We’re looking for potential, not perfection. You don’t need to meet every requirement to apply:
- Experience delivering change projects or operational improvements in a complex organisation.
- Strong operational capability—run and prioritise across multiple activities and stakeholders.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to translate strategy into practical delivery.
- Proven track record of delivering outcomes that improve experience, quality or efficiency.
- Comfortable working in ambiguity and fast-paced change environments.
- Experience in workplace, estates, facilities, operations or service environments.
- Experience of working with suppliers or external partners.
- Experience in matrix environments.
- High levels of ownership and accountability.
- A collaborative and inclusive mindset.
- An ability to balance strategic intent with operational delivery.
- Someone who is results-oriented, pragmatic and resilient.
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: 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 only 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 elite 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 & Elite Athlete 2026 Talent Placement – Workplace Lead in Edinburgh employer: Centrica
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 fostering a supportive work culture, you will benefit from tailored mentorship, flexible working arrangements, and the opportunity to engage in meaningful projects within a FTSE100 organisation. Here, your unique skills and experiences are valued, and you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to driving positive change in the energy sector while enjoying a competitive salary and comprehensive support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Military & Elite Athlete 2026 Talent Placement – Workplace Lead in Edinburgh
✨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.
✨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. 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 & Elite Athlete 2026 Talent Placement – Workplace Lead in Edinburgh
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 & Elite Athlete 2026 Talent Placement – Workplace Lead placement at Centrica.
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.
Tailor Your Application to the Position:Each placement is unique, so make sure your application is tailored to the Military & Elite Athlete 2026 Talent Placement – Workplace Lead 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
✨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. This shows you're not just eager to learn but also ready to apply your knowledge!
