At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic projects to shape a national recycling programme and drive meaningful change.
- Company: Exchange for Change, pioneering a Deposit Return Scheme across the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus scheme, 34 days holiday, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Join a purpose-driven team dedicated to creating lasting positive change.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the environment while developing your strategic skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategy, strong analytical skills, and ability to lead projects independently.
The predicted salary is between 64000 - 75000 £ per year.
About us
At Exchange for Change, we are building something the UK has never had before. Working across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, we are designing and delivering a Deposit Return Scheme from the ground up, creating a system that helps reduce litter and waste by encouraging people to return their empty drinks bottles and cans for recycling. This is not just another job. This is a rare opportunity to do meaningful work, shape a landmark national programme, and help deliver lasting positive impact for people, businesses and the planet alike.
Your role
As Strategy Manager, you will lead some of Exchange for Change's most important strategic priorities and problem‑solving efforts. Working directly with senior leadership, you will take ownership of some of the organisation's most important strategic challenges, developing the insight, evidence and recommendations needed to inform critical decisions and drive the organisation forward. This is not a traditional corporate strategy role. You will operate as an internal strategic lead, taking projects from initial problem definition through to recommendation and implementation. Whether developing strategies to increase container return rates, exploring future opportunities for Exchange for Change across the recycling value chain, or responding to emerging challenges facing the scheme, you will be expected to bring structure to ambiguity and turn ideas into action.
You will work closely with the Director of Strategy and Programme, the CEO, the Senior Leadership Team and the Board, leading research and analysis, engaging stakeholders, overseeing external advisers and building compelling recommendations that influence decisions at the highest levels of the organisation. You will be part of the Strategy and Programme team, a small, central function at the heart of Exchange for Change, reporting into the Strategy & Programme Director. The team is responsible for shaping the direction of the scheme, solving complex strategic challenges and supporting informed decision‑making across the organisation.
Key Responsibilities & Priorities
- Strategic Project Leadership
- Lead high‑profile strategic projects from initial problem definition through to recommendation and implementation
- Structure complex and ambiguous challenges into clear workplans, hypotheses and decision points
- Develop robust recommendations supported by evidence, analysis and stakeholder insight
- Ensure strategic projects deliver tangible outcomes and create lasting value for the organisation
- Research, Analysis and Insight Development
- Design and deliver research programmes for strategic projects
- Analyse data, evidence and market developments to identify opportunities, risks and emerging trends
- Assess strategic options and trade‑offs, developing clear recommendations for senior leadership
- Build a deep understanding of the Deposit Return Scheme, the UK grocery retail market, the wider recycling landscape and an evolving policy environment
- SLT and Board Decision Support
- Prepare high‑quality papers, presentations and recommendations for the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and Board
- Present findings and recommendations clearly and confidently to senior audiences
- Support strategic planning and decision‑making across the organisation
- Provide structured thinking and problem‑solving support on emerging issues and priority initiatives
- Stakeholder Engagement and Strategic Delivery
- Work with internal and external stakeholders to develop, test and refine strategic recommendations
- Manage external advisers and subject matter experts where appropriate
- Build alignment and support around strategic initiatives and organisational priorities
- Remain involved beyond recommendation, supporting the transition from strategy into delivery and implementation
About you
You will bring:
- Experience working on complex strategic, commercial or operational challenges, ideally within a strategy consulting or similar environment
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to break down complex issues and develop practical, actionable recommendations
- Experience leading projects or workstreams with a high degree of autonomy, taking ownership from problem definition through to implementation
- A track record of driving work forward independently, navigating ambiguity and maintaining momentum without requiring close direction
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare compelling presentations and papers for senior audiences
- Confidence working with senior stakeholders and presenting recommendations clearly and credibly
- Strong research, synthesis and critical thinking skills, combined with sound judgement and a focus on practical outcomes
- The ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high‑quality outputs at pace
You are likely to be:
- Intellectually curious and motivated by solving difficult problems
- Highly proactive, taking ownership of challenges and driving them forward without waiting for direction
- Structured, organised and able to bring clarity to ambiguity
- Comfortable making progress with imperfect information, balancing thoughtful analysis with decisive action
- Collaborative and low‑ego, able to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders
- Motivated by purpose and the opportunity to contribute to a programme of national importance
The opportunity
Work that makes a difference - and a place where you can too. This is a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to help establish a scheme of national importance, working with purpose‑driven colleagues and partners to deliver visible, real‑world impact. You’ll contribute directly to meaningful environmental and social change and in return, we support and reward our team through a range of benefits and initiatives:
- Competitive base salary
- Bonus scheme
- 34 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays, additional holidays for length of service
- Flexibility with holidays. You may work on a local public holiday and take an alternative day off, giving you the freedom to celebrate the days that matter most to you.
- 5% employer pension contribution
- Life Insurance: Cover of 4 times base salary
- Private Medical Insurance: Includes GP access and an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for wellbeing support
- Income protection
- Family Leave: Maternity, adoption, parental, and paternity leave policies will be developed to be progressive and inclusive.
- Hybrid Working: 60% office or field‑based and 40% home‑based, with some flexibility according to business and personal needs.
Strategy Manager employer: Exchange for Change
At Exchange for Change, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to creating a positive impact on the environment and society. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and personal growth, offering employees the chance to lead meaningful projects that shape a landmark national programme. With competitive benefits, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to employee wellbeing, we empower our team to thrive while making a difference in the UK’s recycling landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategy Manager
✨Dive Into Corporate Strategy Communities
Get yourself involved in online communities or forums focused on corporate strategy. Places like LinkedIn groups or specific Slack channels can hook you up with industry insights, trends, and many potential job leads. Don't hesitate to share your thoughts or ask questions; it’ll boost your visibility!
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Events
Keep an eye out for corporate strategy conferences or networking events in your area (or online!). These gatherings are gold mines for meeting hiring managers and making impactful connections. Plus, having a few good conversations can lead to job referrals at companies like Exchange for Change!
✨Showcase Your Strategy Skills
Create content that showcases your knowledge of corporate strategy—think reports, blogs, or even video discussions. Sharing these on platforms like LinkedIn or Medium can demonstrate your expertise and make you stand out to employers looking for fresh talent.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply for the Strategy Manager position at Exchange for Change via our website! This shows your genuine interest, and who knows, you might just land that interview in a matter of days. Keep your application focused on how you can add value to their strategy team.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategy Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Strategic Thinking:When crafting your CV and cover letter, highlight your strategic analysis skills. Focus on past experiences where you've effectively assessed market trends or made impactful recommendations. Evidence-based achievements, like improving processes or contributing to significant projects, will help us see your potential for driving corporate strategy at Exchange for Change.
Tailor Your Narrative:Don’t just send us a generic application! Personalise your cover letter by connecting your experiences and aspirations to Exchange for Change’s mission and goals. We love seeing candidates who genuinely understand what we do; share how your vision aligns with ours and what you can bring to the table.
Highlight Relevant Academic Credentials:In your CV, make sure to showcase your academic background, especially if you have qualifications in business, economics, or analytics. We appreciate candidates who can back up their skills with relevant degrees or certifications, so don’t be shy about flaunting those achievements!
Utilise Professional Language:While we want you to be yourself, remember that corporate strategy roles demand a level of professionalism in communication. Use clear and concise language in your application materials, ensuring that your ideas come across as well-structured and sophisticated. It’s all about making a great impression right from the written application stage!
How to prepare for a job interview at Exchange for Change
✨Master the Numbers
Corporate strategy often involves data analysis and financial forecasting. Brush up on your quantitative skills, and be prepared to handle case studies or numerical problems during the interview. We might get questions about how to approach market trends or assess the performance of a hypothetical company — so practice these scenarios!
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarity with strategic frameworks like SWOT, PESTLE, or Porter’s Five Forces can set you apart. We should be ready to discuss how we’d apply these tools to real-world business situations — maybe even relating them to Exchange for Change. This shows we’re not just theory-happy but can articulate our practical application.
✨Engage in Strategic Conversations
In a full-time role like this, it’s crucial to show that we're engaged and informed about current trends in the industry. Keep up with major news and prepare to discuss how recent developments could impact strategic decisions at Exchange for Change. This will demonstrate our passion and proactive approach to the field.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Whether through internships or projects, we should highlight any experience that relates to corporate strategy. Have specific examples ready to talk about how we’ve contributed to strategic growth or improvements. It's about showcasing our unique journey and how it will bring value to Exchange for Change.
