At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the launch and growth of a new business line in renewable energy.
- Company: Join MOPO, a mission-driven company transforming energy access in Africa.
- Benefits: Flexible role tailored to your strengths with opportunities for travel and impact.
- Other info: Opportunity to work closely with C-suite and shape long-term strategy.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in underserved markets while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Analytical mindset, problem-solving skills, and a passion for social impact.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We can't hire everyone… but we can help them shine somewhere brilliant.
At Octopus, we're lucky to attract some incredibly talented humans.
And while we can’t bring every talented person into our team, we can help them land somewhere that’s just as mission-driven.
That’s why we’re sharing opportunities from MOPO; a company we’ve proudly backed through a strategic investment.
About MOPO...
MOPO is on a mission to enable renewable energy access in underserved markets.
Already operating in Nigeria, DRC, Sierra Leone and Liberia, their solar power stations distribute energy through proprietary MOPO Batteries managed by a network of local agents.
Their model is already powering thousands of homes and small businesses—eliminating fossil fuel use and enabling livelihoods.
With backing from Octopus Energy, British International Investment, and Norfund, MOPO is scaling rapidly and is positioned to transform energy access and e-mobility across the continent.
MOPO is hiring a New Business Lead to scope, launch and scale a new business line fromthe ground up.
By owning growth from a blank page to a real, scaling business, this isfounder-style role for someone who discovers like a product leader and scales past therunway.
We think great new businesses are built the way great products are: by getting close to thecustomer, testing assumptions cheaply, and following the evidence rather than the plan.
- Discover the opportunity: get deep with customers and agents in-market, frame theproblem worth solving, and size the prize.
- Own the model: define the commercial strategy and unit economics, and beaccountable for whether the business is viable, not just whether it ships.
- Build and lead: stand up operations and a local team, and grow both as the businessscales.
- Work across MOPO: partner with the Sheffield-based finance and technology teamsand the China-based manufacturing teams to turn ideas into reality.
- Report to the C-suite, help shape MOPO’s long-term strategy, and have the standing tomake the call to scale, pivot or stop.
Because you’re building something new, we won’t set revenue targets before the opportunity is understood.
We’ll judge success by the clarity of your thinking, the momentum you create, and the business you leave behind.
Over your first 12–18 months, success looks like: •A validated business case.
A clear, evidence-based view of the customer, theproblem, the size of the prize and MOPO’s right to win is good enough for the C-suiteto back with confidence. •A live pilot.
Something real in at least one market, with actual customers and agents, generating hard data on unit economics and demand. •A funded path to scale.
Either a repeatable model and a credible route to profitability, the business can scale across markets, or the honesty and evidence to recommendstopping or pivoting.
Real impact.
Measurable progress on MOPO’s mission.
We’re flexible on years of experience and will tailor the role and reporting structure to yourstrengths. We care far more about how you think than your CV.
You’ll need
- An analytical, structured, rigorous and well-reasoned approach to solving problems.
- High attention to detail and a strong sense of personal agency and ownership.
- Comfort with ambiguity and uncertainty, and the ability to generate forward momentumdespite limited infrastructure and incomplete data.
- A willingness to travel extensively and spend extended periods in African markets andopenness to relocating if the business needs it.
- A legitimate interest in frontier markets, energy access, e-mobility or social-impactventures.
Bonus, but not essential
French (valuable in DRC and other markets); experience takinga venture, product or business line from zero to one; a background in emerging or frontiermarkets, energy, mobility, distribution or asset finance.
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New Market Growth Lead: Pilot, Scale & Travel in Sheffield employer: Octoenergy
At Octopus Energy, we pride ourselves on being an innovative and forward-thinking employer, dedicated to creating a positive impact in the renewable energy sector. Our vibrant work culture fosters collaboration and creativity, allowing you to take ownership of high-impact products that genuinely enhance customer experiences. With ample opportunities for professional growth and a commitment to sustainability, joining our Low Carbon Tech team means being part of a mission-driven organisation that values your contributions and supports your career aspirations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land New Market Growth Lead: Pilot, Scale & Travel in Sheffield
✨Get Involved with Industry Events
The energy and utilities sector is always buzzing with events, trade shows, and networking opportunities. We should hit up conferences and exhibitions like Energy UK or Utility Week Live—these are prime spots to mingle with industry professionals and even snag some insider info on job openings!
✨Join Energy-focused Online Communities
Let's tap into online platforms and forums like LinkedIn groups or Reddit communities specifically for energy and utilities. Not only can we showcase our knowledge, but we can also stay updated on company announcements or job leads from people already in the know.
✨Consider Industry Certifications
Pushing ahead with certifications like the NEBOSH National Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health (if you’re into safety) can give us a leg up in this competitive field. It not only builds our credibility but also shows employers that we’re serious about our career in energy and utilities.
✨Apply ThroughOctoenergy's Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through Octoenergy's website for the full-time New Market Growth Lead: Pilot, Scale & Travel role. Many companies prioritise candidates who show initiative by going straight to the source. Make sure we tailor our application to highlight our passion for the energy sector!
We think you need these skills to ace New Market Growth Lead: Pilot, Scale & Travel in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Energy Knowledge:When crafting your CV and cover letter, make sure you highlight any knowledge or experience related to the energy-utilities sector. Whether it’s coursework, internships, or projects that showcase your understanding of energy management, sustainability, or regulatory frameworks, we want to see that passion and expertise shine through.
Quantify Your Achievements:In our field, numbers speak volumes! Don’t just tell us about your previous roles; quantify your achievements where possible. For instance, mention how you improved energy efficiency by a percentage or contributed to cost savings. This makes your application more compelling and shows us just how impactful you can be.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at Octoenergy. Tailor it to reflect how your values align with our mission in the energy sector. Share why you're excited about this specific role and how you envision contributing to our goals.
Demonstrate Your Team Spirit:Collaboration is key in the energy-utilities industry. In your application, emphasise any team projects or experiences where you worked effectively with others, especially on sustainability initiatives or technical projects. We're looking for someone who can mesh well with our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Octoenergy
✨Show Your Passion for Renewable Energy
In the energy-utilities sector, it’s vital to demonstrate your enthusiasm for sustainable practices and innovations. Share experiences where you've worked on or studied renewable energy projects, whether that’s through coursework, past internships, or personal initiatives. Let us see how your passion aligns with the ethos of Octoenergy.
✨Brush Up on Industry Regulations
Being familiar with industry standards and regulations is crucial in energy-utilities interviews. Make sure to know the basics of relevant policies and frameworks, like the Energy Act or environmental legislation. This will not only show you’ve done your homework but will also prepare you for potential technical questions about compliance during your interview.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Project Management Skills
Most roles in the energy sector involve collaboration with diverse teams. Be ready to discuss examples where you’ve successfully worked in teams or led projects, especially those involving energy initiatives. This is particularly important for a full-time position, as employers want to see you bring a collaborative spirit to Octoenergy.
✨Prepare for Technical Assessments
Expect some technical questions or even practical assessments during your interview, especially about energy efficiency methodologies or basic engineering principles relevant to the role. It’s a good idea to brush up on key concepts and be prepared to explain them clearly, as this will demonstrate your technical proficiency and readiness to jump into your new role.