At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic initiatives to boost our mission for clean electricity and drive impactful projects.
- Company: Join a pioneering not-for-profit research institute within the Octopus Energy Group.
- Benefits: Flexible salary discussions, rewarding perks, and a vibrant workplace culture.
- Other info: Collaborative atmosphere with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the energy sector while working with innovative minds.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in strategy consulting or startup environments, with a passion for research and energy.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
Centre for Net Zero is a not-for-profit open research institute established in 2021 as an autonomous part of the Octopus Energy Group. Our mission is to understand the world's changing potential for demand flexibility and make our evidence open and useful, so the world can run on clean electricity sooner and at lower cost. We design, run and evaluate global field trials to establish rigorous real world evidence; leverage advanced data science and open source modelling; build open source data, tools, and communities; and work with policymakers, industry leaders, and grid operators to turn our evidence into real world action.
About the role: As we scale our research and ambitions, we are looking for a senior strategy manager to join our London team. You will work across CNZ's leadership team to increase the reach and impact of our work, at times operating in a capacity similar to a chief of staff.
What you'll do:
- Develop and scale (including securing resources where necessary) CNZ's strategic assets to increase overall impact in alignment with CNZ's mission. Examples of our strategic assets include our visiting researchers programme and our Faraday AI model.
- Lead research, market insights, and intelligence by curating external thinking, partnering with leading third parties to challenge our perspective, and using inventive methods to shape our research programme.
- Drive strategic and tactical projects from problem to delivery, and contribute to others. This is likely to include projects in support of fundraising, and may include unusual or complex field trials or modelling partnerships.
- Own and deliver strategic organisational development initiatives, including driving the adoption of AI across the business.
- Work closely with the CEO and executive team to drive operational excellence, championing a high-performing culture of rapid execution and seamless information flow.
What you'll need:
- Around 5+ years experience in a strategy consulting setting, or working closely with C-level execs or founders in a venture-backed startup.
- Demonstrable interest in the research ecosystem, in the UK and internationally.
- Strong interest in energy, able to learn quickly and communicate complex topics across sectors.
- A proven track record of working independently, driving multiple priorities at once, and seeing projects through to the finish line.
- An entrepreneurial instinct, able to shape ambiguity into opportunity and to separate productive risk-taking from imprudent decision making.
- Strong writing, analytical skills, and critical thinking; you could spot and explain an overconfident or incorrect AI contribution that others would miss.
- Able to work from CNZ's office near Oxford Circus, a minimum of three days per week to start.
A bonus if you have:
- Experience of securing philanthropic, foundation or grant funding.
- Recent experience of using AI-based technologies to make organisations, teams and products better.
- Experience of open source technologies, tools, and communities.
Why else you'll love it here: Octopus Energy Group is a unique culture. An organisation where people learn, decide, and build quicker. Where people work with autonomy, alongside a wide range of amazing co-owners, on projects that break new ground. We want your hard work to be rewarded with perks you actually care about! We were named the UK's top company to work for in 2025, and we ranked in the top ten in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026.
Our process usually takes up to 4 weeks, but we’ll always do our best to flex around what works for you. Along the way, you’ll chat with our recruitment team and your Recruiter will help you throughout different stages. Got any burning questions before then? Drop us a message and we’d love to help!
Are you ready for a career with us? We want to ensure you have all the tools and environment you need to unleash your potential. Need any specific accommodations? Whether you require specific accommodations or have a unique preference, let us know, and we'll do what we can to customise your interview process for comfort and maximum magic!
Studies have shown that some groups of people, like women, are less likely to apply to a role unless they meet 100% of the job requirements. Whoever you are, if you like one of our jobs, we encourage you to apply as you might just be the candidate we hire. Across Octopus, we're looking for genuinely decent people who are honest and empathetic. Our people are our strongest asset and the unique skills and perspectives people bring to the team are the driving force of our success. As an equal opportunity employer, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute. Our commitment is to provide equal opportunities, an inclusive work environment, and fairness for everyone.
Senior Strategy Manager in London employer: Octopus Energy
Octopus Energy Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle sector. Employees benefit from comprehensive growth opportunities, competitive remuneration, and a commitment to sustainability, making it a rewarding place to contribute to meaningful projects while enjoying a supportive team environment in the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Strategy Manager in London
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Jumping into industry events or leadership conferences can really help boost your visibility. Not only will you meet potential employers, but you’ll also get the chance to connect with other leaders in corporate management. Look for local or even virtual events that focus on leadership—every connection counts!
✨Engage in Professional Networks
Join professional management associations relevant to your career goals. These networks often host workshops, panels, and networking events that can put you in front of hiring managers. Plus, they can give you the scoop on upcoming roles, such as the full-time positions with companies like Octopus Energy.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
When reaching out to potential employers, particularly for leadership roles, demonstrate your leadership capabilities with real examples. Share stories from your previous positions that illustrate how you handled challenges and drove results. This will help you stand out when you apply to places like Octopus Energy.
✨Tailor Your LinkedIn Presence
Ensure your LinkedIn profile is specifically tailored to corporate leadership. Highlight achievements, showcase relevant content and engage with posts in management groups. This not only builds your credibility but keeps you on the radar of companies looking for candidates like you as they post full-time opportunities.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Strategy Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Leadership Skills:In the corporate leadership and management field, it's essential to highlight your leadership experience. Use your CV to flesh out examples of how you've led teams to success or managed significant projects. We want to see specific instances where your actions made a tangible difference in your previous roles!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers talk, especially in management! When detailing your achievements in your CV or cover letter, don’t just say you improved team performance. Instead, say you boosted productivity by 30% over six months through effective strategy implementation. This makes your application pop and shows us what you can bring to Octopus Energy.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to narrate your professional journey. We’re looking for motivation and a clear understanding of what corporate leadership means to you. Dive into your aspirations and how they align with the values and vision of Octopus Energy. Make it personal – we want to get to know you!
Tailor Your CV for Management Roles:Ensure your CV reflects the management skills that are essential for this role. Focus on competencies like strategic planning, team building, and problem-solving. Use a clean layout, and don’t forget to align your experiences with those keywords mentioned in the job listing. This will help you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Octopus Energy
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
You’ll want to thoroughly convey your unique approach to leadership. During the interview with Octopus Energy, be ready to share real-life examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific achievements that illustrate your strategic thinking and your ability to drive results.
✨Brush Up on Management Theories
Expect some technical questions related to management theories and practices. Brush up on concepts like transformational leadership, servant leadership, or situational leadership. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these theories to the role at Octopus Energy, especially in the specific context of the challenges they’re currently facing.
✨Craft Your Vision for the Company
Since this is a full-time leadership role, spending time thinking about your vision for Octopus Energy could really set you apart. Consider potential strategies for growth and how you would lead teams towards achieving them. This shows not just enthusiasm, but also strategic foresight that they’ll likely be looking for in a candidate.
✨Emphasise Team Dynamics and Culture
In corporate leadership, team dynamics and organisational culture are everything. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered a positive work environment in previous roles. Bring up examples of how you've managed diverse teams effectively—this will resonate well at Octopus Energy as they’re likely seeking a candidate who can enhance their workplace culture.
