Portfolio Associate - Energy Transition

Help us make a big green dent in the universe. We are on a mission to drive the global renewable energy revolution, and we need many more people to help us make our vision a reality. Octopus Energy Generation (OEGen) is a leader in sourcing, investing in, and managing a wide range of utility-scale renewable energy assets. As we continue to expand our investment base, we are dedicated to building a diverse team that reflects the communities we serve. Currently, we manage a global portfolio of over £7 billion in renewable energy assets. We are committed to delivering best-in-class responsible investment activity, offering like-minded investors the means and products to invest their capital sustainably. It is our ambition to change the entire energy lifecycle and make every green electron matter, delivering the best outcomes for customers, investors, the environment and society, accelerating the transition to net zero.

The OEGen Energy Transition Team focuses on investing into the newer frontiers of the energy transition beyond core renewables such as wind and solar. Our target sectors include heat and datacentres, grid infrastructure, nature-based carbon removal, thermal energy storage and green liquid fuels (SAF, ammonia, e-methanol). Our funds have mandates to invest into multiple renewable technologies. This starts with making platform investments. These are investments into businesses that are developing infrastructure assets in these sectors. We are backing small businesses to grow with our capital and expertise. These businesses will then provide a pipeline of infrastructure assets that we will expect to invest in. We are flexible in our structuring and acquire equity stakes from minorities to 100% in platform businesses, enter into joint ventures and development service agreements. We invest from very early-stage/greenfield pipelines to mature companies. We get inspired by entrepreneurial management teams with whom we want to work long term and accelerate their growth not only through funding, but also through growth strategy coaching, filling skill gaps and bringing synergies with a wider Octopus business.

We are currently a team of 7 people dedicated to the energy transition investment strategy, but with more from the 150+ OEGen team supporting. We love what we do, working with each other, and the impact we are having on the planet and communities. We have a culture of empowerment, no politics and a flat hierarchy. We work and socialise closely with other teams at OEGEN which has a strong “one team, one dream” vibe. The primary focus is on excellent relationships with our growing portfolio of Energy Transition platform companies. We currently manage thirteen companies across multiple sectors of the energy transition (grid, storage, hydrogen and e-fuels, EV charging, natural capital and heat). We intend to be a true partner to these talented management teams, supporting them to achieve growth.

What you will do:

• Work closely with the Energy Transition team to manage our existing platform investments and drive operational efficiency in our governance structures.
• Play a key role in ensuring all internal stakeholders within OEGEN are up to date and receive all necessary information relating to our platform investments.
• Support the fund operations team and fundraising team in producing reports, including investor reporting and fund marketing documents.
• Be a first point of call in OEGEN for our platform businesses and maintain good relationships with management teams (including c-suite).
• Coordinate and track actions and choices to ensure effective management of our opportunities.
• Liaise with specialists across Octopus Energy and our network of partners to bring wider knowledge to bear.
• Collate and review the information needed to assess performance and progress and decide where to focus.
• Assess, negotiate, and make recommendations on key contractual and operational points to support our purpose to make a big impact in decarbonising the energy system.
• Support the investment managers in assessing and preparing to manage all new investments.
• Support any follow-on investments into the platforms as well as asset financing infrastructure assets once our projects reach ready-to-build.
• In time, you may have the opportunity to support raising project finance against the infrastructure assets and ultimately sales processes when the assets are sold by our funds.

The role therefore provides an opportunity to develop extensive professional investment skills alongside portfolio management.

What you will need:

• Good communication skills: A big part of this role is working with numerous external and internal stakeholders. You must have good listening & understanding skills and the ability to make complex issues digestible.
• Commercial thinking: A good working understanding of contracts, business operations and governance and infrastructure project financing.
• To be a self-starter: There’s no shortage of things to do and opportunities to shine, you don’t hesitate to be proactive, identify what is important and make it happen.
• Organisation and delivery focused skills: you are highly organised, skilled in prioritisation, and willing to take ownership of getting actions closed and decisions taken.
• Experience in energy projects, or energy project development and permitting would be beneficial!
• You will need to have at least 2 years of professional experience in a financial role, and be comfortable working with financial models and financial information.
• A financial professional qualification (CFA, ACA) is desirable.

Why else you will 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 recently named the UK’s top company to work for, and we ranked in the top ten in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2024.

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 at hiring@octoenergy.com and we’d love to help! If this sounds like you then we would love to hear from you.

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 will 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 are 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.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.