Senior Strategy Manager

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.

What you'll do

Most of your time:

• 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.

Some of your time:

• 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

• Wondering what the salary for this role is? Once you're in the interview process with one of our recruiters, it's something we always cover as we genuinely want to match your experience with the correct salary. The reason why we don't advertise is because we honestly have a degree of flexibility and would never want salary to be a reason why someone doesn't apply to Octopus - what's more important to us is finding the right octofit!
• 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 Group CEO, Greg has recorded a podcast about our culture and how we empower our people. We’ve also been placed in the top 10 companies for senior leadership
• Visit our UK perks hub - Octopus Employee Benefits

If this sounds like you then we'd love to hear from you, tell us what you care about, why Octopus feels right and most importantly, bring us the real you! Applying for jobs can be a bit scary so have a nose through some of our tips first 🚀

P.S. 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 [email protected] 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.