Head of Strategic Energy Futures

Be the voice shaping the UK's future energy system!

As our Head of Strategic Energy Futures, you'll be Cadent's leading voice in the future of energy. This is a high-profile leadership role where you'll engage with regulators, policymakers, network operators and industry leaders to influence how the UK's energy system evolves and ensure gas networks and multi-molecule solutions are represented within future energy plans.

Working at the forefront of the energy transition, you'll shape strategic thinking across the industry, champion evidence-based decision making and position Cadent as a trusted leader on the role of gas networks, hydrogen, biomethane and flexibility in delivering Net Zero.

This is a permanent role based at Ansty Business Park, Coventry, where you'll lead Cadent's strategic approach to national, regional and local energy system planning. You'll translate complex external plans and scenarios into clear business insights, helping inform investment decisions, influence regulatory thinking and ensure our network remains resilient, affordable and fit for the future.

As a recognised leader in the sector, you'll build strong relationships with organisations including NESO, Ofgem, DESNZ, local authorities and network operators, shaping industry conversations and helping define how future energy systems are planned.

Why you'll love this role:

• Industry Influence - Shape national and regional energy planning through engagement with regulators, policymakers and industry leaders, helping influence how the UK's future energy system develops.
• Be Cadent's Voice in the Energy Transition - Represent Cadent in high-profile industry forums, consultations and strategic working groups, helping shape decisions that will impact energy infrastructure for decades to come.
• Strategic Leadership - Lead Cadent's approach to energy system planning, ensuring network strategies remain aligned to future energy needs, customer outcomes and Net Zero ambitions.
• Build Powerful Partnerships - Develop trusted relationships with senior stakeholders across government, regulators, local authorities, energy networks and industry bodies.
• Shape Net Zero Pathways - Champion the role of gas networks, hydrogen, biomethane, flexibility and hybrid solutions within whole-system energy planning.
• Connect Strategy to Investment - Translate complex system planning outputs into clear implications for asset strategy, investment planning and regulatory submissions.
• Drive Innovation - Lead the adoption of advanced analytics, digital modelling and emerging technologies to strengthen planning capability and decision making.
• Lead and Inspire - Build a high-performing team and foster a culture of strategic thinking, innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement.

What you'll bring:

• Exceptional Influencing Skills - A track record of building credibility and influencing senior stakeholders in complex, highly regulated environments.
• Strategic Stakeholder Engagement - Experience developing and managing relationships across government, regulators, industry bodies or major infrastructure organisations to drive change and shape outcomes.
• Energy System Planning Expertise - Extensive experience in energy system planning, scenario development, network strategy or a closely related field within a regulated environment.
• Whole-System and Net Zero Insight - A strong understanding of decarbonisation pathways and the role of gas networks within future energy systems.
• Analytical and Strategic Thinking - The ability to interpret complex information, assess uncertainty and translate insight into clear strategic recommendations.
• Thought Leadership - Experience contributing to policy development, regulatory frameworks or industry-wide initiatives through evidence-based engagement and collaboration.
• Leadership Capability - A proven leader who can inspire teams, build organisational capability and create alignment across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Technical Credibility - Degree-level qualification, or equivalent experience, in energy systems, engineering, economics or a related discipline.

Interviews will be held in person at Ansty Business Park from Tuesday 29th September.

Disclaimer: While the closing date is set as mentioned, we reserve the right to close the application process earlier if necessary, depending on the unique circumstances of each role.

At Cadent, we're thrilled to be part of the future of UK energy!

We have a clear roadmap to drive our performance to the forefront of our industry and support the UK government in achieving its net zero targets by 2050.

We're making a difference through innovation and new ways of working. Together, we're shaping a cleaner, greener future for our 11 million customers, whom we put at the heart of everything we do.

What's In It for You

Here at Cadent, we recognise that our people are truly unsung heroes. Quietly confident, delivering every day - that's why we're committed to supporting our people to get the best out of themselves. For this role, we offer:

• Private Medical Insurance for you, your partner and your family available through MyChoices, our flexible benefits programme, with access to a 24 hour Bupa HealthLine
• A company car allowance
• 25 days' holiday, plus 8 statutory days and an option to buy or sell holiday days
• An Annual Performance Bonus of up to 20% of your salary
• A generous pension scheme where the company double matches your contributions up to 12% i.e. if you contribute 6% a month, the company will contribute 12%
• A competitive salary that's reviewed each year against the market median salary for your role, skills, knowledge and experience
• Generous family policies and flexible benefits
• A free Employee Assistance Line where you can get support and advice on any of the challenges you're facing, completely confidentially
• Support to help you cover the cost of professional membership subscriptions, course fees, books, examination fees and time off for study leave - so long as it's relevant to your role
• Plus many more benefits that help you join the dots between your work and home life !

We support a healthy work-life balance and are open to flexible working options.

Diversity and Inclusion

We value diversity and are committed to being an equitable employer. Our employee communities - Women in Cadent, Pride at Work (LGBTQ+), Embrace (ethnicity and religion), Thrive! (disability), the Cadent Military Community, the Grief Awareness Community, and the Men's Engagement Network (M.E.N) - can't wait to welcome you!

Be part of something big. Help shape the future of gas for generations to come.

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