Interim Global Strategy Director (Maternity Cover)

JR United Kingdom; Slough; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy organization in Slough is looking for an Interim Strategy Director to cover maternity leave. The role involves strategic leadership across various functions, engaging with government officials, and being part of a Senior Leadership Team. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in strategy and policy related to renewable energy and climate, along with strong communication skills. This hybrid position requires two days per week in London.

Benefits

Pension

Professional development opportunities

Potential for work travel

Qualifications

• Must have substantial exposure to strategy, policy, communications, or philanthropy.
• Experience engaging with senior government officials needed.
• Proven experience managing teams and guiding people.

Responsibilities

• Shape organizational decision-making as part of the Senior Leadership Team.
• Oversee four global functions while managing a team of 4-5 direct reports.
• Maintain strong coordination with country teams for impactful programs.

Skills

Political acumen

Strategy experience

Collaboration skills

Excellent communication

Education

10+ years of professional experience in related fields

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

Interim Global Strategy Director (Maternity Cover), slough

col-narrow-left

Client:

Ocean Energy Pathway

Location:

slough, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

-

EU work permit required:

Yes

col-narrow-right

Job Views:

2

Posted:

26.08.2025

Expiry Date:

10.10.2025

col-wide

Job Description:

Salary: Competitive, commensurate with experience.

Location: UK (Hybrid position, 2 days per week in London required)

Duration: Fixed term (anticipated 6-9 months) starting by 1 October 2025.

Reports to: Executive Director

About us

Ocean Energy Pathway accelerates global offshore wind growth through programmes which support the energy transition, enhance marine ecosystems, and empower local communities. We provide expert, independent support to governments and civil society to fast-track high ambition offshore wind energy. Through collaboration and engagement with leaders in policy, industry, and ocean stewardship, we support the development of an offshore wind sector that is sustainable, resilient and delivers lasting value for communities, economies and ecosystems.

Role Overview

OEP is seeking a strategic leader to serve as Interim Strategy Director during a maternity leave. As one of four global Directors and a key member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), this individual will provide steady, high-trust leadership – steering critical functions and guiding a team of 4-5 direct reports across: (1) Strategy and Policy; (2) Communications; (3) Impact; and (4) Fundraising.

In addition to functional leadership, this role is designed foran organisational steward that will maintain strategic momentum and coherence across geographies – providing thoughtful and consistent leadership across a global matrix of nine markets and additional global programmes, including political insight and guidance on government engagement. This role also actively supports governance engagement with the Board of Directors, as part of the SLT.

This high-impact role demands political acumen, strategy experience, sector expertise, and a collaborative mindset. The ideal candidate will bring:

• Experience engaging with senior government officials or political stakeholders and the judgement to support others in such engagement;
• Brilliant strategy setting and communications skills;
• A strong understanding of the renewable energy and climate policy landscape; and,
• A mission-driven approach and comfort with operating in a hybrid environment.

Key Responsibilities

Organisational Leadership and Governance

• Serve as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, shaping organisational decision-making and collaborating closely with fellow Directors.
• Contribute to the engagement with the governance board.
• Uphold the organisation’s values and support a collaborative culture.

Functional Oversight and Team Leadership

• Provide steady, thoughtful oversight of four global functions whilst leading and supporting a team of 4-5 direct reports split across:
• Strategy and Policy: analysis, insights, and thought leadership covering geographies and global themes;
• Communications: all external communications (branding, marketing, etc.), and media engagement;
• Impact: implementation of a Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) framework that is highly integrated into project management functions; and,
• Fundraising: directly supporting efforts with the Executive Director (ED).
• Support ongoing prioritisation and resource planning across these teams, in collaboration with Finance and HR.

Country Strategies and Matrix Collaboration

• Complete the 2026 organisational strategy and business planning cycle across nine countries.
• Serve as a thought partner to country teams, supporting strategy development, alignment with global goals, and context-informed thinking – including input into government-facing positioning.
• Maintain strong coordination with the Global Technical Assistance Director and Country Heads to support impactful and measurable in-country programmes.
• Directly oversee project delivery and a consultant relationship in one country.

Global Strategies and Cross-Cutting Programmes

• Advance the development of three global thematic strategies:
• Fisheries and coastal community engagement;
• Nature and oceans policy alignment; and,
• Misinformation and social acceptance.
• Directly manage a flagship grant addressing misinformation narratives in a key market, ensuring delivery against strategic goals and funder expectations.

Stakeholder Engagement and External Positioning

• Support government engagement efforts in key markets, including advising on approaches, and, where needed, participating in engagements with officials.
• Maintain relationships with key strategic partners, including philanthropic funders, NGOs, industry stakeholders, and key policy influencers.
• In collaboration with the ED and Communications Lead, guide the organisation’s external positioning, messaging, and strategic communications.
• Support the ED in managing and cultivating funder relationships, ensuring clear narratives, alignment, and timely input into funding strategy.

Candidate Profile

• 10+ years of professional experience including at senior levels, with substantial exposure to strategy, policy, and either communications, philanthropy, or MEL.
• Proven experience as a people-leader, guiding and managing teams.
• Comfort operating in a matrixed, global environment.
• Excellent organisational judgement, discretion, and ability to navigate complexity with clarity and diplomacy.
• Deep familiarity with one of more of the following domains: renewable energy, climate policy, government or political systems, or international philanthropy.
• Comfort with executive-level collaboration, including working closely with senior leadership peers and organisational decision-making.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, and fluency in English; proficiency in additional languages is an asset.
• A collaborative and inclusive work environment
• Flexible working with a remote-first ethos
• Pension
• Professional development opportunities with specific budget allocated towards employee skills and career development
• Potential for work travel

Application Process: Please apply via the LinkedIn application process.

PLEASE NOTE: As a growing SME that receives many applications for the roles we are hiring, we are only able to notify and respond to candidates that are shortlisted for our first formal stage of interview.

Privacy Policy

At OEP, we respect the privacy and confidentiality of the personal data of our Clients, Associates, and others whom we interact with in the course of providing our services. We are committed to implementing policies, practices, and processes to safeguard the collection, use, and disclosure of the personal data you provide us, in compliance with the UK GDPR.