Strategic Initiatives Lead

Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC); Reading; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC) is seeking a high-performing strategy delivery professional in Reading to translate strategic objectives into coordinated delivery across the business. Reporting to the Chief of Staff and working with the executive team, you will move beyond recommendations to own delivery and impact.

You'll drive priority initiatives, align workstreams, manage dependencies, and communicate progress and risks to senior leadership, helping accelerate OQC's growth in the quantum

Qualifications

• Strategy consulting experience at Associate, Senior Associate or Consultant level or equivalent.
• Experience supporting strategic, operational or transformation programmes.
• Strong analytical and structured problem-solving skills.
• Excellent programme management with multiple workstreams and cross-functional coordination.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders without direct authority.
• Outstanding communication and presentation skills.
• Proactive, low-ego approach with accountability and adaptability.

Responsibilities

• Drive the delivery of OQC's highest-priority strategic initiatives and C-suite sponsored programmes.
• Translate strategic objectives into integrated delivery plans with milestones and accountabilities.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams, align stakeholders and manage dependencies across programmes.
• Track progress against milestones, surface risks early and resolve delivery challenges.
• Keep the executive team informed with clear progress updates on risks and decisions.
• Work with external advisers to align input with priorities and delivery plans.

Skills

Strategy consulting

Programme management

Stakeholder management

Structured problem-solving

Cross-functional leadership

Executive communication

Job description

At OQC, we aren't just theorising about the future; we're building it. Born from a philosophy of bold innovation, we've successfully transitioned quantum computing from an academic dream into a commercial reality.

The most exciting thing is that we're just getting started and we've recently closed our £260 million Series C funding round which is the largest fundraise ever completed by a quantum computing company in Europe.

The Purpose

Turn OQC's most important strategic priorities into delivered outcomes.

You'll bring structure, pace and accountability to business-critical initiatives and C-Suite sponsored programmes, helping drive our next phase of growth.

The Role

Reporting to the Chief of Staff, you'll work closely with the executive team, colleagues across the business and external advisers to translate strategic objectives into coordinated delivery.

Designed for a high-performing strategy consultant looking to move into industry, this role puts you close to executive decision-making with the opportunity to move beyond recommendations, own execution and see your impact across the business.

What You'll Be Working On

• Drive the delivery of OQC's highest-priority strategic initiatives and C-suite sponsored programmes.
• Translate strategic objectives into integrated delivery plans, with clear workstreams, milestones and accountabilities.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams, align stakeholders and manage dependencies across programmes.
• Track progress against milestones, surface risks early and work with stakeholders to resolve delivery challenges.
• Keep the executive team informed with clear updates on progress, risks and decisions needed.
• Work with external advisers where appropriate, aligning their input with programme priorities and delivery plans.

What We're Looking For

• This role would suit someone with strategy consulting experience at Associate, Senior Associate or Consultant level or equivalent who wants to move beyond recommendations and take ownership of business-critical delivery.
• We're interested in the skills and experience you bring, rather than your current job title.
• Experience at a strategy consultancy, supporting strategic, operational or transformation programmes.
• Strong analytical and structured problem-solving skills, paired with the execution discipline to turn plans into outcomes.
• Excellent programme management capability, with experience managing multiple workstreams and coordinating cross-functional initiatives.
• The ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive progress without direct authority.
• Outstanding communication and presentation skills, strong organisation and close attention to detail.
• A proactive, low-ego approach, with intellectual curiosity, personal accountability and the flexibility to take on evolving strategic and operational priorities.

The 'Nice-to-Haves'

• Experience advising technology, deep-tech, software, fintech or other innovation-led businesses.
• Experience working with private equity-backed businesses.

Why Join OQC

You will join a world-class team at the forefront of the next computational era. We offer a culture of bold innovation, the chance to work with unique lab infrastructure, and the opportunity to see your work redefine the limits of computation.

Learn more about our benefits and positive work culture here: https://oqc.tech/company/careers-at-oqc/