Strategic Lead - National Recycling Programme

Exchange For Change; Milton Keynes; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Bonus scheme

34 days holiday

Holiday flexibility

Pension 5%

Life Insurance

Private Medical Insurance

Income protection

Family Leave

Hybrid working

Job summary

Exchange for Change is seeking a Strategy Manager to lead critical strategic priorities for the UK-wide Deposit Return Scheme. You will work directly with senior leadership, shaping insight, evidence and recommendations to inform decisions and drive delivery.

The role blends internal strategy with hands-on implementation in a small, central Strategy & Programme team. You’ll partner with senior executives, directing research, analysis and stakeholder engagement while turning ambiguity into

Qualifications

• Experience working on complex strategic, commercial or operational challenges, ideally within a strategy consulting or similar environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to break down complex issues and develop practical, actionable recommendations.
• Experience leading projects or workstreams with a high degree of autonomy, taking ownership from problem definition through to implementation.
• A track record of driving work forward independently, navigating ambiguity and maintaining momentum without requiring close direction.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare compelling presentations and papers for senior audiences.
• Confidence working with senior stakeholders and presenting recommendations clearly and credibly.
• Strong research, synthesis and critical thinking skills, combined with sound judgement and a focus on practical outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead high-profile strategic projects from initial problem definition through to recommendation and implementation.
• Structure complex and ambiguous challenges into clear workplans, hypotheses and decision points.
• Develop robust recommendations supported by evidence, analysis and stakeholder insight.
• Ensure strategic projects deliver tangible outcomes and create lasting value for the organisation.
• Design and deliver research programmes for strategic projects.
• Analyse data, evidence and market developments to identify opportunities, risks and emerging trends.
• Assess strategic options and trade-offs, developing clear recommendations for senior leadership.
• Build a deep understanding of the Deposit Return Scheme, the UK grocery retail market, the wider recycling landscape and an evolving policy environment SLT and Board Decision Support.
• Prepare high-quality papers, presentations and recommendations for the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and Board.
• Present findings and recommendations clearly and confidently to senior audiences.
• Provide structured thinking and problem‑solving support on emerging issues and priority initiatives.
• Work with internal and external stakeholders to develop, test and refine strategic recommendations.
• Manage external advisers and subject matter experts where appropriate.
• Build alignment and support around strategic initiatives and organisational priorities.
• Remain involved beyond recommendation, supporting the transition from strategy into delivery and implementation.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Project leadership

Analytical skills

Stakeholder engagement

Strong communication

Autonomy

Job description

Exchange for Change is seeking a Strategy Manager to lead critical strategic priorities for the UK-wide Deposit Return Scheme. You will work directly with senior leadership, shaping insight, evidence and recommendations to inform decisions and drive delivery.

The role blends internal strategy with hands-on implementation in a small, central Strategy & Programme team. You’ll partner with senior executives, directing research, analysis and stakeholder engagement while turning ambiguity into