Director of Public Affairs

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Octopus Energy

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Brussels, Belgium

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It is time for Octopus Energy to establish a presence in Brussels and engage actively in the policy agenda at a pivotal moment for the energy transition. We want to be a positive force for good, helping to resist those seeking to slow down the adoption of low carbon solutions and electric technology or to add unnecessary costs. We aim to help build an energy and climate policy landscape that is compatible with economic growth and affordable energy for consumers.



We are looking to hire an experienced, confident and passionate public affairs professional in Brussels, with a strong understanding of the EU energy and climate landscape of relevance to our business. 



This is a single person, high impact role working with our EU businesses and drawing expertise and senior engagement from across the Octopus Energy Group. You will help us understand what is happening across the Commission, Parliament and Council, identify where our voice and proof points are most needed and the policy issues that matter most for our businesses. You will build strategic relationships, tell the Octopus story and our vision for the future, and guide us into the right rooms at the right time.



Who we are

Octopus Energy is best known as Britain’s largest and most loved energy supplier. We are also a fast growing global energy transition business. We excel in using technology to unlock cheap and green energy for customers, driving economic growth and improving welfare. 


We have a significant European presence which will increase substantially over the coming years. Employing over 2k people in Europe already, we have retail and energy service businesses in Italy, Germany, France and Spain serving around 2.6 million customers, alongside a European renewable generation portfolio and an EV charging application with many users across the continent. 


We have deep technical expertise on topics of relevance to many of the key areas of the transition (smart grids, smart tariffs and demand side flexibility, EV public charging, electric heating, renewable development, market and regulatory design etc). We bring a multitude of proof points showing how technology, great customer propositions and market arrangements can help customers save money and make good use of low carbon power. 


We are passionate about electrification and the system cost savings from harnessing flexible demand. Our challenger DNA means we are outspoken in the face of vested interests and are not afraid to invest in detailed research and propose bold solutions where they will benefit consumers.


You can read more about the Group here


What you'll do
  • Be our face and voice in Brussels. You’ll build strategic relationships with the Commission, MEPs, and the Council as well as with key trade bodies and stakeholders. You’re not just attending meetings; you’re telling the story of a transition that is good for growth, investment and customer experience and of the proof points Octopus is building
  • Change the debate. The energy transition needs a new story. You’ll champion clean tech, flexible consumer demand and electrification, standing up to the old fossil fuel, expensive infrastructure narratives and showing institutions what the future actually looks like
  • Spot the signals. You’ll keep a watchful eye on the legislative horizon. We don't need a summary of every directive; we need to know exactly which files will help or hinder our growth, long before they become law
  • Pick the fights that matter. We can't be everywhere. You’ll have the discipline to say "no" to the noise and focus our firepower where it makes a real difference
  • Translate for the business. You’ll explain what’s happening in the bubble in plain language. You’ll guide our internal teams so they know who to talk to and when, making complex policy actionable
  • Work with our businesses. You will build an understanding of the different Octopus businesses and how they are impacted by and can help influence the EU agenda. You will help establish the priority policies to engage on and work with them to put the best case forward and get our voice heard. 
We keep our teams lean so we can move fast and make change happen quickly. This role is no different. You will be our only employee in Brussels, at least to begin with, but will draw in the expertise and influencing power from across our European businesses and the Group more generally. Along with a line manager in the Group’s Corporate centre, you will have the support of a Public Affairs Agency that will help you keep track of what is happening, assist in organising key events and where needed lend specialist support on particular policy topics. 


What you'll need
  • A Brussels expert. You know the EU bubble inside out and you have a strong understanding of the energy and climate agenda of relevance to Octopus Energy. You understand how the legislative machine actually works (not just the theory) and you already have the network to prove it. You’re likely already based here, but if not you are ready and willing to relocate
  • Aligned with our mission. You are excited by the low cost, low carbon “electrotech” future Octopus Energy is demonstrating. You already have experience advocating on topics related to our mission
  • A compelling, confident narrative. You don't just speak "policy", you speak "human". You can explain the green energy transition simply and persuasively, offering policymakers a confident alternative to the old fossil fuel lobby. You have already shown you are not afraid to challenge legacy thinking or be the only voice in the room questioning the status quo
  • The ability to fly solo. You don't need a huge team or a massive budget to make waves. You’re comfortable operating as a one-person engine room, using your own initiative and networks in the business to build influence and get things done
  • A team player. You can build relationships in the business, demonstrating value-add and helping busy people have the biggest impact with the smallest amount of effort. 
  • A European mindset. You understand that Brussels decisions don't happen in a vacuum. You can navigate the politics of member states and position Octopus as a true European leader, not just a UK success story
  • Comfortable in a challenger business environment. Our direct style of communication, flat organisational structure, culture of ownership and responsibility and fast turnaround times are different from a traditional corporate. You will be excited by this and ready to adapt as necessary
You might have decades of experience at the upper echelons of policy making or you might have just begun to operate at a senior level. We can make the role work for the right candidate. The most important thing is that you have experience that can add value quickly, are excited about working with us, share our values and can translate them into impactful engagement that is good for European customers, the energy transition and, as a result, our business.



? Why else you'll love it here ?


• ? Wondering what the salary for this role is? Just ask us! On a call 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 recently named the UK's top company to work for, and we ranked in the top ten in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2024. 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


If this sounds like you then we'd love to hear from you. ?


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 talent@octoenergy.com 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.


We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.