Policy and Advocacy Manager Energy Demand (Data Centres)

Location: London (Hybrid 3 days in the office)

Department: Policy

Salary: Circa £42,000 (depending on experience)

Hours: 37.5

Contract Type: Permanent

About the job

We’re looking for a strategic and member-focused leader to drive policy and advocacy across the REA’s Energy Demand and Power sectors. This role will lead our work on energy demand — focused on data centres and expanding into industrial and residential demand — while working closely with colleagues across Solar & Energy Storage, Decentralised Energy and Finance.

Reporting to Head of Power and Energy Demand, you will shape and deliver a clear, impactful policy strategy that reflects and advances our members’ interests. You’ll work closely with Forum Chairs, Steering Groups and members to build strong, majority-backed policy positions, while engaging government, regulators and industry stakeholders to influence decision-making.

This is a high-profile role at the heart of the Association, combining stakeholder engagement and commercial awareness. You’ll represent the sector externally, strengthen the influence and relevance of our Forums, and help ensure the REA remains the leading voice for renewable power and energy demand in the UK’s transition to net zero.

About you:

You are an articulate and well-connected policy leader with a passion for accelerating the UK’s transition to a net zero energy system. You combine sharp political insight with commercial awareness, and you are confident operating at senior level with parliamentarians, civil servants, regulators and industry executives. Personable and credible, you are comfortable acting as an external ambassador and spokesperson, translating complex policy into compelling, evidence-based positions that drive impact.

You bring a strong understanding of UK energy and climate policy, including power markets, flexibility, energy storage, planning, finance and the evolving energy demand landscape — particularly the rapid growth of data centres and digital infrastructure. You are experienced in policy development, consultation responses, stakeholder engagement and coalition-building, with a proven ability to secure influence and deliver measurable outcomes.

Highly organised and detail-oriented, you are also a strategic thinker — able to horizon-scan, identify emerging risks and opportunities, and implement long-term plans that strengthen both policy outcomes and commercial growth. You are resilient under pressure, confident in negotiation, and motivated by delivering results for members and the wider sector. As a self-starter, you thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment and are energised by working across multiple workstreams and deadlines.

The position offers an excellent opportunity to contribute directly to the UK’s progress towards its Net Zero target, working closely at the forefront of policy and industry in one of the most dynamic periods for the renewable energy sector.

The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, personable and capable of acting as a trusted external ambassador for the REA’s work. The REA offers clear pathways for professional growth, allowing the successful candidate to broaden their expertise and develop leadership skills in high-value policy areas.

Personal Characteristics

Enthusiastic with good eye for detail and organisational skills, determination and stamina; a flexible, team player with personal integrity and confidence, and the ability to build relationships with civil servants, politicians, regulators and wider stakeholders.

You will be comfortable becoming a spokesperson and leader for the sector, while being comfortable with policy development and regulations.

Qualifications and knowledge areas

Likely to be educated to postgraduate level in a relevant area, or with equivalent experience, with knowledge of renewable energy and clean technologies and specific knowledge in the areas of energy demand and data centres.

Candidates are likely to have a number of years’ experience in the sector and already be seen as a respected voice or participant in the sector, or a related field. low carbon

What REA offer

• 25 days holiday plus days between Christmas and New Years treated as holiday
• Westfield Health insurance + EAP
• Discounts and perks
• Birthday voucher
• Cycle to work scheme
• Pension scheme
• Climate perks sustainable travel days

How to apply

If you feel this role could be the right fit for you, please click the “apply now” button

*Please note we reserve the right to close this vacancy ahead of the advertised closing date if sufficient applications are received, therefore we encourage early applications.

About us

The REA is a not-for-profit trade association, established in 2001. While the world has changed dramatically since then, our mission remains the same: to champion our members and promote a future built on renewable energy and clean technology.

Our Vision: A future built on renewable energy and clean technology

Our Mission: To decarbonise the economy whilst helping our members build commercially and environmentally sustainable businesses

We do this by;

• CHAMPIONING the role and benefits of renewable energy and clean technologies
• INFLUENCING governments, industry and individuals
• EMPOWERING renewable energy and clean technology businesses to achieve sustainable growth

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