Chief of Staff to Chief Technology and Innovation Officer

The Chief of Staff role is an integral part of the Tech & Innovation leadership team, ensuring the Chief Technology and Innovation Officer and executive team operate as effectively as possible. This includes improving processes, developing and challenging ways of working, supporting governance, and delivering key projects. The role offers a fast-paced, varied opportunity to work across all areas of the newly established Tech & Innovation function, including IT & Digital, National Grid Partners, Innovation, and Asset Management. Ideal candidates will be comfortable with ambiguity, open to change, and able to build networks across all levels of the team. A sound knowledge of innovation processes, agile ways of working, product ownership models, and modern digital workflows—including AI—is a significant advantage. The role requires curiosity, imagination, big-picture thinking, and strong communication skills to drive change across the organization.

Responsibilities

• Support, enable, and provide trusted advice to the Chief Technology and Innovation Officer (CTIO) in fulfilling executive duties across IT & Digital, National Grid Partners, Innovation, and Asset Management, as well as the CTIO’s wider Group remit. This includes strategic reporting, planning, governance, and preparation for external engagements, PLC Board, and Group Executive.
• Drive and facilitate critical cross-functional initiatives and projects that align with National Grid’s Strategy House “big shift” in Technology and Innovation, building capabilities to enhance performance with a digital-first approach.
• Maintain the operational rhythm of the Tech & Innovation function alongside the CTIO, ensuring alignment with strategic direction and operational objectives.
• Act as an advisor and trusted confidant for the CTIO and the wider executive team.
• Champion the adoption of digital workflows and modern ways of working, including AI-enabled tools, to improve pace, efficiency, and collaboration.
• Support the CTIO in preparing and writing critical Board papers and key stakeholder communications, including speeches and briefing materials.
• Drive and coordinate critical projects, initiatives, and cross-functional work to ensure progress in operating and business development activities.
• Enhance the effectiveness of the Tech & Innovation executive team, fostering cohesion and trust across the organization.
• Manage key governance architecture, define meeting structures, cadences, and agendas for the Tech & Innovation executive.
• Create, compose, and edit executive documentation using knowledge of operational policies and procedures.
• Organize incoming requests and tasks, handling what you can, delegating, and coordinating responses as needed, while advising the CTIO and executive on approaches and actions.
• Research, gather, and compile data to generate insights for the Tech & Innovation executive.
• Capture, prioritize, and interpret high volumes of information from multiple channels.
• Lead messaging and coordination for internal meetings, including monthly meetings and quarterly offsites.
• Collate papers for governance committees, acting as a filter and working with the team on submissions to maximize the impact of discussions.
• Act as a central point of liaison with other Business Units, Functions, and external stakeholders to ensure shared understanding, solve challenges, and manage expectations.
• Develop content and key messages for external events, coordinating with Corporate Affairs and subject matter experts to prepare the CTIO.
• Ensure complaints are managed and resolved in a timely manner.

Requirements

• Understanding of the Tech & Innovation function and the energy sector, including its structure, regulatory environment, and short- and long-term industry challenges.
• Continuous improvement mindset, aligned with Tech & Innovation principles.
• Ability to apply operational and commercial knowledge to support critical decision-making.
• Strong track record of delivery, performance, and continuous improvement, essential for this multi-faceted role.
• Excellent networking, stakeholder management, and influencing skills, demonstrated in current or previous roles.
• Strong written and communication skills, with the ability to structure key messages effectively.
• Pragmatic self-starter with strong critical reasoning, problem-solving, and big-picture thinking.
• Openness and flexibility to change, ability to work under tight deadlines, and comfort with ambiguity.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to connect ideas and individuals to promote overarching objectives.
• Ability to build and execute short- and long-term business plans and strategies.
• Structured thinking and ability to sift through complexity to create clarity.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary.
• Annual performance bonus of up to 40%.
• Flexible holiday options.
• Wellbeing and family support.
• Matched charitable giving.

Pay

$217K - $255K a year