CEO - Energy Tech sector

Our client is an integral provider of data, analytics and communications services to the energy sector, enabling the sector to function efficiently and effectively.  It is also a core provider of data analytics and consultancy services which is supporting their customers with the drive towards net zero.  With an enviable position at the heart of the energy sector and providing proprietary tech and communications to the sector, the business is now ideally positioned to support and take advantage of the evolution of the energy markets.

Over the past decade, our client has diversified considerably across a range of energy data and insight related activities, serving communities of both gas and electricity businesses as well as government with robust, technical solutions, managed services, industry governance support and specialised consultancy.  This business growth, all competitively tendered and won, now accounts for over 90% of their profits.  Across all of their services they aim to distinguish themselves by applying uniformly very high standards of performance, quality, depth of knowledge, flexibility, and excellent control of costs.  

Our client is at an exciting and challenging stage of its development.  The UK’s drive to meet its ‘net zero’ obligations is necessitating significant change in the energy markets from the installation of smart meters in every home in the UK to the transition of network operators into system operators to the reform of energy code governance to streamline change and make the energy markets more dynamic and responsive to innovation.  This environment poses significant opportunities for growth. As part of the next stage of the company's development, they are now seeking a CEO who will help them to provide an exemplary service to their customers whilst taking commercial advantage of the changes in the energy sector.

THE ROLE.

Our client is seeking to appoint a new CEO to whom they will delegate executive responsibility for running the company as well being responsible for driving the business forward.  The role carries full P&L, Balance Sheet and Cash Flow responsibility and provides the opportunity to lead, develop and grow a key company in what has become a fast-moving and changing business environment.  The new CEO will be a commercial executive who could come from a number of market sectors including IT Managed Services, Outsourcing, Telco and Utilities.  Key attributes will include; strong experience of managing or providing high value contracts for outsourced services, possibly in a mixed regulated/competitive environment, the ability to contribute personally to strategic visioning and tactical delivery, commercial acumen coupled with an entrepreneurial outlook, and a proven track record in building value out of existing business through originating and securing new business opportunities.  The successful candidate will understand how complex organisations, markets and industries work and be capable of delivering within them.  They will be an accomplished people manager with the drive and desire to roll up their sleeves and make things happen.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Reporting to the Board, the position is delegated overall executive responsibility for the successful running of the company including, but not limited to; development of strategy, operational control, financial accountability, risk management, communications (other than to shareholder) and business development.  Accordingly, the position is responsible for delivery of the company’s financial results.  Although the company is a medium sized company, it is key to the smooth running of its customers in the energy markets and managing all the risks which could cause interruption to their business.

As part of this role there is a requirement to interact with and manage relationships with key UK energy stakeholders including energy suppliers, distributors and metering organisations as well as the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and Ofgem (the industry regulator) together with the non-Executive Chairman and the Board.  The role requires the provision of timely and accurate information to stakeholders and ultimately accountability to them on business matters.  It is envisaged that the appointee will be a member of the Board and attend its committees wherever appropriate.

The role of the CEO will involve a significant element of external focus.  The CEO will need to develop and implement a robust lobbying strategy and develop collaborative relationships with the key industry decision makers - political, regulatory, industrial and consumer.  These relationships are key to the company continuing to develop and grow.  The CEO will be the public face of the company and will provide gravitas and stature to commercial opportunities and client management.  It also includes influencing senior executives in large vendor companies. In addition, this role is the face of the organisation for all other outside interests e.g. media enquiries and tendering negotiations.

In line with the purpose the CEO will have to have a strong focus on delivering value for the shareholders.  This goes beyond headline profit and must encompass creating value through the capability to assist  shareholders deliver their obligation by being innovative and agile.

KNOWLEDGE

Overall the jobholder needs to have a clear business/commercial awareness and the skills to interact with clients, employees and stakeholders at a variety of levels.  As a result there is a requirement to hold general business skills including:

• Ability to analyse financial reports
• Effective communication skills
• Report writing including Board reports
• Business acumen/commercial awareness
• Ability to influence at all level
• Accurate grasp of business English
• Change Management
• Business development including marketing
• Customer relationship development and management
• Leadership and employee relations skills
• Service delivery/customer service skills
• Development of an appropriate company culture

An appropriate level of financial literacy with basic matters such as budgeting, profit and loss accounts, balance sheets, financial information and statutory accounts is a prerequisite of the role.  It is preferable – but not essential -  for the jobholder to be able to demonstrate an understanding of the electricity and gas markets and a good awareness of company law as well as understanding the nature of multi-party agreements, corporate governance, and shareholder agreements and understanding the impact on the national electricity market of service failure.  These are areas which can be developed or gained from experience in the role.

It is thought that the typical background for a potential jobholder would be someone who has a broad commercial background in telecommunications, utilities or IT/programme management.