Innovation Manager

National Grid • Menlo Park, CA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

National Grid Partners, the corporate venture and innovation arm of National Grid, is hiring a Manager as a core team member delivering the NextGrid Alliance (NGA) initiative. This hybrid role is based in the Menlo Park, California office and supports the strategic direction and growth of National Grid Partners’ global utility innovation network. The Manager cultivates executive relationships across a subset of the NGA’s 170 utility members, identifies opportunities to accelerate industry innovation, and creates commercial pathways between utility members and National Grid Partners’ portfolio companies.

The role combines consultative sales, account management, and program management to coordinate stakeholders with varied interests. The successful candidate will bring sufficient electric and/or gas utility sector expertise to lead substantive working-group discussions that produce measurable impact, while balancing strategic development with tactical execution. Collaboration, analytical and critical-thinking skills are important.

Requirements

• 7–10 years of relevant experience in strategic partnerships, business development, venture, utility innovation, or related fields.
• Experience managing senior executive relationships.
• Experience in utilities, clean energy, grid technology, or adjacent infrastructure.
• Business development, strategic partnerships, or ecosystem-building experience.
• Experience working with startups, innovation programs, venture groups, or emerging technologies.
• Strong consultative sales capabilities with electric and gas utilities.
• Strong communication and facilitation skills.
• Collaborative team player who can work effectively in a highly collaborative environment.
• Self-starter who works well autonomously.
• Ability to work without current or future visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Venture capital or corporate venture experience.
• Experience with member-based organizations or industry associations.
• MBA from a top program.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead yearlong working-group thought forums on critical challenges facing National Grid and utility peers, including building curricula and programs, recruiting speakers and attendees, and tracking impact.
• Manage accounts and deepen relationships with top-tier NGA utility and industry members, from senior executives to middle management, to encourage participation, align on topics, and generate interest in NGP portfolio companies.
• Identify, develop, and track sales opportunities for NGP portfolio companies with NGA members.
• Identify external innovation, investment, and co-development opportunities and bring them to National Grid.
• Develop compelling agendas and discussions for NGA events, including the Summit, networking receptions, and roundtables.
• Partner with NGP’s Marketing team to develop and distribute NGA blog posts, white papers, and reports, and to develop or review NGA social media content.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed