Innovation Manager
About The Position
National Grid Partners is hiring a Manager as a core team member to deliver the NextGrid Alliance (NGA) initiative. The Manager, NGA supports the strategic direction and growth of National Grid Partners’ global utility innovation network. The role cultivates executive relationships across a portion of the 170-member utility network, identifies opportunities to accelerate industry innovation, and creates commercial pathways between utility members and National Grid Partners’ portfolio companies. The successful candidate will manage a stakeholder ecosystem with varying interests through consultative sales, account management, and program management. The role requires sufficient electric and/or gas utility domain expertise to lead substantive working-group discussions that produce measurable impact, while balancing strategic development with tactical execution. It also calls for collaboration, analytical and critical-thinking skills. The position is hybrid and based in the Menlo Park, California office.
Requirements
- 7–10 years of relevant experience in strategic partnerships, business development, venture, utility innovation, or related fields.
- Experience managing senior executive relationships.
- Utility, clean energy, grid technology, or adjacent infrastructure experience.
- 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.
- Ability and willingness to work collaboratively as a team player.
- Self-starter who works well in an autonomous environment.
- 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 forums on critical challenges facing National Grid and its utility peers, including building curricula and programs, recruiting speakers and attendees, and tracking impact.
- Manage and deepen relationships with top-tier NGA utility and industry members, from senior executives to middle management, to increase participation, align on topics, and build interest in NGP portfolio companies.
- Identify, develop, and track sales opportunities for NGP portfolio companies with NGA members.
- Identify external innovation awareness, investment, and co-development opportunities and bring them back to National Grid.
- Develop 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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
Education Level
No Education Listed
