Application Guide

How to Apply for Strategy + Planning Lead

at Iberdrola

🏢 About Iberdrola

Iberdrola is a global leader in clean energy, committed to accelerating America's transition to sustainable power with a strong emphasis on ethical practices. As a major player in the energy sector, the company offers a dynamic environment where strategic decisions directly impact the future of energy. Working here means being at the forefront of the net-zero transition while upholding industry-leading standards.

About This Role

As the Strategy + Planning Lead at SP Energy Networks (a subsidiary of Iberdrola), you will drive the development and delivery of strategic initiatives that shape the UK's energy network. This role is pivotal in coordinating cross-functional teams, managing headcount, and providing insights on performance and financial implications. Your work will directly influence governance submissions to ScottishPower and Iberdrola, making this a high-impact position for shaping the company's long-term direction.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing financial models for Long-Term Outlook submissions, then leading a cross-functional meeting to align on strategic priorities. You could spend the afternoon crafting a board paper on performance risks and impacts, followed by a stakeholder call to discuss headcount planning. The role blends analytical deep-dives with collaborative strategy sessions, requiring flexibility to shift from data analysis to high-level narrative.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Iberdrola Is Looking For

  • A strategic professional with strong financial and commercial acumen, ideally with a Chartered Accountant qualification or equivalent.
  • An exceptional communicator with advanced PowerPoint skills, capable of synthesizing complex information into compelling board-level presentations.
  • Proven ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders across cross-functional teams, driving alignment on priority initiatives.
  • Experienced in managing headcount planning and coordinating Long-Term Outlook submissions within a large, regulated organization.

📝 Tips for Applying to Iberdrola

1

Tailor your CV to highlight experience in strategic planning within the energy or utilities sector, emphasizing financial modeling and long-term forecasting.

2

Showcase specific examples of board-level presentations you've created, detailing how you communicated complex data to senior leaders.

3

Demonstrate your understanding of SPEN's role in the UK's energy transition by referencing current projects or regulatory frameworks (e.g., RIIO-ED2).

4

Quantify your impact in previous roles, such as cost savings achieved through strategic initiatives or improvements in headcount efficiency.

5

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your experience with the requirements: strategic planning, financial acumen, and stakeholder management.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your experience in developing and delivering strategic initiatives within a regulated environment, ideally energy or utilities.', 'Highlight your financial expertise, especially in budgeting, forecasting, and managing headcount, with reference to any professional qualifications.', 'Showcase your ability to produce high-quality board papers and management updates, using examples of clear, concise communication.', "Express enthusiasm for Iberdrola's mission to accelerate the clean energy transition and how your role can contribute to SPEN's strategy."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read SP Energy Networks' latest Business Plan for RIIO-ED2 (the price control period) to understand current strategic priorities.
  • → Review Iberdrola's global sustainability report and net-zero commitments to align your understanding with the company's broader goals.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the UK's energy policy landscape, including the Energy Act 2023 and Ofgem's role in regulating network companies.
  • → Look into SPEN's recent projects, such as the Green Economy Fund or community energy initiatives, to demonstrate knowledge of their local impact.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach developing a long-term strategy for SPEN given the UK's net-zero targets and regulatory framework?
2 Describe a time you had to influence senior stakeholders to align on a strategic priority. What was the outcome?
3 Walk us through a complex board presentation you created. How did you structure the narrative and visualize data?
4 How do you manage headcount planning and ensure alignment with long-term business objectives?
5 What financial metrics would you use to assess the performance of strategic initiatives in an energy network company?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Avoid generic statements about 'strategy' without linking to specific energy sector challenges or regulatory context.
  • Don't overlook the financial aspect; failing to demonstrate strong numerical and analytical skills will weaken your application.
  • Avoid being too theoretical; this role requires practical experience in delivering initiatives and managing headcount, so provide concrete examples.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Iberdrola!

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