Director of Public Affairs Director of Public Affair...

Job Description

It is time for Octopus Energy to establish a presence in Brussels and engage actively in the policy agenda at a pivotal moment for the energy transition. We want to be a positive force for good, helping to resist those seeking to slow down the adoption of low carbon solutions and electric technology or to add unnecessary costs. We aim to help build an energy and climate policy landscape that is compatible with economic growth and affordable energy for consumers.

We are looking to hire an experienced, confident and passionate public affairs professional in Brussels, with a strong understanding of the EU energy and climate landscape of relevance to our business. This is a single person, high impact role working with our EU businesses and drawing expertise and senior engagement from across the Octopus Energy Group.

You will help us understand what is happening across the Commission, Parliament and Council, identify where our voice and proof points are most needed and the policy issues that matter most for our businesses. You will build strategic relationships, tell the Octopus story and our vision for the future, and guide us into the right rooms at the right time.

Octopus Energy is best known as Britain’s largest and most loved energy supplier. We are also a fast growing global energy transition business.

We have a significant European presence which will increase substantially over the coming years. Employing over 2k people in Europe already, we have retail and energy service businesses in Italy, Germany, France and Spain serving around 2.6 million customers, alongside a European renewable generation portfolio and an EV charging application with many users across the continent.

We bring a multitude of proof points showing how technology, great customer propositions and market arrangements can help customers save money and make good use of low carbon power.

We are passionate about electrification and the system cost savings from harnessing flexible demand. Our challenger DNA means we are outspoken in the face of vested interests and are not afraid to invest in detailed research and propose bold solutions where they will benefit consumers.

• Be our face and voice in Brussels . You’ll build strategic relationships with the Commission, MEPs, and the Council as well as with key trade bodies and stakeholders. You’re not just attending meetings; you’re telling the story of a transition that is good for growth, investment and customer experience and of the proof points Octopus is building.
• Change the debate. The energy transition needs a new story. You’ll champion clean tech, flexible consumer demand and electrification, standing up to the old fossil fuel, expensive infrastructure narratives and showing institutions what the future actually looks like.
• Spot the signals. You’ll keep a watchful eye on the legislative horizon. We don't need a summary of every directive; we need to know exactly which files will help or hinder our growth, long before they become law.
• Pick the fights that matter. We can't be everywhere. You’ll have the discipline to say "no" to the noise and focus our firepower where it makes a real difference.
• Translate for the business. You’ll explain what’s happening in the bubble in plain language. You’ll guide our internal teams so they know who to talk to and when, making complex policy actionable.
• Work with our businesses. You will build an understanding of the different Octopus businesses and how they are impacted by and can help influence the EU agenda. You will help establish the priority policies to engage on and work with them to put the best case forward and get our voice heard.

We keep our teams lean so we can move fast and make change happen quickly. This role is no different. You will be our only employee in Brussels, at least to begin with, but will draw in the expertise and influencing power from across our European businesses and the Group more generally. Along with a line manager in the Group’s Corporate centre, you will have the support of a Public Affairs Agency that will help you keep track of what is happening, assist in organising key events and lend specialist support on particular policy topics.

What you'll need

• A Brussels expert. You know the EU bubble inside out and you have a strong understanding of the energy and climate agenda of relevance to Octopus Energy. You understand how the legislative machine actually works and you already have the network to prove it. You’re likely already based here, but if not you are ready and willing to relocate.
• Aligned with our mission. You are excited by the low cost, low carbon “electrotech” future Octopus Energy is demonstrating. You already have experience advocating on topics related to our mission.
• A compelling, confident narrative. You don't just speak "policy", you speak "human". You can explain the green energy transition simply and persuasively, offering policymakers a confident alternative to the old fossil fuel lobby. You have already shown you are not afraid to challenge legacy thinking or be the only voice in the room questioning the status quo.
• The ability to fly solo. You don't need a huge team or a massive budget to make waves. You’re comfortable operating as a one‑person engine room, using your own initiative and networks in the business to build influence and get things done.
• A team player. You can build relationships in the business, demonstrating value‑add and helping busy people have the biggest impact with the smallest amount of effort.
• A European mindset. You understand that Brussels decisions don't happen in a vacuum. You can navigate the politics of member states and position Octopus as a true European leader, not just a UK success story.
• Comfortable in a challenger business environment. Our direct style of communication, flat organisational structure, culture of ownership and responsibility and fast turnaround times are different from a traditional corporate. You will be excited by this and ready to adapt as necessary.

Salary and benefits will be discussed with the recruiter during the interview process. Octopus Energy values matching you with the correct salary based on your experience.

We are an equal opportunity employer. As an equal opportunity employer, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute. Our commitment is to provide equal opportunities, an inclusive work environment, and fairness for everyone.