Aspiring Talent Programme Manager

We’re making zero carbon happen

We’re OVO Group, a big family of companies united by a single vision: to get to zero carbon, fast. 

We call this Plan Zero – and it shows how we’ll be fighting the climate crisis and transforming the way people use energy over the next decade. To do this, we need the sharpest minds. Are you up for the challenge?

Do great green things with OVO Energy

So much has changed since we launched in 2009.  Our goal remains the same though: make energy cheaper, greener, and simpler. Just as it was on day one.

Everyone belongs at OVO

Our aim is to build a diverse and inclusive movement: teams of brilliant people, with unique talents, skills, passions, and experiences. 

We encourage everyone to join us, whatever your gender identity, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, life experience, or background. So please come as you are – we can’t wait to meet you.

Where in the world of OVO will I be working?

Reporting into the Head of Learning, this role will work closely with senior leaders across OVO to own the development and implementation of the Aspiring Talent strategy with the main objective being to reach and develop talent that supports our diversity aspirations and future skills requirements. 

Our Aspiring Talent agenda encompasses various apprenticeship schemes from software engineering to field engineers as well as internships and Aspiring Talent leadership programmes. You will be the key point of contact inside and outside of the business for these initiatives and will guide and advise team members as needed.

What will I be doing?

You'll be the champion for OVO's Aspiring Talent approach and accountable for the people experience of all our Aspiring Talent initiatives which means working cross-functionally across various teams to ensure a seamless, outstanding and positive experience.

Owning these programmes end-to-end also means being accountable for how we access and maximise funding opportunities, such as via the apprenticeship levy, and managing and procuring appropriate training providers.

Key responsibilities include:

• Act as the central point of contact for the implementation of the aspiring talent strategy, collaborating closely with the relevant people partners & teams to support, embed and evaluate all programmes
• Ongoing management of our apprenticeship levy, reporting on spend and forecasted funding
• Provide support and guidance to people leaders with apprentice responsibilities 
• Ensure all training providers are selected and performance reviewed in line with OVO procurement processes
• Engage and collaborate with relevant internal teams to ensure apprenticeship opportunities are understood and accessible to all
• Work with OVO’s Talent Acquisition, Belonging & Foundation teams to identify & promote Aspiring Talent programmes externally (eg job fairs, schools and other partners) to encourage applications from diverse sectors of the population
• Partner with key team members and external providers to explore new apprenticeship opportunities within the Energy Industry with a specific focus on green skills
• Proactively keep knowledge of emerging standards and policy up to date through external benchmarking, networks and attendance at external meetings
• Champion OVO’s Aspiring Talent approach through local and national recognition schemes and celebration events

Is this the job for me?

You'll be knowledgable in all things Apprenticeship with a strong understanding of how apprenticeships work across the UK. Life at OVO can change quite quickly so you'll be comfortable working within a dynamic and constantly evolving environment.

You'll be working closely with different teams from around the business so you're confident working with a wider variety of people and adapting your communication skills as required.

Ideally you will have:

• Experience of developing and implementing a business wide Apprenticeship strategy
• Experience of working with the apprenticeship levy and an understanding of how apprenticeships are funded across the UK
• Experience of supporting and developing people leaders with the implementation of apprenticeship plans 
• Proactive, flexible and with the ability to change focus quickly but not lose sight of what’s important for the business
• Ability to time manage and prioritise workload, both individually and across the business
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with both outstanding verbal and written communications
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills, with a hands-on approach to managing key collaborators

Brilliant benefits for a world-changing team

Our people are at the heart of Plan Zero. That’s why we offer plenty of green benefits and progressive policies to make you feel at home.

For starters, you’ll get 34 days of holiday (including bank holidays).

Then there’s Flex Pay. It’s an extra 9% of your salary on top of your core pay to use as you like. You can take it as cash, add to your pension, or choose to spend it on a huge range of flex benefits.

Here’s a taster of what’s on offer:

For your health
With benefits like a healthcare cash plan or private medical insurance depending on your career level, critical illness cover, life assurance, health assessments, and more

For your wellbeing
With gym membership, gadget, travel and cyber insurance, workplace ISA, will writing services, DNA testing, dental insurance, and more

For your lifestyle
With extra holiday buying, discount dining, culture cards, tech loans, and supporting your favourite charities with give-as-you-earn donations

For your home 
Get up to £300 off any OVO Energy plan (when you pay by Direct Debit), plus personal carbon offsetting and great discounts on smart thermostats and EV chargers

For your commute
Nab a great deal on ultra-low emission car leasing, plus our cycle to work scheme and public transport season ticket loans 

Want to hear about our full range of flexible benefits and progressive people policies? Our People Team can tell you everything you need to know.

Oh, and one last thing...

We’d be thrilled if you tick off all our boxes yet we also believe it’s just as important we tick off all of yours. And if you think you have most of what we’re looking for but not every single thing, go ahead and hit apply. We’d still love to hear from you!