Strategic Trends Manager

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Shape the UK's Net Zero and future mobility strategy.

We're looking for a dynamic, forward-thinking leader to drive strategic research and insights across Net Zero, with

additional focus on Connected & Automated Mobility (CAM) and emerging industrial technologies.

In this high-impact role, you will:

• Lead analysis on Net Zero trends, technologies & industrial opportunities
• Guide and mentor a talented team of analysts
• Work closely with senior stakeholders across government, industry & academia
• Turn complex market intelligence into clear, actionable insights
• Influence national strategy, funding decisions & economic modelling
• Strengthen the UK's competitiveness in automotive & advanced manufacturing

If you're passionate about the intersection of technology, sustainability and industrial strategy, this role offers a rare opportunity to drive meaningful change and help shape the UK's long-term Net Zero and mobility future.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team ensuring high-quality output, professional development and strategic alignment with jointly agreed work plans
• Set priorities and objectives in line with broader departmental goals and strategic direction
• Lead the development of strategic insights on emerging technologies, innovation opportunities and competitive risks affecting the UK automotive and CAM sector
• Collaborate with internal teams, government bodies and industry stakeholders to ensure alignment between technology trends, economic modelling and strategic planning
• Development of synergies on cross-functional operational model between technology themes and mission-focussed activities (e.g. Net Zero and CAM missions)
• Oversee integration and consistency across demand modelling, macroeconomic modelling, and policy implications
• Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders to shape research analysis agenda and inform technology trends portfolio accordingly
• Lead the production of high-quality reports, briefings, and presentations that support internal decision-making and external stakeholder engagement
• Ensure alignment of research and analysis with national priorities, including Net Zero, CAM industrial decarbonisation, regional economic growth
• Represent the organisation at a senior level with government departments, industry leaders, trade bodies, and academia
• Translate complex market intelligence and data into clear, actionable strategic recommendations
• Monitor and assess the impact of automotive strategic technologies (e.g. electrification, hydrogen, software-defined platforms) on the UK automotive sector
• Guide technology prioritisation in support of APC and Zenzic competitions and projects based on market readiness and strategic importance
• Maintaining close working relationships with potential industry stakeholders as well as UK based suppliers and buyers to ensure insights and intelligence are fed into the departments analysis and insights
• Identify key strategic R&D and capital linkages to support funding programmes that enhance the competitiveness and resilience of the UK's long term automotive supply chain
• Ensure assigned work and business plan items are delivered on time, within scope, and in accordance with organisational frameworks and quality standards
• Manage resources (and budgets) for the insight trends team, as and when required

Person Specification - Experience, Knowledge and Skills

• Degree (or equivalent experience) in economics, engineering, data science, public policy, business or a related field
• Proven experience in a managerial role involving industrial or technology analysis, ideally within the automotive or manufacturing sectors
• Understanding of (or willing to develop understanding of) automotive powertrain technologies, e.g. power electronics as well as software-defined vehicles
• Demonstrated experience managing teams and delivering complex, cross functional programmes or initiatives
• Track record of engaging with senior stakeholders across government, industry and academia
• Excellent understanding of emerging technologies in the automotive industry (e.g. EVs, autonomous vehicles, hydrogen, supply chains)
• Knowledge of UK industrial strategy, investment priorities and policy frameworks, including Net Zero and supply chain resilience
• Excellent strategic thinking skills, with the ability to connect technology, market trends and industrial policy
• Excellent communication skills including report writing and presenting complex insights to non-technical audiences
• Effective team leadership with the ability to motivate and develop employees
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills at senior levels

We are committed to fostering a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion across our organisation. This commitment applies to both our people and the practices we follow.

We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Your personal data will be used solely for recruitment purposes.

When you apply via LinkedIn, your data is submitted through the platform and stored either within LinkedIn or in our Applicant Tracking System, which is fully compliant with EU data protection regulations. Your information will not be shared with any third parties.

We will retain your data only until the vacancy has been successfully filled. This period ends when a candidate accepts our offer. Once the recruitment process concludes or the advert is withdrawn, your data will be deleted.

If you would like us to retain your details for future opportunities, you may request this by contacting us directly through our website.