The role
Executive Advisor to the Chief People Officer
London -The Strand
Step into a high‑impact role at the heart of our People Function. As Executive Advisor, you will partner directly with the Chief People Officer (CPO) and the People Leadership Team (PLT) to shape strategic priorities, drive critical initiatives, and ensure the seamless operation of the CPO's office.
This is a role for someone who operates with influence, precision, and foresight. You'll lead key workstreams and programmes that elevate our People strategy, deliver high‑value outcomes for the CPO, and strengthen alignment across the organisation.
* Acting as a trusted advisor, thought partner, and strategic extension of the CPO
* Taking ownership of daily priorities, decision‑support, and essential follow‑through
* Preparing the CPO for high‑stakes internal and external engagements
* Leading and supporting cross‑functional projects that shape the People Function's agenda
* Building strong relationships across teams to maintain momentum and clarity on top priorities
Occasional travel may be required.
What you'll be doing
Administration & Project Management
You support the Chief People Officer (CPO) by planning and managing their schedule, preparing them for key engagements, and producing high‑quality briefings, speeches, and presentations. You coordinate internal communications, track actions from executive committees, and organise People Leadership Team meetings and offsites. You also contribute to the delivery of SHE, DEI, culture, and employee‑experience initiatives
Advisory Partner
You act as a central liaison for the CPO's office, offering guidance, strategic insight, and constructive challenge on People initiatives. You ensure alignment across the People Function, help prioritise the CPO's time toward critical issues, and support the evolution of culture, leadership behaviours, and ways of working.
Strategy
You contribute to key strategic frameworks including the CPO performance contract and People strategy scorecard. You coordinate reporting of workforce, culture, talent, and DEI metrics, support internal comms for the People Function, and help drive organisation‑wide transformation efforts. You build strong cross‑team relationships across UK and US People teams and lead ad‑hoc strategic projects as needed.
What's in it for you
Salary between £87,000 p.a. and £109,000 p.a. depending on experience.
As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus based on personal and company performance of up to 40% - a competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%. You will also receive private medical insurance and the option to a full EV company car or cash alternative. Additionally, you will have access to a number of flexible benefits such as a share incentive plan, technology schemes, support via employee assistance lines and matched charity giving to name a few.
About you
This role is particularly well‑suited to a high‑potential individual looking to accelerate their career within the People Function. It offers unique exposure to senior leadership decision‑making, enterprise‑wide strategy, and the inner workings of a Group Executive office.
The Executive Advisor will work closely with the CPO and the People Leadership Team on some of the most critical priorities for the organisation, providing a rare platform to develop strategic acumen, broaden HR/People expertise, and build a strong enterprise‑wide network.
Success in this role will equip a high‑performing individual with the experience, insight, and visibility needed to progress into future leadership or specialist positions across the People Function or wider business.
* Demonstrable experience in project and programme management, with experience leading teams or workstreams.
* Strong business and organisational acumen, ideally with exposure to HR/People, transformation, or enterprise‑wide programmes.
* Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
* Proven ability to manage multiple priorities; organised, detail‑oriented, and confident in making independent decisions.
* Experience in facilitating discussions and presenting to senior leadership.
* Ability to articulate objectives, problems, and recommendations clearly and succinctly.
* Willingness to travel as required
Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At National Grid, we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace for everyone. So, if you're excited about this role but your experience or qualifications don't match the job description exactly, we encourage you to apply anyway. You might just be the right person for our growing business in this role or another one.
More information
The closing date for this position is Friday 27th January - please ensure we have received your application by this date.
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National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points-based immigration system. As such, applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future under the UK points-based immigration system. However, in exceptional circumstances where there is a clear and demonstrable need for specialist skills that cannot be sourced from the local labour market, National Grid may consider offering sponsorship. All applications are welcome from candidates who meet these requirements, regardless of race, nationality, or ethnic origin.