Social Value Lead

Reporting to the Head of Socioeconomic and Community Benefit, you'll lead Strategic Infrastructure's approach to social value across one of the UK's largest infrastructure investment programmes.

You'll set the strategic direction, governance and standards that embed social value across project teams and supply chain partners.

Key responsibilities include:

Leading the development and delivery of Strategic Infrastructure's social value strategy and priorities.

Acting as the senior subject matter expert for social value across the business.

Overseeing Social Value Delivery Plans and driving consistent delivery across multiple projects.

Commissioning and overseeing socio-economic research and social value analysis to identify regional priorities, partnership opportunities and high-impact community initiatives.

Creating opportunities for local employment, skills development, education and supplier diversity.

Building strong partnerships with local authorities, community organisations, supply chain partners and industry bodies.

Collaborating with Responsible Business colleagues to align delivery with National Grid's wider sustainability commitments.

We're looking for a strategic leader who can influence at senior levels, build strong partnerships and drive delivery through others.

You'll bring:

Extensive experience in a senior social value, socio-economic impact, responsible business or community benefit role, supporting the delivery of major infrastructure or construction projects.

Proven experience leading social value strategy at programme, portfolio, or organisational level, setting direction, establishing governance and influencing others to deliver impact.

Strong knowledge of social value principles, frameworks, measurement and reporting, particularly within infrastructure, construction or related sectors.

Experience operating within a complex organisation and highly regulated environment.

A track record of influencing senior leaders, project teams, supply chain partners, and external stakeholders to embed social value into decision-making and delivery.

Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills, with experience developing trusted partnerships across diverse stakeholder groups.

Experience working with contractors and supply chain partners to maximise social value outcomes and deliver shared objectives.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to turn insight into practical action and measurable impact.

A competitive salary between £60,000 - £75,000 – dependent on capability.

An annual performance bonus of up to 30% of your eligible earnings in the performance year.

28 days annual leave plus eight statutory days.

The option to buy additional or sell holiday days.

A generous contributory pension scheme - we will double-match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%.

Financial support to help cover the cost of professional membership subscriptions, course fees, books, exam fees and time off for study leave - so long as it's relevant to your role.

Access to flexible benefits such as a share incentive plan, salary sacrifice car and technology schemes, support via employee assistance lines and matched charity giving to name a few.

Family care benefits including a back-up care service for when your usual care arrangements fall through (six paid days each year as standard with the option to purchase further days).

Access to apps that support health, fitness and wellbeing.

National Grid Strategic Infrastructure is a business unit created to propel our grid forward to deliver in 5 years, what has been achieved in the previous 30. By 2030 we aim to have 17 new major infrastructure projects live across England, Scotland and Wales.

Here at National Grid, we connect homes and businesses to power, making sure supply and demand match each other. We make sure the lights are on in schools, operating theatres, and sporting arenas; we’re thousands of people working on behalf of millions of people.

Our investment in Strategic Infrastructure via The Great Grid Upgrade will mean more home-grown power, greater energy security and a cleaner future.

Whatever your role, wherever you work with us, you’ll help us hit stretching targets and achieve our far-reaching goal: to secure, clean energy that supports our world far into the future. Here, you will be at the heart of energy.

This role closes on 28 September 2026 at 23:59 , however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary. Interviews to be held week commencing 19 October 2026.

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We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates – we make appointments purely on merit, assessed against objective selection criteria. We support flexible working and will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process should you have any physical or mental impairment which may affect your ability to participate in the process.

Please note that in most cases, 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.