Head of Energy, Onward

Onward is looking for an exceptional individual to lead our Energy Commission, the task of which is to devise a credible plan for UK energy policy for a centre-right government, capable of day one implementation. The UK is at an inflection point. Ultra-high energy costs are driving inflation, deterring investment and harming growth. Onward’s work will provide the blueprint that an incoming centre-right government could adopt to ensure energy security, sustainability and affordability.

The successful candidate will need at least 3 years’ experience writing high-quality research, with deep specialist knowledge of energy policy, and be able to demonstrate strong project management experience. They must also be comfortable engaging with and contributing to public policy debates, including through the media, policy events and meetings with MPs, ministers and civil servants.

The successful candidate will be joining Onward at a pivotal moment. Having launched seven years ago, we have established a reputation for rigorous research that gets traction not only in newspapers but also in government policy and across the centre-right. We pride ourselves on developing policy ideas that are timely, practical to deliver and politically possible.

To apply, please email your CV and covering letter to office@ukonward.com.

Applications close 6pm, 21st April 2026.

Start date ASAP.

Main responsibilities

• Produce high-quality research on energy policy, with demonstrable experience conducting data-driven analysis.
• Have a strong understanding of modern British politics and the politics surrounding energy security, including an ability to actively engage in the energy debate.
• Contribute to the overall editing of work, through a shared editorial process across senior members of the research team.
• Manage and support the development of a researcher.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders at the highest levels of government, the media, industry and among the policy community.
• Plan and deliver Onward events, including roundtables, panels, and policy workshops.
• Produce regular articles for newspapers, websites and other outlets.
• Be confident chairing events and speaking to broadcast media about key energy issues.