Strategy Manager

About us

At Exchange for Change, we are building something the UK has never had before. Working across the UK, we are designing and delivering a Deposit Return Scheme from the ground up, creating a system that helps reduce litter and waste by encouraging people to return their empty drinks bottles and cans for recycling.

We are industry led and driven by purpose. A national movement with a clear mission. No bottle unreturned. No can left behind.

This is not just another job. This is a rare opportunity to do meaningful work, shape a landmark national programme, and help deliver lasting positive impact for people, businesses and the planet alike.

High level responsibilities

This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of one of the UK's most ambitious environmental programmes.

As Strategy Manager, you will lead some of Exchange for Change's most important strategic priorities and problem-solving efforts. Working directly with senior leadership, you will take ownership of some of the organisation's most important strategic challenges, developing the insight, evidence and recommendations needed to inform critical decisions and drive the organisation forward.

This is not a traditional corporate strategy role. You will operate as an internal strategic lead, taking projects from initial problem definition through to recommendation and implementation. Whether developing strategies to increase container return rates, exploring future opportunities for Exchange for Change across the recycling value chain, or responding to emerging challenges facing the scheme, you will be expected to bring structure to ambiguity and turn ideas into action.

You will work closely with the Director of Strategy and Programme, the CEO, the Senior Leadership Team and the Board, leading research and analysis, engaging stakeholders, overseeing external advisers and building compelling recommendations that influence decisions at the highest levels of the organisation. You will be part of the Strategy and Programme team, a small, central function at the heart of Exchange for Change, reporting into the Strategy & Programme Director.

The team is responsible for shaping the direction of the scheme, solving complex strategic challenges and supporting informed decision-making across the organisation.

Our main office is in Milton Keynes (30min from London Euston), you'll need a willingness to attend team meetings from time to time in MK or in London, else this role is Hybrid.

Strategic Project Leadership

• Lead high-profile strategic projects from initial problem definition through to recommendation and implementation
• Structure complex and ambiguous challenges into clear workplans, hypotheses and decision points
• Develop robust recommendations supported by evidence, analysis and stakeholder insight
• Ensure strategic projects deliver tangible outcomes and create lasting value for the organisation

Research, Analysis and Insight Development

• Design and deliver research programmes for strategic projects
• Analyse data, evidence and market developments to identify opportunities, risks and emerging trends
• Assess strategic options and trade-offs, developing clear recommendations for senior leadership
• Build a deep understanding of the Deposit Return Scheme, the UK grocery retail market, the wider recycling landscape and an evolving policy environment SLT and Board Decision Support
• Prepare high-quality papers, presentations and recommendations for the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and Board
• Present findings and recommendations clearly and confidently to senior audiences
• Provide structured thinking and problem‑solving support on emerging issues and priority initiatives

Stakeholder Engagement and Strategic Delivery

• Wo…