At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of corporate strategy and influence key business decisions.
- Company: Join the AA, the UK's leading motoring organisation with a rich history.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, pension contributions, and discounts on AA products.
- Other info: Diverse learning opportunities and a commitment to inclusivity await you.
- Why this job: Shape the future of the AA and drive meaningful change in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in strategy development and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location
Basingstoke or London (hybrid working 3 office days per week) #LI-Hybrid
Employment Type
Full time / 6 Month Fixed Term Contract
Think the AA is just about roadside assistance? Think again.
For over a century, we've been evolving and adapting.
Today, as the nation's leading motoring organisation, we offer a wide range of products and services to millions of customers.
From roadside assistance to home and motor insurance, and the latest driving technologies, we have it all.
As we continue to expand, diversify, and modernise, joining us as an
Head of Strategy means you'll play a crucial role in our success and be part of this exciting motoring journey.
This is the job
As Head of Strategy, you'll have the opportunity to shape the future direction of the AA by leading the development of our corporate strategy and influencing some of the organisation's most important commercial and operational decisions.
Working closely with the Group Executive Committee (GEC), Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and colleagues across the business, you'll help identify strategic opportunities, solve complex challenges and ensure our long-term priorities are translated into clear, actionable plans.
This is a highly collaborative leadership role where you'll combine strategic thinking with delivery, using market insight, data and business analysis to inform decision making and drive meaningful change.
You'll work across functions to build alignment, develop future-focused strategies and help ensure the AA remains competitive, customer-focused and well positioned for long-term success, while leading and developing a high-performing Strategy team.
What will I be doing?
- Lead the development and delivery of strategy across high-value business initiatives, influencing at GEC level to ensure successful implementation of strategic priorities.
- Partner with senior leaders across the AA to shape strategies that drive sustainable commercial growth and operational performance.
- Build trusted relationships across the GEC, SLT and wider business, acting as a strategic adviser and influencing key business decisions.
- Identify and develop strategic opportunities that support the AA's long-term ambitions and create value for our customers and colleagues.
- Lead strategic analysis of market trends, competitor activity, customer needs and the external environment to inform future business direction.
- Drive the corporate strategic planning process, ensuring business priorities are aligned to the AA's long-term vision and objectives.
- Develop clear recommendations, action plans and solutions that address commercial and operational opportunities through evidence-based strategic insight.
- Produce robust business cases and financial analysis in partnership with Finance and business teams to support informed decision making.
- Present strategic insights, recommendations and progress updates to the GEC, SLT and other senior stakeholders.
- Work with Internal and External Communications to develop and communicate the AA's strategic narrative to colleagues and external audiences.
- Collaborate with the GEC and Transformation Management Office (TMO) to develop multi-year strategic plans, monitor business performance and identify risks and opportunities to keep delivery on track.
- Lead, coach and develop the Strategy team, creating a high-performing environment that encourages collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement.
What do I need?
Capability, Knowledge and Experience
- Proven experience developing and delivering business strategy, ideally gained within a strategy consultancy or a strategic leadership role.
Experience within a consumer-facing or B2C organisation is advantageous.
- A strong track record of working with senior leaders to solve complex commercial and operational challenges and influence strategic decision making.
- Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage, challenge and influence at GEC and SLT level.
- Experience identifying, evaluating and developing strategic solutions to commercial opportunities, supported by sound judgement and strong attention to detail.
- Strong analytical, research and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex information, draw meaningful insights and develop practical recommendations.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with confidence in creating compelling strategic materials and presenting recommendations to senior stakeholders.
- Strong organisational and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently and deliver high-quality outcomes in a fast-paced environment.
- A collaborative leadership style, with the ability to build trusted partnerships across the business and lead, coach and develop high-performing teams.
- Additional information
We’re always looking to recognise and reward our employees for the work they do. As a valued member of The AA team, you’ll have access to a range of benefits including:
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays + holiday buying scheme
- Worksave pension scheme with up to 7% employer contribution
- Free AA breakdown membership from Day 1 plus 50% discount for family and friends
- Discounts on AA products including car and home insurance
- Employee discount scheme that gives you access to a car salary sacrifice scheme plus great discounts on healthcare, shopping, holidays and more
- Company funded life assurance
- Diverse learning and development opportunities to support you to progress in your career
- Dedicated Employee Assistance Programme and a 24/7 remote GP service for you and your family
Plus, so much more!
We’re an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from everyone.
The AA values diversity and the difference this brings to our culture and our customers.
We actively seek people from diverse backgrounds to join us and become part of an inclusive company where you can be yourself, be empowered to be your best and feel like you truly belong.
We have five communities to bring together people with shared characteristics and backgrounds and drive positive change.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Strategy in Basingstoke employer: Automobile Association
The Automobile Association in Southampton is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for Mobile Mechanics to work independently while receiving comprehensive training and support. With a strong focus on employee growth and inclusivity, the company provides guaranteed earnings and an attractive benefits package, making it a rewarding place to build your career in the automotive industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Strategy in Basingstoke
✨Dive Into Corporate Strategy Communities
Get yourself involved in online communities or forums focused on corporate strategy. Places like LinkedIn groups or specific Slack channels can hook you up with industry insights, trends, and many potential job leads. Don't hesitate to share your thoughts or ask questions; it’ll boost your visibility!
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Events
Keep an eye out for corporate strategy conferences or networking events in your area (or online!). These gatherings are gold mines for meeting hiring managers and making impactful connections. Plus, having a few good conversations can lead to job referrals at companies like Automobile Association!
✨Showcase Your Strategy Skills
Create content that showcases your knowledge of corporate strategy—think reports, blogs, or even video discussions. Sharing these on platforms like LinkedIn or Medium can demonstrate your expertise and make you stand out to employers looking for fresh talent.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply for the Head of Strategy position at Automobile Association via our website! This shows your genuine interest, and who knows, you might just land that interview in a matter of days. Keep your application focused on how you can add value to their strategy team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Strategy in Basingstoke
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Strategic Thinking:When crafting your CV and cover letter, highlight your strategic analysis skills. Focus on past experiences where you've effectively assessed market trends or made impactful recommendations. Evidence-based achievements, like improving processes or contributing to significant projects, will help us see your potential for driving corporate strategy at Automobile Association.
Tailor Your Narrative:Don’t just send us a generic application! Personalise your cover letter by connecting your experiences and aspirations to Automobile Association’s mission and goals. We love seeing candidates who genuinely understand what we do; share how your vision aligns with ours and what you can bring to the table.
Highlight Relevant Academic Credentials:In your CV, make sure to showcase your academic background, especially if you have qualifications in business, economics, or analytics. We appreciate candidates who can back up their skills with relevant degrees or certifications, so don’t be shy about flaunting those achievements!
Utilise Professional Language:While we want you to be yourself, remember that corporate strategy roles demand a level of professionalism in communication. Use clear and concise language in your application materials, ensuring that your ideas come across as well-structured and sophisticated. It’s all about making a great impression right from the written application stage!
How to prepare for a job interview at Automobile Association
✨Master the Numbers
Corporate strategy often involves data analysis and financial forecasting. Brush up on your quantitative skills, and be prepared to handle case studies or numerical problems during the interview. We might get questions about how to approach market trends or assess the performance of a hypothetical company — so practice these scenarios!
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarity with strategic frameworks like SWOT, PESTLE, or Porter’s Five Forces can set you apart. We should be ready to discuss how we’d apply these tools to real-world business situations — maybe even relating them to Automobile Association. This shows we’re not just theory-happy but can articulate our practical application.
✨Engage in Strategic Conversations
In a full-time role like this, it’s crucial to show that we're engaged and informed about current trends in the industry. Keep up with major news and prepare to discuss how recent developments could impact strategic decisions at Automobile Association. This will demonstrate our passion and proactive approach to the field.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Whether through internships or projects, we should highlight any experience that relates to corporate strategy. Have specific examples ready to talk about how we’ve contributed to strategic growth or improvements. It's about showcasing our unique journey and how it will bring value to Automobile Association.
