At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive innovation strategies and solve complex business challenges with senior stakeholders.
- Company: Leading global professional-services organisation with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £105,000, hybrid work model, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to influence senior decision-makers.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping strategies that deliver measurable value.
- Qualifications: Experience in innovation strategy and strong data analysis skills required.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
- Associate Director - Innovation & Strategy
- Based in London - Hybrid
The Opportunity
We are partnering with a leading global professional-services organisation to appoint an Associate Director of Innovation & Strategy.
This individual will work with senior internal stakeholders to identify business challenges, evaluate new opportunities and shape strategies that deliver measurable commercial and operational value.
The role requires a strong combination of strategic thinking, data analysis and stakeholder management.
You will be expected to understand the "why" behind each request, challenge assumptions constructively and determine whether the organisation should build, buy or partner when developing new capabilities.
Key Responsibilities
- Build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders across a complex, matrixed organisation.
- Partner with internal clients to understand their objectives, challenges and underlying business needs.
- Ask insightful questions and challenge existing thinking to ensure the right problems are being addressed.
- Analyse and synthesise complex quantitative and qualitative data.
- Translate findings into clear insights, recommendations and executive-level presentations.
- Develop business cases, strategic proposals and opportunity assessments.
- Apply build, buy or partner methodologies to evaluate potential solutions.
- Assess the strategic, commercial and operational value of new initiatives.
- Identify emerging technologies, market trends and opportunities that could benefit the organisation and its clients.
- Turn early-stage ideas into structured, actionable strategies.
- Bring together stakeholders from business, technology, product and operational functions.
- Influence senior decision-makers and build support for strategic initiatives.
- Ensure innovation activity is connected to tangible business and client outcomes.
Essential Experience
- Previous experience within a Big Four or comparable professional-services organisation.
- A strong background in innovation strategy, corporate strategy, digital strategy, ventures or management consulting.
- Proven experience synthesising complex data into clear and commercially relevant recommendations.
- Experience working with and influencing senior internal stakeholders.
- A strong understanding of build-versus-buy decision-making, including potential partnership models.
- Experience developing business cases and presenting recommendations to senior leadership.
- Strong commercial awareness and the ability to identify how new ideas can create value.
- Experience operating within a large, complex and highly matrixed business.
- Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills.
- Personal Attributes
- Entrepreneurial, inquisitive and commercially minded.
- Comfortable asking "why?" and constructively challenging assumptions.
- A natural relationship builder who can establish credibility with senior stakeholders.
- Analytical and evidence-led, with strong strategic judgement.
- Able to turn ambiguity into structure and clear direction.
- Collaborative, pragmatic and focused on delivery.
- Comfortable balancing strategic thinking with hands-on analysis.
- Motivated by solving complex problems and creating measurable value.
Please reach out to Liam Meikle if you have any questions!
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Strategic Innovation Assosiate Director in London employer: Cedar
Join a dynamic London-based organisation that values innovation and collaboration, offering a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have access to continuous training and growth opportunities while working on prestigious M&E projects. The supportive work culture encourages teamwork and creativity, making it an excellent place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Innovation Assosiate Director in London
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Strategic Innovation Assosiate Director at Cedar!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Cedar or be willing to refer you for that Strategic Innovation Assosiate Director position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Cedar who’s on the lookout for their next Strategic Innovation Assosiate Director star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Strategic Innovation Assosiate Director role at Cedar!
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Innovation Assosiate Director in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Cedar. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cedar
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Cedar. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
