Location: Theale, Reading, UK (hybrid), with some travel required
Salary range: £55k-65k, depending on experience
Overview
The Strategy Analyst supports the development and delivery of the Company's strategic objectives by providing market intelligence, commercial insight and analytical support to senior management. The role is responsible for researching defence markets, analysing industry trends, monitoring competitors and supporting strategic initiatives that drive sustainable growth. Working closely with business leaders across the Group, the Strategy Analyst contributes to strategic planning, business development, acquisitions, investment decisions and long-term business performance. The role requires an understanding of the UK and international defence sector, government procurement and the commercial drivers that influence defence markets.
Key responsibilities
- Support the annual strategic planning process and long-term business planning.
- Assist in developing corporate and subsidiary strategies aligned with Cohort's objectives.
- Conduct strategic assessments and evaluate growth opportunities.
- Prepare briefing papers and presentations for the executive team and Board.
Market and competitive intelligence:
- Monitor UK and international defence markets, customers and competitors.
- Analyse defence spending trends, government policies and procurement programmes.
- Identify emerging technologies, capability gaps and market opportunities.
- Maintain competitor profiles and strategic intelligence.
Business analysis:
- Analyse financial, operational and commercial performance to identify strategic opportunities and risks.
- Develop business cases to support investment decisions.
- Support portfolio reviews and prioritisation of strategic initiatives.
- Produce reports and dashboards using internal and external data.
Strategic projects:
- Support cross-functional strategic projects across the business.
- Assist with mergers, acquisitions, partnerships and market entry assessments where appropriate.
- Coordinate and manage project activities and monitor progress against agreed milestones.
- Support post-acquisition integration planning when required.
- Build strong relationships across subsidiary companies and functional teams.
- Present findings and recommendations to senior management and the Board as required.
- Facilitate strategic workshops and planning sessions.
- Undertake external representational responsibilities from time to time.
Key accountabilities:
- Delivery of high-quality strategic analysis and recommendations.
- Accurate and timely market intelligence.
- Effective support of strategic planning activities.
- High-quality Board and executive reporting.
- Successful delivery of assigned strategic projects.
- Identification of growth opportunities and strategic risks.
Other responsibilities
- Undertake other duties and tasks that from time to timethat are appropriate to the Analyst role.
- Comply with all relevant internal rules, policy and procedures, including those relating to Health and Safety, Data Protection, Anti-Bribery, Anti Sexual Harassment and all those contained within the Cohort Staff Handbook.
About the Candidate
We are keen to hear from those who have strong leadership skills and the ability to influence others.
- We are looking for someone who is analytical, results-driven, and proactive with a solutions-focused approach.
- The person will have high attention to detail, with the ability to think both strategically and operationally.
- We look for ateam player who is comfortable working independently and in collaborative environments.
- The person should be adaptable and comfortable with ambiguity, and able to work effectively in a changing business landscape.
- Ideally the person canthink creatively and outside the box.
Essential skills and experience:
- A degree in business, economics, finance, engineering, defence studies or a related discipline.
- At least three years’ experience in business strategy, corporate development/M&A, management consulting, commercial analysis or business planning.
- Strong analytical, research and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent financial and commercial awareness.
- Excellent Microsoft Excel, Access and PowerPoint skills.
- Ability to analyse complex information and communicate clear recommendations.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Project management and organisational skills.
Desirable skills and experience:
- An MBA or equivalent advanced degree is desirable.
- Experience of the defence, aerospace, security, space or technology sectors.
This role is based in Theale, Reading, and will require some travel to subsidiary offices. This role is eligible for hybrid working, with up to 40% of contracted working time undertaken remotely.
This role is intended as a permanent full-time role, however we are open to discussing flexible options or specific schedules.
You must be eligible and willing to undergo UK Government security clearance at a level commensurate with the role’s access to government-classified information.
- 25 days holiday (FTE) with the opportunity to purchase up to another 5 days
- Discretionary annual bonus of up to 20% of salary, dependent on performance
- Death in service benefit of up to four times base salary
- Private medical insurance, with the option to add family members at own expense, with an invitation to join after three months' service
- Group income protection
- Access to the company's Employee Assistance Program
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme, with an invitation to join after three months' service
- Auto enrolment into the company's pension scheme with up to7% company matched contributions
- The opportunityto participate in the company’s all employee share schemes through annual invitation
About Us
Cohort is a London stock exchange AIM-listed company composed of agile, specialist businesses united by a shared purpose: advancing defence technology for a safer tomorrow. What makes Cohort distinctive is its unique operating model, which empowers smaller, expert-led companies to retain their agility while benefiting from the financial strength, leadership, and stability of a larger group. This balance of independence and support enables swift decision-making, close customer engagement, and practical solutions with real-world impact.
At Cohort HQ, we provide light-touch guidance to our operating businesses and continue to support the growth of the Group. Our core values underpin every action and guide how success is achieved. We are Expert, applying deep knowledge and sharing expertise; Responsible, acting with integrity to make the right decisions; Practical, delivering what works for the right situation; and Dynamic, thinking innovatively and adapting quickly. These values shape a culture that reinforces strong governance, sustainable growth, and long-term success.
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