At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape product direction and drive strategic initiatives in a dynamic lending environment.
- Company: Join Finastra, a global leader in financial services software.
- Benefits: Unlimited vacation, hybrid work, well-being support, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values unique perspectives and fosters growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of financial services and AI transformation.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategy consulting or fintech, strong analytical skills, and excellent communication.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Who are we? At Finastra, we’re a global leader in financial services software, dedicated to expanding access to financial services and shaping what’s next for the industry. Our technology powers mission‑critical solutions across Lending, Payments and Universal Banking, supporting over 7,000 customers, including 80% of the world’s top 50 banks, in more than 110 countries.
We’re looking for a Lead – Product Portfolio Strategy to join our Lending Product organisation. This is a high-impact, strategically critical role supporting the Head of Product Portfolio Strategy across one of our most complex and rapidly evolving business units. Acting as a strategic partner and internal consultant, you will shape product direction, drive clarity across a diverse portfolio, support M&A and partnership evaluations, and help advance the AI-enabled transformation of Lending. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a strategic mindset who thrives in ambiguity and enjoys working across senior stakeholders.
About The Role In this position, you’ll operate at the intersection of product, commercial strategy, technology, and executive leadership. Your work will directly inform decisions across the CPO, CTO, COO and CRO organisations, ensuring our Lending strategy is cohesive, future‑looking, and grounded in strong external insight.
Key Responsibilities
- Market Insights & External Intelligence: Analyse market trends, competitor activity, and customer needs. Distil findings into clear, executive‑ready insights and strategic recommendations. Partner with Market Intelligence and Central Strategy to embed external perspectives into product decision‑making.
- Product Partnerships & M&A Support: Support assessments of potential partners, acquisitions, and ecosystem opportunities. Develop business cases, strategic‑fit evaluations, and build/buy/partner recommendations. Coordinate information gathering and due diligence in partnership with Corporate Development and Product teams.
- Strategic Projects & Cross Portfolio Coordination: Contribute to strategic initiatives across Retail Lending, Corporate Lending, Loan IQ, Trade and Channels. Support strategic planning cycles, cross‑functional alignment, and portfolio‑level governance. Drive clarity, structure, and follow‑through across complex workstreams and stakeholder groups.
What You Bring
- Background in strategy consulting, financial services, product strategy or corporate development.
- Strong understanding of banking or fintech environments (or the ability to ramp quickly).
- Ability to navigate high ambiguity and work across a wide set of stakeholders.
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with a structured, independent mindset.
- Excellent communication skills, including the confidence to influence senior leaders.
- High proficiency in PowerPoint, with the ability to create compelling, narrative‑driven presentations.
- Comfort managing several parallel initiatives and driving momentum in unstructured environments.
Who You Are
You’re a proactive, intellectually curious strategist who enjoys tackling complex problems. You bring structure to ambiguity, communicate with clarity and operate effectively in fast‑moving, evolving environments. Above all, you take ownership, think independently and enjoy working across a broad product portfolio. If you’re excited by shaping portfolio strategy in a dynamic, growing Lending organisation, we’d love to hear from you.
Benefits
- Flexibility: Enjoy unlimited vacation, based on your location and business priorities. Hybrid working arrangements, and inclusive policies such as paid time off for voting, bereavement, and sick leave.
- Well‑being: Access confidential one‑on‑one therapy through our Employee Assistance Program, find support from our network of Wellbeing Champions and Gather Groups, and a calendar of monthly events and initiatives designed to help you thrive - Inside and Outside of work. Medical, life & disability insurance, retirement plan, lifestyle and other benefits.
- Sustainability: Benefit from paid time off for volunteering and donation matching.
- DEI: Participate in multiple DE&I groups for open involvement (e.g., Count Me In, Culture@Finastra, Proud@Finastra, Disabilities@Finastra, Women@Finastra).
- Career Development: Access online learning and accredited courses through our Skills & Career Navigator tool.
- Recognition: Be part of our global recognition program, Finastra Celebrates, and contribute to regular employee surveys to help shape Finastra and foster a culture where everyone is engaged and empowered to perform at their best. Specific benefits may vary by location.
At Finastra, each individual is unique, bringing their own ideas, thoughts, cultural beliefs, backgrounds, and experiences together. We learn from one another, embrace and celebrate our differences, and create an environment where everyone feels safe to be themselves. Be unique, be exceptional, and help us make a difference at Finastra!
Lead – Product Portfolio Strategy employer: Finastra International Limited
At Finastra, we pride ourselves on being a forward-thinking employer that champions innovation and inclusivity within the financial services sector. Our dynamic work culture fosters collaboration and personal growth, offering employees unparalleled benefits such as unlimited vacation, hybrid working arrangements, and comprehensive well-being support. Join us in a role that not only shapes the future of lending but also empowers you to thrive in a diverse and supportive environment.
Contact Details:
Finastra International Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead – Product Portfolio Strategy
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Finastra International Limited. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead – Product Portfolio Strategy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Finastra International Limited.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Finastra International Limited's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Finastra International Limited
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Finastra International Limited.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Finastra International Limited will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Finastra International Limited employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
