At a Glance
- Tasks: Support strategy development and execution while collaborating on innovative banking projects.
- Company: FirstBank UK, a top-tier bank with a rich heritage and global recognition.
- Benefits: Generous pension contributions, private medical insurance, gym subsidies, and 25+ days annual leave.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team to shape the future of banking and drive impactful strategies.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in finance, business, or related fields; strong interest in strategy and innovation.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with excellent career growth opportunities and a supportive learning environment.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
FirstBank UK is a globally recognised, top-tier bank that provides world-class services to various institutions and individuals. Offering a comprehensive range of retail and corporate financial services/products, this thriving business has over 10 million active customers in over 700 business locations and is the oldest African bank in the UK. Due to business requirements, we are now looking to acquire the services of an experienced Associate, Strategy and Planning.
This is a hybrid role with 3 days in the office and 2 days from home. The Associate, Strategy and Planning will support the Head, Strategy and Planning and the wider team in delivering FirstBank UK’s business strategy. The role is designed for a high-potential individual eager to develop expertise in strategy, planning, market intelligence, and innovation within the banking sector. The Associate will contribute to strategic projects, research, analysis, and cross-functional collaboration, helping to drive the Bank’s long-term goals.
Key Responsibilities:- Strategy Support and Execution
- Assist in the formulation, review, and refinement of the Bank’s strategic plans.
- Support enterprise-level strategy discussions and cross-functional collaboration.
- Business Performance and Planning
- Support the identification and evaluation of growth opportunities (e.g., M&A, partnerships).
- Assist with due diligence and integration planning for partnerships, acquisition targets, etc.
- Help coordinate periodic performance review sessions and track progress against strategic goals.
- Market and Competitive Intelligence
- Monitor market, regulatory, technological, and economic trends to inform strategic direction.
- Conduct research and analysis on macroeconomic and industry trends, including banking innovation and fintech disruption.
- Project Management and Innovation
- Support the execution of strategic and innovation initiatives, including challenges and hackathons.
- Assist in managing or lead special projects and high-impact initiatives as assigned.
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Work closely with key internal stakeholders (Business Heads, Finance, Risk, Compliance, Technology, Operations, HR, etc.) to foster strategic alignment.
- Support collaboration with external consultants and the Group’s strategy office.
- Capacity Building and Teamwork
- Take ownership of personal development and participate in team learning and development plans.
- Promote cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing within the team.
- Experience or strong interest in strategy development, business transformation, management consulting, innovation, or corporate planning.
- Understanding of the UK banking industry, regulatory environment, and digital transformation trends.
- Exposure to financial services or consulting.
- Analytical and strategic thinking skills.
- Ability to conduct market and industry research.
- Financial acumen: basic understanding of financial statements and analysis.
- Effective communicator and collaborator.
- Strong networking and stakeholder management skills.
- Bachelor’s degree in finance, Economics, Business Administration, Strategy, or related discipline.
In return, we offer a fantastic benefits package including:
- Up to 10% employer pension contribution
- Life Assurance Cover
- Income protection
- Private Medical Insurance plan (upon successful completion of probation period)
- Contribution to glasses/contacts and eye testing
- Gym subsidy (up to £50 per month)
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee Assistance Program
- Interest Free season ticket loan for travel
- Birthday Leave
- 25 days annual leave, rising to 28 after 3 years and 30 after 8 years’ service
- Give As You Earn (GAYE)
First Bank is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.
Associate, Strategy and Planning in City of London employer: FirstBank UK Limited
Contact Detail:
FirstBank UK Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate, Strategy and Planning in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the banking sector, especially those who work at FirstBank UK. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in strategy and planning within the banking industry. We want you to show off your knowledge about market intelligence and innovation – it’ll impress the hiring team!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Being an effective communicator is key for this role. Try mock interviews with friends or use online platforms to refine your pitch and responses.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate, Strategy and Planning in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Associate, Strategy and Planning role. Highlight relevant experience in strategy development and market analysis, and don’t forget to showcase your understanding of the UK banking industry.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this role and how your skills align with FirstBank UK's goals. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since the role involves a lot of research and analysis, make sure to include examples of how you've used analytical thinking in past roles. This will show us that you can handle the demands of the position.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of it!
How to prepare for a job interview at FirstBank UK Limited
✨Know Your Strategy
Before the interview, dive deep into FirstBank UK's strategic goals and recent initiatives. Familiarise yourself with their market position and any recent news about the bank. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your answers with their objectives.
✨Showcase Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss your analytical and strategic thinking skills. Bring examples from your past experiences where you've successfully conducted market research or contributed to strategic planning. Be ready to explain how your insights led to tangible outcomes.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Highlight your experience in stakeholder engagement. Think of specific instances where you collaborated with different teams or external partners. Demonstrating your ability to foster relationships will be key, especially in a role that requires cross-functional collaboration.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the banking industry and the role's responsibilities. Inquire about the bank's approach to innovation or how they evaluate growth opportunities. This shows you're not just interested in the job, but also in contributing to their long-term success.