At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of a 3-5 year sector strategy for the telecom industry.
- Company: Join GSMA, a key player in the mobile ecosystem shaping the future.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible working, and fantastic learning opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the telecom landscape and drive innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategy consulting or corporate strategy, ideally in telecoms.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to inclusivity and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 ÂŁ per year.
The telecoms and technology ecosystem is entering one of the most consequential periods in its history. Telcos, technology companies, vendors, policymakers, and regulators are all redefining their roles in an increasingly interconnected and competitive landscape. The Head of Sector Strategy & Strategy Projects will play a central role in defining the industry’s 3–5 year strategic outlook and translating it into clear positioning and priorities for GSMA.
About the Team
The Strategy team shapes the long‑term direction of the GSMA to ensure we provide maximum value to our members and the broader mobile ecosystem.
The Team Is Responsible For:
- Sector Strategy & Strategy Projects – defining the industry’s 3‑5 year outlook and implications for GSMA
- Corporate Strategy & Strategy Projects – developing the 3‑year strategic roadmap of GSMA, KPIs, business plan, and high‑level operating plan
- Strategic Initiatives – leading / coordinating cross‑functional initiatives externally and internally (e.g., 5G monetisation, 6G, AI, Innovation, inorganic growth opportunities, AI‑first GSMA etc.)
- GSMA Intelligence – the only data and insights source built from inside the telecoms industry, delivering trusted forecasts, real‑time insights and deep research across the global telecoms ecosystem
- Strategy Group – convening telecom CSOs to align on industry‑level priorities
About the Role
The Head of Sector Strategy & Strategy Projects is responsible for defining and continuously evolving GSMA’s sector‑level strategy. This role provides a structured understanding of the strategic roadmaps, priorities, and challenges of key industry stakeholders – including telcos, technology companies, vendors, policymakers, and regulators – and translates these insights into a comprehensive 3‑5 year sector strategy. The role ensures GSMA remains aligned to the most critical global and regional industry priorities and is positioned as a trusted strategic partner to its members.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and own a comprehensive 3‑5 year sector strategy for GSMA
- Map the strategic roadmaps and investment priorities of key ecosystem stakeholders (telcos, tech companies, vendors, regulators, policymakers)
- Identify global structural themes and regional variations in priorities and challenges
- Translate industry shifts into clear implications for GSMA positioning and priorities
- Provide strategic inputs into the corporate strategy and annual business planning cycle
Foresight & Horizon Scanning
- Lead structured horizon scanning and scenario planning to anticipate shifts in:
- Telecom and technology evolution
- AI and emerging technologies
- Regulatory and policy frameworks
- Competitive dynamics
- Consumer behaviour
Market Intelligence & Strategic Analysis
- Conduct market landscaping and competitive analysis across core and adjacent sectors
- Develop business cases and strategic options assessments
- Commission and interpret external research where necessary
- Partner closely with GSMA Intelligence to integrate market data into strategic insights
- Produce executive‑level strategic briefings for the Leadership team, Director General and the Board
Cross‑Functional & Regional Collaboration
- Work very closely with key functional / regional teams to understand global & regional priorities and challenges
- Ensure sector strategy reflects global & regional realities and opportunities
- Contribute to corporate strategy for strategic alignment across functions / regions
- Contribute to strategic initiatives led by the broader Strategy team
External Representation & Ecosystem Engagement
- Represent GSMA in relevant strategy, innovation, and industry forums
- Engage with senior stakeholders across telcos, technology firms, vendors, and policy bodies
- Position GSMA as a thought leader in sector‑level strategic dialogue
About You
- Significant experience in strategy consulting, corporate strategy, or corporate development (ideally in telecoms)
- Deep understanding of the telecom ecosystem, including policy / regulatory and technology dynamics
- Demonstrated experience developing long‑term strategic frameworks and future scenarios
- Strong commercial acumen and ability to translate industry insight into actionable strategy
- Experience influencing senior executive stakeholders
- Proven ability to operate in complex, multi‑stakeholder environments
- Excellent analytical, structuring, modelling and storytelling capabilities
- Experience engaging at C‑suite level is highly desirable
- Exceptional communication and presentation abilities
- Proven track record of delivering growth initiatives
- Management consulting background
About Your Skills
- Leadership – driving industry‑wide strategic direction by combining market intelligence, anticipating future trends, and aligning diverse stakeholders around a clear long‑term vision
- Influence – shaping industry direction by building credibility, aligning senior stakeholders, and positioning the organization as a trusted strategic thought leader
- Stakeholder Management – building and maintaining strong relationships with diverse senior stakeholders by aligning interests, navigating complexity, and driving consensus around strategic priorities
- Analysis – applying data‑driven thinking to interpret complex market dynamics, generating actionable insights, and informing high‑impact strategic decisions
We strive to offer a meaningful and inclusive application experience for all candidates. Should you require any accommodations or adjustments due to a disability or for any other reason during the hiring process, please contact talent@gsma.com with your request.
What We Offer
Working at the GSMA offers you unparalleled access to the mobile industry. We give you a chance to truly shape the direction of mobile, whatever your role. By joining the GSMA, you will be exposed to a fast‑paced, rapidly evolving environment, working on global solutions, genuinely fascinating and industry‑changing projects and a stimulating and dynamic environment designed to enable you to flourish. In addition to architect‑designated offices and competitive compensation, our benefits include fantastic learning & development opportunities, generous holiday allowances, four additional days off for professional development and many others. Being You at the GSMA – We care deeply about diversity, equity and inclusivity and aspire to be the best at it. Your well‑being and work/life balance is important, so flexi‑time and remote working are available to all staff. We’re keen to ensure everyone is equal, represented and connected, so we particularly encourage applications from all demographics. The success of the GSMA year on year will continue to be contributed by people from all walks of life.
GSMA Values
- Passionately driven – We approach everything we do with unparalleled capability, tenacity and commitment, knowing that the challenging scale, pace and complexity of our work is what leads to its world‑changing impact.
- Insightful leaders – We continually develop and engage our expertise, insight and creativity so that we’re always ready to respond to the changing landscape with authority, agility and nuance.
- Stronger together – We lean on each other so the industry can lean on us, embracing our diversity by actively seeking out perspectives and skill sets beyond our own, fuelling each other’s successes and constantly asking how we can help.
Underpinning our values is our collective mindset to show up purposefully as good human beings every day, in every situation. When we’re at our best – we are collaborative, considerate and compassionate to others, and we create a safe space for one another to thrive, assuming positive intent in our colleagues. And if we aren’t at our best and the pressure is on – we feel free to be ourselves but still remain curious, lean into the tough stuff and we are always respectful to others and accountable to the part we play.
Head of Sector Strategy & Strategy Projects employer: GSMA
Contact Detail:
GSMA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Sector Strategy & Strategy Projects
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks on LinkedIn or at events. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its competitors. Know their recent projects and challenges. This will help you stand out and show you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills. Be ready to share your experiences and how they relate to the job. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep you top of mind and show your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it’s just good manners!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Sector Strategy & Strategy Projects
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Sector Strategy role. Highlight your experience in strategy consulting and your understanding of the telecom ecosystem. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at GSMA!
Showcase Your Storytelling Skills: This role requires excellent communication abilities, so don’t shy away from showcasing your storytelling skills in your application. Use clear examples to demonstrate how you've influenced senior stakeholders and driven strategic initiatives in the past.
Be Data-Driven: We love candidates who can apply data-driven thinking! Include any relevant metrics or outcomes from your previous roles that illustrate your analytical capabilities. This will help us see how you can generate actionable insights for GSMA.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at GSMA
✨Know Your Industry Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the telecoms and technology landscape. Understand the key players, current trends, and future challenges. This knowledge will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with the strategic direction of GSMA.
✨Prepare Your Strategic Vision
Think about what a 3-5 year sector strategy could look like for GSMA. Be ready to discuss your ideas on industry shifts and how they could impact the organisation. This shows that you’re not just reactive but proactive in your thinking.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully engaged with senior stakeholders in the past. Highlight your ability to navigate complex environments and build consensus around strategic priorities, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Practice Your Storytelling
In interviews, storytelling can be a powerful tool. Prepare to articulate your experiences and insights in a way that resonates with the interviewers. Use clear examples that demonstrate your analytical skills and strategic thinking, making it easy for them to see your fit for the role.