At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategy and operations, partnering with the CEO to drive growth and innovation.
- Company: Join a fast-growing UK investment platform with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Other info: Design and implement a new operating model with a passionate team.
- Why this job: Shape the future of investing while making a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in strategy and operations, preferably in fintech or high-growth sectors.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
Invest Engine is everything the modern investor should need.
Unbeatable value, market-leading automation, and built for easy, long-term investing.
We've built a strong foundation, have over £3 billion invested, award-winning service, and a passionate team — now we're ready to scale.
We are seeking a hands-on Head of Strategy & Business Operations to partner with our CEO in setting the strategic agenda, running the company and building the operating model that will carry us through the next stage of growth.
About The Role
As Head of Strategy & Business Operations, you will operate at the intersection of strategy, operations and executive decision-making, combining analytical judgement with hands-on execution.
You will work closely with the CEO as part of a lean leadership team, leading the Strategy & Business Operations function and a team of five.
You will translate high-level objectives into clear execution plans, operating rhythms, KPIs and measurable outcomes, acting as an integrator who drives delivery across every function in the business rather than managing a large team of your own.
This is a newly created role: much of the framework you will run does not yet exist in a formal shape, and building it is a core part of the job.
- What You'll Be Doing
- Operating Model & Company Rhythm
- Design and run Invest Engine's company operating model, including the goal cycle, executive meeting architecture, business reviews and decision governance.
- Own the quarterly goal cycle end to end, working with function leaders to set targets that are ambitious, measurable and owned.
- Run the executive cadence so that decisions are made once, documented and acted upon, and surface risks and slippage early.
- Own the annual and multi-year strategic planning process, from framing the agenda to a plan the leadership team commits to.
- Partner with the CEO and leadership team on strategic planning, prioritisation and resource allocation.
- Structure and answer the company's most significant open questions, including market sizing, prioritisation and build-versus-buy decisions.
- Bring an independent, evidence-based point of view to executive discussions, including where it differs from the prevailing one.
- Cross-Functional Delivery
- Own the portfolio of company-wide initiatives, with clear prioritisation and formal start and stop gates.
- Lead high-impact initiatives end to end, resolving delivery challenges directly rather than escalating them.
- Embed completed work with the function that will own it as business-as-usual, leaving no residual dependency on your team.
- Performance & Reporting
- Own the monthly CEO pack and quarterly Board pack, produced from a single, trusted source of truth.
- Develop the KPI framework covering commercial performance, delivery, customer outcomes, cost efficiency and operational risk.
- Build the analysis yourself, working with Data & Analytics on the underlying infrastructure.
- Lead, develop and grow a team of five, setting remits, priorities and standards, and hiring into open roles.
- Partner closely with leaders across Product, Technology, Platform Operations, Marketing, Data & Analytics, Finance, Compliance and People, securing outcomes from teams that do not report to you.
- Apply AI and automation practically to reporting, planning and internal workflow to keep the function lean as we scale.
- What We Look For In You
- Significant experience (typically 8+ years) across strategy and operations in fintech, financial services or another high-growth, regulated environment — for example as Head of Strategy & Business Operations, Head or Lead of Strategy & Operations, Chief of Staff, or a similarly broad leadership role.
- Demonstrated experience building a company operating model rather than administering one designed by someone else, and securing genuine adoption by a leadership team.
- Proven track record leading company-wide initiatives end to end, including embedding them into business-as-usual and stopping those no longer worth the investment.
- Experience managing a team of four or more strategy, operations or programme professionals, with evidence of raising performance.
- Strong commercial and analytical judgement; you build your own models and argue from the numbers.
- Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and secure outcomes without formal authority.
- Comfortable in fast-paced environments with limited existing structure, and credible with a CEO, an executive team and a Board.
- What Will Make You Stand Out
- Experience in FCA-regulated financial services, particularly a retail investment, wealth or savings platform.
- Consulting, VC or private equity pedigree alongside substantial in-house operating experience.
- Track record of P&L ownership or measurable commercial performance improvement.
- Experience establishing data, analytics or AI capabilities to support executive decision-making.
Why Join Invest Engine?
- Partner directly with the CEO on the strategic agenda, and play a central role in how a fast-growing UK investment platform is run.
- A genuine blank page: you design the operating model, then run it.
- Lead an established team of five, with open roles to shape and hire yourself.
- A transparent, open culture with collaboration across every function.
- Hybrid working, London-based — in-person collaboration with flexibility.
- Our Hiring Process
- Introductory call with our Talent team
- Interview with a member of our leadership team
- Case discussion based on a real Invest Engine problem
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Strategy and Business Operations employer: InvestEngine
InvestEngine is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to shape the strategic direction of a fast-growing UK investment platform. With a transparent and collaborative culture, employees benefit from hybrid working arrangements and the chance to lead a dedicated team while directly partnering with the CEO. The company prioritises employee growth through hands-on leadership roles and the freedom to design and implement innovative operating models.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Strategy and Business Operations
✨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 Head of Strategy and Business Operations at InvestEngine!
✨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 InvestEngine or be willing to refer you for that Head of Strategy and Business Operations 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 InvestEngine who’s on the lookout for their next Head of Strategy and Business Operations 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 Head of Strategy and Business Operations role at InvestEngine!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Strategy and Business Operations
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 InvestEngine. 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 InvestEngine
✨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 InvestEngine. 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!
