At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic channels and partnerships to drive growth in unsecured lending.
- Company: Join Nationwide, a purpose-driven mutual bank focused on fairer finances.
- Benefits: Enjoy private medical insurance, competitive pension, performance bonuses, and wellness options.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a supportive team culture await you.
- Why this job: Shape channel strategy and make a real impact on customer experiences.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in financial services with a track record of commercial growth.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
We are seeking a commercially minded, strategic, and high-performing leader to join our Unsecured Lending Leadership Team as Head of Strategic Channels. This role is responsible for leading the performance and development of our strategic distribution channels, including key partnerships and aggregators, to deliver sustainable growth, strong customer outcomes, and seamless journeys across both digital and non-digital channels. You will play a pivotal role in shaping channel strategy, leading a high-performing team, and working collaboratively across the wider business to support Nationwide’s growth ambitions.
As Head of Strategic Channels, you will oversee growth and performance across Nationwide’s strategic unsecured lending distribution channels. This includes accountability for key partnerships, such as Virgin Atlantic Airways, as well as shaping and delivering the aggregator strategy to drive strong commercial outcomes and seamless customer experiences. Working as part of the Unsecured Lending Leadership Team, you will play a critical role in delivering Nationwide’s growth ambitions. You will lead a high-performing team, drive productivity and engagement, and collaborate closely across the wider function and the Society. You will balance commercial performance with excellent customer outcomes, ensuring our channels remain effective, competitive, and aligned with strategic priorities.
We are happy to consider flexible working approaches to help you perform at your best. At Nationwide, we offer hybrid working wherever possible. More rewarding relationships are supported through our hybrid approach, bringing colleagues together across our UK-wide estate, whilst also supporting generous access to home working. We value our time in the office to solve problems, to learn, and to feel connected. For this job, you’ll be assigned to our nearest regional hub. There will be a need to regularly connect with colleagues for collaboration events in one of our office sites. This is anticipated to be at least monthly in Chester/Manchester/London/Glasgow/Swindon or Gosforth. If your application is successful, your hiring manager will provide further details on how this works.
What you’ll be doing: You will lead the growth and performance of the credit card portfolio across key partner and distribution channels, driving strong commercial results while delivering excellent customer outcomes. Working closely with internal teams and external partners, you will shape channel strategy, enhance customer journeys, and identify opportunities to grow the portfolio. You will also build and manage key commercial relationships, influence senior stakeholders, and ensure plans are executed effectively in a fast‑paced environment. In addition, you will lead a high‑performing team and help define the strategic direction for future growth.
About you: Significant senior leadership experience within financial services, with a strong track record of delivering commercial growth and performance outcomes. Proven experience in leading third‑party partnerships and distribution channels, including aggregators and other high‑volume acquisition routes. Demonstrated success in delivering ambitious sales, revenue, or portfolio growth targets within a complex, matrix‑managed organisation. Strong track record of building effective relationships and influencing senior stakeholders, both internally and externally, to achieve business objectives. Proven ability to develop and execute channel, distribution, or partnership strategies that enhance customer acquisition and commercial performance. Extensive experience in leading, developing, and motivating high‑performing teams within a senior leadership role. Strong knowledge of the UK unsecured lending market, including the regulatory environment relevant to customer acquisition and distribution.
The extras you’ll get: There are all sorts of employee benefits available at Nationwide, including:
- Access to private medical insurance
- A highly competitive pension to help you build a strong foundation for retirement
- Access to an annual performance‑related bonus
- Training and development to help you progress your career
- A great selection of additional benefits through our salary sacrifice scheme
- Life assurance to provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones in the event of your death
- Wellhub – access to a range of free and paid options for health and wellness
- Up to 2 days of paid volunteering a year
Banking – but fairer, more rewarding, and for the good of society. We forge our own path at Nationwide. As a mutual, we’re owned by our members - those customers who bank, save or have a mortgage with us. We challenge the financial sector status quo. We don’t see customers as the engine of our own profit. We share our profits with them and put their needs first. Always there when they need us. Supporting them and their lives. If you’re inspired by fairer finances, passionate about making a meaningful impact, and truly care about our customers, you’re one of us. At Nationwide, you are challenged to grow and rewarded for doing so. Valued. Recognised. Inspired to be your best. As a community, we want our working lives to count. As a team, we celebrate what we achieve. As a standard‑setter, we work for the good of customers, communities, and broader society. We are purpose‑driven. Uncompromisingly customer. Unstoppably Nationwide.
Head of Strategic Channels employer: Nationwide
At Nationwide, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values our employees' growth and well-being. With a strong focus on collaboration and flexibility, we offer hybrid working options and a supportive culture that encourages innovation and personal development. Our comprehensive benefits package, including private medical insurance and performance-related bonuses, ensures that our team members are rewarded for their contributions while making a meaningful impact in the financial sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Strategic Channels
✨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 Nationwide. 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 Head of Strategic Channels
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 Nationwide.
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 Nationwide'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 Nationwide
✨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 Nationwide.
✨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 Nationwide 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 Nationwide 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.
