At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and decision-making for impactful initiatives at Newcastle Building Society.
- Company: Join a member-owned mutual with a commitment to inclusivity and community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, corporate bonus, flexible working, and generous leave policies.
- Other info: Inclusive environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Shape meaningful change and make a lasting impact in a dynamic finance role.
- Qualifications: Strong strategic finance experience and ability to build relationships with senior stakeholders.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About the Role
Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Director of Strategic Finance will lead the financial direction, challenge and decision-making across all strategic initiatives for the Newcastle Building Society Group. This role will play a central part in supporting the CFO and wider Group to define and model a range of strategic outcomes, drawing on both internal expertise and external market insight. You will bring thoughtful challenge to the current state and provide strong financial guidance to support the organisation’s journey towards its target future state. This is a unique opportunity to shape meaningful change and make a lasting impact across the Society.
You will also provide leadership across several key finance functions, including Decision Support. In doing so, you will help foster a forward-looking, insight-led culture that enables confident, well-informed and value-focused decision-making across the business.
About You
You will be a trusted strategic finance partner, building strong relationships with a wide range of senior stakeholders and offering clear financial advice alongside constructive and balanced challenge. Working collaboratively with Group Finance colleagues and business leaders, you will help shape and align strategic priorities, ensuring decisions deliver sustainable organisational value while recognising key considerations such as capital and liquidity.
You will contribute significantly to the evaluation of a broad spectrum of strategic options—from incremental change through to more significant transformation—within the Recovery and Resolution Plan, supported by robust financial modelling and scenario analysis. You will also support the creation of clear, insightful reporting and presentations for the Board and senior leadership, helping to build a shared understanding of performance and future direction.
In leading a team of Strategic Finance Partners, you will create an inclusive, high-performing environment where individuals feel supported to grow and succeed. You will develop trusted professionals who can bring strategic thinking to life through practical, actionable plans and strong partnerships across the organisation. You will work closely with Finance, Commercial and ALM teams to strengthen forecasting, modelling, pricing and corporate planning processes, while continuing to evolve financial tools and scenario analysis within the budgeting and long-term planning cycles. Through thoughtful review of performance and forecasts, you will provide forward-looking insights that inform both immediate decisions and longer-term strategies.
As a deputy to the CFO on strategic initiatives, you will bring confidence and credibility to executive-level discussions and play a key role in shaping plans over a three- to five-year horizon and beyond.
About Us
Group Finance: Our functional vision is built on leadership, partnering for value, building specialised teams and ensuring our technology roadmap is based on future focused systems. The Financial Operations & Control function brings together all operational activities and centres of excellence within Finance. This includes everything from closing the ledger, through to regulatory reporting and technical accounting, as well as accounts payable and payroll.
As an inclusive employer and member owned mutual, we aim to reflect the diverse communities we serve and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We believe everyone should feel valued, respected, and celebrated for who they are; we want colleagues to feel this is a place they belong. A place to be you.
What do you get in return?
- Financial: Corporate bonus scheme (on target 20%, up to a maximum 30%)
- Pension scheme (up to 9% employer contribution)
- Annual performance related pay reviews
- Colleague mortgage scheme
- Electric car salary sacrifice scheme
- Life assurance (4x salary) and income protection
- Access to our financial advisers
- Access to a range of high street and online discounts
Work/Life Balance:
- A 35-hour weekly contract - We are happy to talk flexible working and welcome discussions
- 30 days’ annual leave + bank holidays
- The option to buy and sell up to 5 days’ holiday
- Hybrid working (typically 3 days’ home based)
- Above statutory family leave entitlement - 3 months full pay, 3 months half pay, regardless of gender or route to parenthood
Health and Wellbeing:
- Private medical insurance
- Access to a health cash plan through a Medicash scheme
- Access to an employee assistance programme
- Free onsite gym at our Cobalt head office and access to discounted gyms
- Two paid volunteering days each year
- Cycle to work scheme
Recognising there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to recruitment, we’re committed to ensuring every candidate has the opportunity to showcase their full potential throughout the recruitment process. We strive to make our processes as accessible as possible; if there are any ways in which we can provide support or make adjustments, we would love to discuss this with you.
Director of Strategic Finance employer: Newcastle Building Society
Newcastle Building Society is an exceptional employer that prioritises inclusivity and employee growth, offering a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package including a corporate bonus scheme, generous pension contributions, and flexible working arrangements. With a strong focus on fostering a supportive work culture, employees are encouraged to thrive in their roles while contributing to meaningful change within the organisation, making it a rewarding place to build a career in strategic finance.
Contact Details:
Newcastle Building Society Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Strategic Finance
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who might know someone at Newcastle Building Society. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the company’s values and recent projects. Show us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate how your strategic finance skills can make a real impact on their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Director of Strategic Finance. We want to hear how you can lead financial direction and support decision-making with confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Strategic Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Director of Strategic Finance role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the job description, especially around financial modelling and strategic decision-making.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading a team, don’t forget to mention your leadership experiences. Share examples of how you've fostered high-performing teams and supported individuals in their growth.
Be Insightful and Analytical:Demonstrate your ability to provide thoughtful challenge and insights. Use specific examples from your past roles where you’ve successfully influenced strategic decisions through robust financial analysis.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and you’ll find all the details you need to make your submission stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Newcastle Building Society
✨Know Your Financial Stuff
As a Director of Strategic Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate a solid grasp of financial principles and strategic decision-making. Brush up on key financial concepts, modelling techniques, and scenario analysis. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past roles.
✨Build Relationships
This role involves working closely with senior stakeholders. Think about how you can showcase your relationship-building skills during the interview. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others to drive strategic initiatives and deliver value.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask you to evaluate strategic options or provide insights based on hypothetical scenarios. Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As a leader, you’ll be expected to foster a high-performing team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and how you’ve developed talent in previous roles. Highlight any experiences where you’ve created an inclusive environment that encourages growth and success.
