Manager (Strategy & Operations)

Manager (Strategy & Operations)

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Novatus

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead strategic projects and transform financial services with innovative solutions.
  • Company: Join Novatus, a forward-thinking firm focused on growth and inclusivity.
  • Benefits: Enjoy private medical insurance, flexible hours, and accelerated career progression.
  • Other info: Be part of a supportive culture that values diversity and personal development.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: 5-8 years in consulting or transformation, strong analytical skills, and project management experience.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

Novatus are seeking a versatile, skilled and experienced Manager to support the delivery of a diverse range of strategic and transformation projects across financial services. Working closely with our Senior Leaders, you will help shape, deliver, and embed practical solutions across business strategy, operations, risk, compliance, and technology-enabled change. In this role, you will operate in an analytical capacity, working with data to inform business strategies, operating model design, and decision-making, helping clients translate insight into tangible business improvement. In addition to client delivery, you will play a key role in building client relationships, owning project management and delivery, and contributing to strategic account development. Internally, you will help shape the firm’s culture, lead people development for junior team members, and contribute to strategic initiatives that support the continued growth of Novatus.

Key Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with clients to analyse current operating models and business strategies, identifying opportunities for transformation and optimisation.
  • Lead and develop project teams, providing day-to-day coaching, quality assurance, and formal performance feedback while fostering a collaborative, inclusive team culture.
  • Own end-to-end project delivery, managing scope, timelines, and senior client stakeholders, and proactively identifying risks, dependencies, and opportunities to ensure successful outcomes.
  • Conduct business analysis, process reviews, and problem-solving to help clients define and deliver strategic, operational, and regulatory outcomes.
  • Develop strategy transformation roadmaps, ensuring alignment with business objectives and market dynamics.
  • Design and implement target operating models (TOM) that enhance efficiency, agility, and scalability.
  • Conduct deep-dive assessments on business processes, governance structures, technology enablers, and organizational capabilities.
  • Oversee cross-functional teams to drive large-scale transformation initiatives and ensure successful execution.
  • Utilise data analysis to support recommendations and business cases.
  • Collaborate with business and technical stakeholders to help translate business requirements into practical, implementable solutions.
  • Develop presentations, reports, and client deliverables that communicate insights, recommendations, and value propositions clearly and effectively.
  • Support business development initiatives by contributing to proposals, client pitches, and industry research.
  • Deliver internal Novatus initiatives (e.g. L&D, market analysis, horizon scanning, thought leadership) to support the growth and development of the wider team.

About You

  • Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree preferred.
  • 5-8 years of experience in management consulting, strategy consulting, or an in-house transformation team.
  • Experience in designing and implementing target operating models within Financial Services.
  • Experience in business analysis and project and programme management, including roadmap definition, milestone tracking and RAID management.
  • Ability to translate strategic objectives into operational execution plans.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with proficiency in data analysis.
  • Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and facilitation skills.
  • Ability to work effectively in complex, fast-paced environments and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Proficiency in tools such as PowerPoint, Excel, and data visualisation platforms.

Benefits

  • Private Medical Insurance (via AXA): includes mental health, dental, vision, and private GP access.
  • Life Insurance - 4× salary (via Unum).
  • Unum’s Help@Hand: includes GP access, medical second opinions, physiotherapy, lifestyle coaching, savings and discounts, mental health support, bereavement counselling, and cancer support services for you, your partner, and your child(ren).
  • Salary sacrifice childcare and nursery scheme (via YellowNest).
  • Employee Assistance Programme.
  • Enhanced parental leave (maternity & paternity).
  • Accelerated career progression based on readiness and performance, not tenure or time spent in role.
  • Holiday entitlement increases with tenure.
  • Flexible hours with core collaboration time.
  • Gym & fitness discounts.
  • Bi-annual socials.
  • Office snacks and drinks.
  • Interest-based working groups to collaborate and innovate.

Novatus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employment decisions are made based on business needs, role requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, age, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, socioeconomic background, disability, or any other characteristic protected under the Equality Act 2010. We maintain a workplace culture that is inclusive, respectful, and supportive. Our recruitment and selection processes are designed to ensure fairness and consistency for all candidates. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the application and interview process, and candidates are encouraged to contact Human Resources to discuss any specific requirements. This commitment is embedded in all aspects of our employment practices, including recruitment, compensation, professional development, promotion, and workplace conduct.

Manager (Strategy & Operations) employer: Novatus

At Novatus, located in the heart of London, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer accelerated career progression, comprehensive benefits including private medical insurance and enhanced parental leave, and opportunities to engage in innovative projects that drive meaningful change in financial services. Our hybrid working model ensures flexibility while maintaining a vibrant office environment, making Novatus a rewarding place to build your career.

Novatus

Contact Details:

Novatus Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Manager (Strategy & Operations)

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. The more people know you’re looking for a role, the better your chances of landing that dream job.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching Novatus and understanding their projects. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in strategy and operations. We want to see how you can make an impact!

Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your analytical skills and project management experience clearly.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Novatus team and contributing to our growth.

We think you need these skills to ace Manager (Strategy & Operations)

Analytical Skills
Project Management
Business Analysis
Stakeholder Management
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Data Analysis

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Manager role. Highlight your experience in strategy and operations, especially within financial services, to show us you’re the right fit.

Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role involves a lot of data analysis, don’t forget to mention specific examples where you've used data to drive business decisions. We love seeing how you’ve turned insights into action!

Emphasise Team Leadership:We’re looking for someone who can lead and develop project teams. Share your experiences in coaching and mentoring others, and how you’ve fostered a collaborative team culture in past roles.

Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to see your enthusiasm and commitment to joining Novatus!

How to prepare for a job interview at Novatus

Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, dive deep into Novatus and their projects. Understand their approach to strategy and operations in financial services. Familiarise yourself with their recent initiatives and think about how your experience aligns with their goals.

Showcase Your Analytical Skills

Since the role involves a lot of data analysis, be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've used data to drive business decisions. Bring along any relevant case studies or reports that highlight your analytical prowess and problem-solving abilities.

Demonstrate Leadership Qualities

As a Manager, you'll need to lead teams effectively. Share experiences where you've coached or mentored others, and how you fostered a collaborative team culture. Highlight your project management skills and how you've successfully delivered projects on time and within scope.

Engage with Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in Novatus's culture and strategic direction. Ask about their approach to client relationships and how they support team development. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.