At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic initiatives and market analysis to drive business growth.
- Company: Join Pearson, a global leader in lifelong learning and education.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible work options and a range of employee perks.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education while collaborating with top executives.
- Qualifications: 6-8 years in strategy roles, with strong leadership and communication skills.
- Other info: Location: London, UK / Flexible for Remote.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 84000 £ per year.
The Director of Business Strategy will play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of the Higher Ed International (HEI) division. Reporting to the Sr. Director, Strategy, you will be responsible for driving strategic initiatives, conducting in-depth market and business analysis, and providing leadership on high-priority projects. You will work closely with senior executives, cross-functional teams, and external stakeholders to identify growth opportunities and optimize business performance.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Planning & Execution: Develop and implement strategic initiatives that align with the company's objectives. Work with leadership to translate vision into actionable plans.
- Market & Competitive Intelligence: Lead market research efforts to analyze industry trends, competitor strategies, and emerging opportunities. Provide insights that inform strategic decisions.
- Business Performance & KPI Monitoring: Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of strategic initiatives. Identify risks and recommend improvements.
- Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with internal stakeholders, including finance, operations, and marketing, to ensure alignment and execution of strategic goals.
- Financial & Business Analysis: Conduct financial modeling, business case development, and scenario planning to assess growth opportunities.
- Leadership & Mentorship: Mentor and develop junior team members, including Business Strategy Analysts, fostering a data-driven and strategic mindset.
- Executive Communication & Reporting: Prepare and present strategic reports and recommendations to senior leadership and key stakeholders.
Experience & Skills Required:
- 6-8 years of experience in strategy, consulting, or corporate development roles, with at least 2 years in a leadership capacity.
- Experience in a top-tier consulting firm or corporate strategy function preferred.
- Proven ability to work with senior leadership and influence decision-making.
- Strong financial acumen with experience in business modeling, forecasting, and performance analysis.
- Exceptional communication skills, with experience in preparing presentations and reports for executive-level audiences.
- Experience in project management and leading cross-functional initiatives.
- Ability to manage ambiguity, think critically, and solve complex business problems.
- Experience in higher education, EdTech, or a related industry is a plus.
Additional Information:
- Location: London, UK / Flexible for Remote
- Reports To: Sr. Director, Strategy
Your Rewards & Benefits: We know you’ll do great work, so we give a lot back with some of the best benefits in the business. We know one size doesn’t fit all, so our workplace programs meet the different needs of our diverse teams, and their families, too.
Who we are: At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realize the life they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. We are the world's lifelong learning company. For us, learning isn’t just what we do. It’s who we are.
Pearson is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E-Verify. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit and business need. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or any other group protected by law.
Director of Business Strategy employer: Pearson
Contact Detail:
Pearson Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Business Strategy
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the higher education and EdTech sectors. Attend industry conferences or webinars to connect with key players and gain insights into current trends, which can help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Pearson's mission and values. Understanding our purpose will allow you to align your strategic vision with ours, making it easier to demonstrate how you can contribute to our goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your past leadership experiences. Highlight how you've successfully driven strategic initiatives and collaborated with cross-functional teams, as these are crucial for the Director of Business Strategy role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on market trends and competitor strategies within the EdTech space. Being knowledgeable about the landscape will enable you to provide valuable insights during discussions with our senior leadership team.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Business Strategy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in strategy, consulting, or corporate development. Emphasise any leadership roles and specific achievements that align with the responsibilities of the Director of Business Strategy.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, clearly articulate your understanding of the role and how your background fits the company's objectives. Mention your experience with market analysis and strategic planning, and provide examples of how you've influenced decision-making in previous roles.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since exceptional communication skills are crucial for this position, ensure your application reflects your ability to prepare presentations and reports. Consider including a brief example of a successful presentation you delivered to senior leadership.
Highlight Cross-Functional Collaboration: Demonstrate your experience working with cross-functional teams. Provide specific examples of projects where you collaborated with finance, operations, or marketing to achieve strategic goals, showcasing your ability to drive initiatives across departments.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pearson
✨Understand the Strategic Landscape
Before your interview, research the current trends in the higher education sector and how they impact business strategy. Be prepared to discuss how these trends could influence the company's strategic direction.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Highlight your previous leadership roles and how you've successfully driven strategic initiatives. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to influence decision-making among senior executives.
✨Prepare for Financial Discussions
Since financial acumen is crucial for this role, brush up on your knowledge of financial modelling and KPI tracking. Be ready to discuss how you have used these skills in past projects to assess growth opportunities.
✨Emphasise Cross-Functional Collaboration
Discuss your experience working with various departments such as finance, operations, and marketing. Provide examples of how you have facilitated collaboration to achieve strategic goals, showcasing your ability to work in a team-oriented environment.