Strategy Director in Reading

Overview

The Strategy Director plays a critical leadership role in shaping and executing the long-term strategic agenda of the UK Operating Unit (UK OU). Partnering closely with the OU General Manager, the UK Executive Team, and Europe Sector Strategy, this role drives enterprise-level thinking, identifies growth opportunities, and ensures the successful delivery of initiatives that create sustainable, profitable growth.

As a trusted advisor, the Strategy Director brings analytical rigor, external perspective, and strategic clarity to guide key business decisions across categories, channels, and functions.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Define and steer the long-term strategic direction for the UK OU, ensuring alignment with Europe Sector and Global priorities.
• Provide thought leadership and challenge to the OU GM and Executive Team on growth, productivity, portfolio, and capability agendas.
• Lead the annual strategic planning process, integrating insights, resource allocation, and execution priorities.

Growth & Value Creation

• Identify and prioritize growth opportunities across categories, channels, and partnerships.
• Translate strategic recommendations into executable roadmaps with clear metrics and P&L impact.
• Partner with Finance and Corporate Development to evaluate potential M&A, partnership, and investment opportunities.

Market & Competitive Foresight

• Maintain an external orientation on consumer, customer, and competitive dynamics in the UK market.
• Anticipate emerging trends, disruptions, and regulatory shifts to inform proactive strategic choices.
• Represent the UK OU in Europe Sector and Global forums to ensure market perspectives inform enterprise strategies.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Commercial, Finance, Supply Chain, Insights, and Digital teams to embed strategy into business execution.
• Lead cross-functional and cross-sector initiatives that enhance the enterprise’s competitive advantage.

Leadership & Capability Building

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing Strategy team that operates as the internal consulting engine for the OU.
• Build strategic capability across the organization through training, coaching, and knowledge sharing.
• Foster a culture of curiosity, agility, and collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred.
• 12+ years’ experience in strategy, corporate development, or senior commercial leadership within top-tier consulting or consumer-goods companies.
• Proven record of leading complex strategic initiatives and influencing senior executives in a matrixed environment.
• Strong financial and analytical acumen with deep understanding of P&L drivers.
• Excellent communication and executive-level presentation skills.
• Strong knowledge of the UK market, consumer, and retail environment.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Agility: Frames complex issues and delivers actionable, insight-led solutions.
• Analytical Excellence: Uses data and financial rigor to drive decisions.
• Influence & Communication: Crafts compelling narratives and drives alignment at senior levels.
• Enterprise Mindset: Balances UK OU priorities with Sector and Global objectives.
• Leadership: Inspires, coaches, and develops high-performing teams.
• External Orientation: Connects market insights to strategic priorities and innovation.

Success in the Role

• The UK OU has a clear, actionable long-term strategy driving growth and competitiveness.
• Strategic initiatives deliver measurable commercial and operational impact.
• The Strategy team is recognized as a trusted advisor and catalyst for enterprise value creation.