Strategy Director in Reading

Strategy Director – PepsiCo

Location: Reading, England, United Kingdom

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.

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.

Seniority level

• Not Applicable

Employment type

• Full time

Job function

• Manufacturing and Food and Beverage Services