VP, FS Lead | Brands Division | London, UK

About the Role: You are a visionary leader with deep expertise in Financial Services (FS) and a passion for driving commercial growth. Savanta, a leading insights and research consultancy, is seeking a dynamic Vice President to lead our FS team in the UK & EMEA. Savanta is a data, market research and advisory company with teams in the UK, Americas, and APAC. Working with high-profile organisations and some of the world’s best-known brands, we inform and inspire our clients to make better decisions through powerful data, empowering technology and high-impact consulting. Savanta is on a bold journey transforming from a traditional market research firm into a tech-first, insights-driven leader. You will join Savanta’s Brands Team as a senior leader, working closely with the Global Head of Brands to create a highly productive, efficient, and effective team.

You will be responsible for shaping and executing our FS strategy in the UK to drive growth, own a substantial revenue target, and ensure we meet the primary growth KPI of revenue, as well as supporting other key financial metrics such as profit and margin. Responsible for leading and developing a high performing FS-aligned team, you will combine in-depth FS sector insight, technical research expertise, outstanding client servicing and delivery practices, as well as a strong commercial mindset to expand Savanta’s FS presence in the UK market, and, over time, the EU. At the same time, you will build strong working relationships with the overall team FS leads based in the Americas to share best practice and enable development of more global client relationships.

A key focus is strategically growing our product revenue, as well as supporting the growth of our FS Wealth client work. We have well-established client relationships across many clients including banks, insurers and wealth management, which provide a robust foundation on which to globalise and grow our FS offer. Through vision and collaboration, the FS Lead will transform a robust foundation in place, i.e. a strong and well-embedded UK team, by identifying and growing new opportunities to make Savanta the definitive name when it comes to FS research within the UK industry.

In this role you will:

• Shape and execute FS strategy to drive growth and expand Savanta’s presence in the UK and Europe.
• Own a substantial revenue target and deliver on key financial KPIs, including profit and margin.
• Lead and develop a high-performing FS-aligned team within our Brands division, fostering a culture of innovation, client obsession, and service excellence.
• Drive product revenue growth— notably for our syndicated commercial banking programme, BrandVue, and Virtual Personas.
• Build strong client relationships with banks, insurers, and wealth management firms, and collaborate globally to share best practices.
• Deliver excellence in client service, leveraging tech-enabled solutions and turning around challenging accounts.
• Play a key role in commercial strategy, identifying new business opportunities and leading high-level pitches to C-suite audiences.
• Raise Savanta’s profile through thought leadership, external speaking, and networking.

About You: As a VP, you will have highly developed research & insight knowledge and management capability. You are experienced in being part of a senior leadership team and comfortable with accountability for revenues, high-profile strategic initiatives, and a high performing team. You can identify problems and proactively put corrective plans in place, adapting team strategy as required. You are a fast-paced autonomous worker and able to delegate as appropriate to senior/mid-level team members to ensure overall efficiency, productivity and high-quality outcomes. A tech-first mindset is essential as we pivot from a traditional market research business into a cutting-edge technology-first insights company.

Essential Experience:

• Senior leadership in FS research and insights, with a proven track record of commercial success.
• Accountability for revenues, strategic initiatives, and team performance.
• Tech-first mindset, ready to help transform Savanta into a technology-driven insights company.
• Skilled at managing and developing high-performing teams, with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.
• Confident communicator, able to influence at all levels and drive adoption of new platforms and solutions.

You will thrive in working in a fast-paced environment, working autonomously while also providing support and leadership for others in the team.

Why Join Us: With offices in the US, Canada, India and the UK, over 500 staff globally, and ambitious growth plans, Savanta offers the benefits of scale, whilst our specialists with their deep expertise and nimble teams, make life at Savanta feel more like working at a ‘boutique’ agency. Our client portfolio includes some of the world’s most recognisable and valuable brands such as Google, Meta, Pandora, Vodafone, Samsung, Heineken, LEGO, Aston Martin, Unilever, and the Cabinet Office. Part of the vibrant Next 15 Communications Group, we have an entrepreneurial and inclusive company culture that actively recognises and values its people and offers unrivalled scope for career development, including mentoring, coaching as well as extensive training programmes.

Benefits and Compensation:

• Salary range: £85,000 – £90,000
• Commission scheme
• Unlimited annual leave
• Hybrid working
• Ongoing Training & Development
• Flexible working practices
• Health & wellbeing package
• Financial health (pension, life assurance, etc.)
• Team & Company Socials
• Committees for Health & Well Being, Charities & Volunteering and DE&I

Equal Opportunity Employer: Savanta is committed to being an equal opportunities employer and continuously strives to be an employer of choice. Our people are our greatest asset – we value workplace diversity and inclusion, oppose all forms of unlawful discrimination, and welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates of all backgrounds. All candidates will be considered equally; however, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship. As we are looking for information specific to you, we would ask that you don’t just use Generative AI tools to write your cover letter or any questions in the application process. We may use AI Decoders as part of the review process and if your answers match to a high extent that will be factored into the review.