Head of Strategy in Bristol

We’re looking for a Head of Strategy to provide coordination, governance and analytical support to ensure the Group’s strategic plans remain aligned, measurable and effectively monitored. Acting as the central integration point across executive functions, you’ll help drive clarity, consistency and strategic coherence across the Group.

Department: SBSS Strategy

Location: Bristol

Compensation: From £80,000

What you’ll be responsible for:

• Strategic planning & coordination: Coordinate the annual Group strategic planning cycle, consolidating ExCo‑owned strategies into a coherent, organisation‑wide strategic narrative. Facilitate alignment on priorities, risks, dependencies and inter‑team impacts. Support ExCo to ensure strategic plans are measurable, deliverable and linked to long‑term business objectives.
• Stakeholder & Board reporting: Lead the production and coordination of major strategic reporting, including quarterly shareholder updates, Board‑level performance papers, and CEO update/business performance materials. Ensure reports are evidence‑based, insight‑led and provide clear visibility of progress, challenges and emerging risks. Maintain a strong strategic narrative and ensure messaging is consistent across senior‑level communications.
• CEO support & cross‑functional projects: Support the CEO Office with cross‑functional or ad‑hoc projects that fall outside operational ownership. Liaise with ExCo and the leadership team to help deliver the CEO agenda and priorities to tangible outcomes.
• Strategic change: Maintain oversight of the Group’s strategic change portfolio. Support initiative owners by ensuring prioritisation, governance standards and reporting discipline. Track delivery and benefits confidence, elevate issues where necessary, and ensure alignment to strategic priorities. Work with Finance and ExCo approvers to support allocation and tracking of the strategic change budget.
• Market & competitor insight: Maintain a competitor and market intelligence cycle to inform strategic choices and support horizon scanning. Highlight emerging opportunities, risks and industry trends.

Qualifications:

• Strategic planning and analysis: Proven expertise implementing strategic plans.
• Analytical skills: Strong ability to interpret data and market trends.
• Tools & delivery: Proficiency with strategic planning tools and project management software / methodologies.
• Business acumen: Strong understanding of financial statements, budgeting and forecasting, and the ability to apply these to strategic decisions.
• Market research: Experience in competitor analysis and market research.
• Project management: Experience leading and coordinating projects, including M&A opportunities.
• Regulatory knowledge: Experience working with regulatory frameworks and ensuring compliance.
• Leadership and influence: Able to guide teams and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Team management: Experience managing and developing people, setting clear objectives and enabling progression.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication; able to create clear and compelling strategic materials.
• Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills and comfort working across operational teams and senior stakeholders.
• Problem‑solving: Creative and critical thinking to challenge the status quo and drive innovation.
• Risk management: Proactive approach to identifying, managing and mitigating business risks.

Benefits:

• Hybrid working – 2 days in the office and 3 days working from home.
• 25 days annual leave, rising to 27 days over 2 years’ service and 30 days after 5 years’ service. Plus bank holidays!
• Discretionary annual bonus.
• Pension scheme – 5% employee, 6% employer.
• Flexible working – we will always consider applications for those who require less than the advertised hours.
• Flexi‑time.
• Healthcare Cash Plan – claim cashback on a variety of everyday healthcare costs.
• Electric vehicle – salary sacrifice scheme.
• 100’s of exclusive retailer discounts.
• Professional wellbeing, health & fitness app - Wrkit.
• Enhanced parental leave, including time off for IVF appointments.
• Religious bank holidays – if you don’t celebrate Christmas and Easter, you can use these annual leave days on other occasions throughout the year.
• Life Assurance – 4 times your salary.
• 25% Car Insurance Discount.
• 20% Travel Insurance Discount.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Employee Referral Scheme.
• Community support day.