At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic planning and ensure alignment across the Group's objectives.
- Company: Dynamic organisation in Bristol with a focus on strategic coherence.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, generous leave, bonuses, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Flexible working options and strong career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Drive impactful strategies and collaborate with top executives.
- Qualifications: Expertise in strategic planning, analysis, and project management.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 80000 £ per year.
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.
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.
Head of Strategy employer: Somerset Bridge Group
As a Head of Strategy at our Bristol location, you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation. We offer a range of benefits including hybrid working, generous annual leave, and a commitment to employee growth through professional development opportunities. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that values strategic insight and fosters a supportive environment for all employees.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Strategy
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Head of Strategy role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your strategic planning skills. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully implemented strategic plans in the past and how you can bring that expertise to the table. We want to see your analytical prowess shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your leadership and communication skills during interviews. Share examples of how you've influenced stakeholders and guided teams to achieve strategic goals. This is your chance to show us you can drive clarity and coherence across the Group!
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Strategy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in strategic planning and analysis. We want to see how your skills align with our needs, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires strong analytical abilities, include examples of how you've interpreted data and market trends in your previous roles. We love seeing evidence-based insights that drive strategic decisions!
Communicate Clearly:Your written communication should be top-notch! Ensure your application materials are clear, concise, and compelling. We’re looking for someone who can create strategic narratives that resonate with stakeholders.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Somerset Bridge Group
✨Know Your Strategic Stuff
Make sure you brush up on strategic planning and analysis. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented strategic plans in the past, and have examples of how you've interpreted data and market trends to inform decisions.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Head of Strategy, you'll need to communicate complex ideas clearly. Prepare to present your thoughts on strategic narratives and reporting. Practise articulating your insights in a way that’s engaging and easy to understand.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Influence
Think about times when you've guided teams or influenced stakeholders. Be prepared to share specific examples that highlight your leadership style and how you've managed cross-functional projects successfully.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions that challenge your critical thinking skills. Prepare to discuss how you've tackled strategic challenges in the past, showcasing your creative problem-solving abilities and proactive approach to risk management.
