At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic planning and ensure alignment across the Group's initiatives.
- Company: Dynamic organisation in Bristol focused on strategic coherence and innovation.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, generous leave, bonuses, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team with opportunities for professional growth and community support.
- Why this job: Shape the future of the company while supporting the CEO and driving impactful projects.
- Qualifications: Proven 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. You’ll also support the CEO by packaging, structuring and delivering CEO-initiated projects and cross-functional initiatives that sit outside existing operational ownership—ensuring they are well-defined, timebound and progressed to tangible outcomes. A key focus is delivering high-quality strategic reporting and insight for shareholders, the Board and senior stakeholders. This role does not own the development of functional strategies; instead, it ensures that ExCo-owned plans are connected, transparent and supported by accurate analysis, structured governance and effective communication.
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.
What you'll need:
- Proven expertise implementing strategic plans.
- Strong ability to interpret data and market trends.
- Proficiency with strategic planning tools and project management software / methodologies.
- Strong understanding of financial statements, budgeting and forecasting, and the ability to apply these to strategic decisions.
- Experience in competitor analysis and market research.
- Experience leading and coordinating projects, including M&A opportunities.
- Experience working with regulatory frameworks and ensuring compliance.
- Able to guide teams and influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Experience managing and developing people, setting clear objectives and enabling progression.
- Excellent written and verbal communication; able to create clear and compelling strategic materials.
- Strong interpersonal skills and comfort working across operational teams and senior stakeholders.
- Creative and critical thinking to challenge the status quo and drive innovation.
- Proactive approach to identifying, managing and mitigating business risks.
Our 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 in Bristol employer: Somerset Bridge
As an employer, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture in Bristol, where innovation and collaboration thrive. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our comprehensive benefits package, including hybrid working options, generous annual leave, and professional development opportunities, ensuring that every team member can achieve their full potential while contributing to meaningful strategic initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Strategy in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the industry, attend events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how important it is to make those personal connections that can lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its strategic goals. We recommend practising your responses to common questions and having examples ready that showcase your analytical skills and project management experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We suggest reiterating your enthusiasm for the role and mentioning something specific from the conversation.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Strategy in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Strategy role. Highlight your experience in strategic planning and analysis, and show how your skills align with our needs at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:We want to see your ability to interpret data and market trends. Include examples of how you've used these skills in previous roles to drive strategic decisions and outcomes.
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 materials 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 receive your details and keep track of your application. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Somerset Bridge
✨Know Your Strategy Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the company's strategic plans and recent initiatives. Understand how they align with market trends and competitor movements. This will not only show your analytical skills but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Scenarios
Think about potential scenarios involving stakeholders and how you would approach them. Be ready to discuss how you would ensure clear communication and alignment across teams, especially when it comes to reporting and governance. This will highlight your leadership and collaboration skills.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Experience
Be prepared to share specific examples of projects you've led or coordinated, particularly those that required cross-functional collaboration. Highlight your ability to manage timelines, budgets, and deliverables, as this is crucial for the Head of Strategy role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask questions that reflect your understanding of the company's strategic challenges and opportunities. This could be about their approach to market intelligence or how they measure the success of strategic initiatives. It shows you're thinking critically about the role and its impact.
