At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead performance reporting and analysis to drive strategic decision-making.
- Company: Join Standard Life, a leader in retirement savings with over 200 years of experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, private medical cover, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
- Why this job: Shape the future of financial insights and make a real impact on business decisions.
- Qualifications: Significant FP&A experience and strong analytical skills required.
Job Type: Permanent
Location: This role is primarily based in our London office, with regular office attendance of a minimum of 3 days per week required to support collaboration and stakeholder engagement.
Flexible working: All roles are open to part-time, job-share and other types of flexibility. We will discuss what is important to you and balancing this with business requirements during the recruitment process.
Closing Date: 30th July (23:55)
Salary and benefits: 125,000 - 145,000 depending on experience plus an indicative bonus range of 30%-60%, private medical cover, 38 days annual leave, excellent pension, 12x salary life assurance, career breaks, income protection, 3x volunteering days and much more.
If you’re someone who enjoys connecting the dots across a business and shaping the story behind the numbers, Standard Life could be the place for you. We’re looking for a Head of Performance & Analysis to join our Group FP&A team.
Who are we? We’re Standard Life, a retirement specialist focused entirely on retirement savings and income. We champion the belief that everyone’s journey to and through retirement can be better, and for more than 200 years, we’ve been helping our customers plan and prepare for their financial futures.
Life today is increasingly complicated, uncertain and unpredictable. People move through different careers, face unexpected moments and navigate important choices. We offer our colleagues flexibility, trust and benefits that work for whatever life brings. In return we expect curiosity, connection, accountability and high standards. We make room for what matters - so you can bring your best, every day.
The role: A strategic and analytical leader is sought to join the FP&A team, taking ownership of the Group’s performance reporting and management information (MI). This role oversees the delivery of high-quality, timely reporting that measures performance against plan and provides robust forecasts. The insights generated will support transparency for the Life/ Group CFO, Executive Committee (ExCo), and the Board. The successful candidate will focus on enhancing reporting frameworks and processes to enable better decision-making and drive continuous improvement. This role plays a pivotal part in shaping the organisation’s understanding of its market position, identifying performance gaps and opportunities, and translating external intelligence into actionable recommendations. This position offers the opportunity to engage with senior stakeholders, including ExCo, to define and measure performance against KPIs aligned with the strategic direction of the organisation.
What are we looking for?
- Essential: Significant experience in FP&A, commercial, or strategic finance roles, with a strong track record of delivering insight-driven analysis that has influenced key business decisions.
- Strategic thinker with strong commercial acumen and a deep understanding of financial frameworks (in Financial Services sector), revenue drivers, and market dynamics, combined with strong analytical skills and the ability to extract meaningful insights from available data.
- Experience building strong relationships with senior leaders, including ExCo, and is confident in constructive challenge.
- Ability to lead and develop a high-performing team.
- Ability to communicate insights effectively to non-financial stakeholders, translating complex information into compelling narratives that support strategic decision-making.
- Understanding of commercial levers and key industry performance metrics, with deep knowledge of the drivers behind P&L, balance sheet, cash flow, and working capital.
We want to hire the whole version of you. We are committed to ensuring that everyone feels accepted and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. If your experience looks different from what we’ve advertised and you believe that you can bring value to the role, we’d love to hear from you. If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process, please let us know so we can help you to be at your best.
Head of Performance & Analysis employer: Standard Life (previously Phoenix Group)
Standard Life is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where BPA Actuaries can thrive and make a meaningful impact in the life insurance sector. With a strong focus on employee growth, competitive salaries, and an attractive benefits package that includes private medical cover and generous annual leave, employees are supported in achieving a healthy work-life balance. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility, making it an ideal workplace for those seeking both professional development and personal fulfilment.
Contact Details:
Standard Life (previously Phoenix Group) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Performance & Analysis
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Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
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Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Standard Life (previously Phoenix Group).
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How to prepare for a job interview at Standard Life (previously Phoenix Group)
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Standard Life (previously Phoenix Group).
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Standard Life (previously Phoenix Group) will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Standard Life (previously Phoenix Group) employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
