At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse data and develop insights to solve complex business problems.
- Company: Join STARK Building Materials UK, a leader in building materials distribution.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid working, and a range of perks.
- Other info: Great opportunities for professional development and career progression.
- Why this job: Make an impact on strategic decisions within a supportive and collaborative team.
- Qualifications: Degree in business or economics; strong analytical and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 59576 - 70089 £ per year.
We're proud to be part of STARK Building Materials UK and dedicated to providing top-quality products and exceptional service to our customers.
We're a friendly and collaborative team, passionate about what we do and committed to doing it well.
We’re searching for a
Graduate Strategy Analyst to join us on a permanent basis here at our Binley, Coventry HQ.
As a member of the STARK UK Strategy team, you will solve complex business problems by analysing data, developing actionable insights, evaluating strategic opportunities and supporting delivery of high-impact projects.
You will have exceptional exposure to influence senior leadership’s commercial decision-making within the UK division of Europe’s largest building materials distribution business.
This role would be ideal for a recent graduate or early-career professional looking to develop a career in strategy, consulting or commercial / business leadership.
You will ideally possess a business or economics degree and have a keen interest in business strategy.
- KEY RESULT AREAS
- Problem solving & insight
- Analyse business performance, market trends & commercial opportunities to identify actionable insights
- Structure complex problems, challenge assumptions and develop evidence-based recommendations
- Support the development of business cases, strategic initiatives and decision-making materials
- Translate data & analysis into clear conclusions that drive business performance Communication, engagement & influence
- Prepare clear, concise presentations and reports for senior stakeholders
- Communicate complex ideas in a simple & engaging manner
- Build effective relationships across functions to gather insight and support decision-making
- Contribute to workshops, discussions and strategic planning activities
- COMMUNICATIONS AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
- Internal
- Executive & senior leadership teams: support strategic decision-making through analysis, insight & presentation of recommendations
- Strategy team: collaborate on strategic projects, business cases, problem-solving & project delivery
- Support functions (sales, category, finance, supply chain, marketing, HR): gather insights, challenge assumptions & support the development of practical recommendations
- Regional & branch leadership teams: understand frontline challenges, evaluate opportunities & support operational implementation of strategic initiatives
- External
- Market research & data providers: gather & interpret market, customer & competitor intelligence
- Suppliers, industry partners & external advisers: support strategic projects, benchmarking & opportunity evaluation
- DIMENSIONS AND DECISION MAKING
- Responsible for gathering, analysing & interpreting information to form considered recommendations to support business performance and future growth
- Exercises judgement in identifying trends, risks, opportunities & areas requiring further investigation
- Works with stakeholders across the organisation to develop practical solutions to business challenges and support successful implementation
- After completing onboarding and initial personal development pathway, operates with a high degree of autonomy in managing workload, prioritising activities and delivering high-quality outputs
- KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Attributes & Skills
- Strong analytical & problem-solving skills
- A keen interest in business and improving business performance
- Affective communicator with great relationship development skills
- Curious, proactive & eager to learn
- Able to structure complex problems and identify practical solutions
- Excellent written & verbal communication skills
- Comfortable working with ambiguity and competing priorities
Qualifications
- Degree-level education (or equivalent experience) in a business or economics related discipline
- Strong MS Excel and Power Point skills preferred, or the ability to develop these quickly
Experience
- Essential: evidence of strong analytical capability and problem-solving ability through academic, professional or extracurricular experience
- Desirable: experience in consulting, strategy, commercial analysis, finance or related field; experience analysing data and presenting recommendations
What’s in it for you?
- Competitive Base salary
- Hybrid Working – 4 days at our Binley, Coventry office and 1-day WFH.
- Discretionary bonus
- Retirement savings plan
- Life assurance
- Enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption leave for anyone expecting or adopting a child
- A wide range of voluntary benefits including holiday buying, discounted gym membership, car salary sacrifice scheme, Cycle2Work, Benenden Healthcare and more.
- Access to a wealth of health and wellbeing services including access to online GP appointments and mental health support.
- Work Perks – A platform home to hundreds of all your favourite high street and online discounts via the provider Reward Gateway.
Why Choose Us?
- Quality
- We’re unwavering in our commitment to providing outstanding products and service that exceed our customers’ expectations.
- Supportive Environment
- Join a culture that prioritises your growth, with the resources and support you need to excel.
We listen and learn – we know we haven’t always got all the answers – listening and learning with you is what helps provide the best service to our customers.
Professional Development
- We are invested in your success!
You have a real chance to progress- the only limits are your own Explore our apprenticeships, training, and mentoring programs designed to elevate your career.
- Great Benefits
- Enjoy a compelling package that includes a competitive salary, bonuses, pension schemes, and life assurance, among many other perks!
- Work-Life Balance
- We value your well-being and offer flexible working hours and a hybrid working model to help you find your ideal rhythm
- What's Next
If your application is successful, our Talent team will reach out to arrange an interview and answer any questions you may have.
We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments to ensure you can perform at your best throughout the application and interview process.
#SBMUK
Graduate Strategy Analyst employer: Stark Group
STARK Group is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the heart of Coventry. With opportunities for hybrid working, a discretionary bonus, and a range of employee benefits, we prioritise your growth and well-being, making this role not just a job, but a meaningful career path.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Strategy Analyst
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Graduate Strategy Analyst at Stark Group!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Stark Group or be willing to refer you for that Graduate Strategy Analyst position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Stark Group who’s on the lookout for their next Graduate Strategy Analyst star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Graduate Strategy Analyst role at Stark Group!
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Strategy Analyst
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Stark Group. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Stark Group
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Stark Group. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
