Head of Strategy and Capital

Head of Strategy and Capital

Full-Time 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead strategic planning and capital management for the Bank's growth.
  • Company: Join a leading bank with a focus on innovation and strategic development.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, life assurance, private medical insurance, and more.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with high visibility and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a significant impact on the Bank's strategic direction and corporate development.
  • Qualifications: 10+ years in banking or strategy consulting with strong financial analysis skills.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.

We are seeking a Head of Strategy and Capital to lead strategic planning and capital management. The Head of Strategy and Capital will be the Chief Executive's principal partner on the Bank's strategic agenda, capital allocation, and performance insight. The role-holder will own the Bank's strategic plan, the frameworks through which capital is deployed and returns are measured, and the strategic management information that informs Executive Committee and Board decision-making. The role plays a central part in the Bank's growth and corporate development trajectory, and represents the Bank's strategic position to the Board, shareholder, regulators, and external stakeholders.

Key responsibilities:

  • Strategy & Corporate Development
  • Lead the development and refresh of the Bank's 3–5 year strategic plan, ensuring alignment with shareholder direction and regulatory expectations.
  • Translate strategy into measurable initiatives, owners, milestones, and KPIs through a live execution-tracking system.
  • Conduct continuous market, competitor, and peer analysis across UK specialist real estate finance to inform Executive and Board deliberations.
  • Maintain a structured view of inorganic growth opportunities.
  • Partner with business heads to shape product, distribution, and origination strategy in line with the agreed plan.
  • Capital Allocation & Performance Frameworks
    • Design and own the methodology for transfer pricing and risk adjusted returns.
    • Set, review, and challenge product-level and segment-level hurdle rates; provide the analytical lens that informs pricing, credit, and asset-and-liability committee decisions.
    • Support the Bank's capital strategy, providing the strategic and analytical input into capital instrument decisions and capital planning.
  • Strategic MI, Board & Stakeholder Engagement
    • Own the strategic management information that supports Executive Committee and Board decision-making.
    • Establish unified strategic reporting frameworks drawing on Finance, Risk, Treasury, and Operations data sources.
    • Coordinate Board and Committee materials originating from the CEO's office, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and strategic coherence; maintain a forward calendar of Board, Committee, and regulatory submissions.
    • Lead author and co-presenter, with the CEO, of strategic materials to the Board, shareholder, regulators, and other external stakeholders.
    • Maintain robust tracking of Board decisions and action points to ensure documentation, monitoring, and completion.

    Other Job Requirements

    • An in-depth knowledge of retail banking and ancillary products.
    • Internal audit experience in banking.

    Profile Essentials

    • Minimum 10 years' professional experience in banking, strategy consulting (with banking specialism), corporate development, or strategic finance.
    • Demonstrable depth in UK specialist or commercial lending markets — buy-to-let, bridging, development finance, or commercial real estate lending.
    • Strong banking finance fluency.
    • Comprehensive understanding of UK banking regulation (PRA/FCA), the Senior Managers & Certification Regime, and Board governance frameworks.
    • Track record of leading strategic plans through to execution, not only formulation.
    • Superior financial analysis and presentation capabilities; proven ability to convert data into Board-quality decisions.
    • Excellent written and oral communication; precise, succinct, and Board-ready.
    • Capacity to operate effectively in a fast-paced environment within a small, senior team with significant organisational visibility.

    Competencies

    • Strategic thinker with strong commercial judgement and a bias to action.
    • Intellectually rigorous; uses data and evidence to form views, and is comfortable challenging assumptions, including those of executive peers.
    • Direct, decisive, and brevity-focused in communication.
    • Strong stakeholder management; able to influence at Board, shareholder, and regulator level.
    • Operates with integrity and a high standard of personal conduct.

    Desirable

    • Finance qualification (ACA, ACCA, CFA) or MBA from a recognised institution.
    • Direct experience of corporate development or M&A transactions in UK banking or specialist finance.
    • Prior experience of senior-level regulatory engagement.
    • Familiarity with second-line risk and third-line audit frameworks.

    Conduct rules for all staff:

    • Act with integrity, respect and trustworthiness.
    • Act with the due skill, care and diligence.
    • Be open and cooperative with the Bank, the FCA, the PRA and other regulators.
    • Pay due regard to the interests of customers and treat them fairly.
    • Observe proper standards of market conduct and business conduct.
    • Ensure that the business of the firm for which you are responsible is controlled effectively.
    • Ensure that the business of the firm for which you are responsible complies with the relevant requirements and standards of the regulatory system.

    We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, a supportive work environment and opportunities for professional development. If you are ready to make a significant impact and drive our organisation forward, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

    Our Commitment to You

    • Our pay remains competitive in the labour market.
    • We pay individuals in line with normal industry practice and standards.
    • Our pay is consistent and fair.
    • We take into account the official data on inflation.
    • We recognise individual performance and reward employees accordingly.
    • Individuals are not discriminated against because of gender, marital or civil partnership status, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, or because they work part time or on a fixed-term contract.

    Our Benefits

    • x4 Life Assurance
    • Pension (10% employer contribution)
    • Private Medical Insurance
    • Income Protection
    • Critical Illness Cover
    • Company Car Scheme
    • Season Ticket Loan
    • Gym Membership (Wellhub)
    • Cycle2Work
    • EAP

    Please note that our benefits are not contractual and we reserve the right to amend or withdraw them at any time. Our benefits are based on certain eligibility criteria and are only applicable to our permanent and fixed term employees. They do not apply to interns, work placements, contractors, consultants or any self-employed individuals working for the organisation.

    Head of Strategy and Capital employer: UBL UK (United National Bank Limited)

    As a leading bank, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that includes private medical insurance, a generous pension scheme, and opportunities for professional development. Our supportive work environment fosters collaboration and innovation, allowing employees to make a significant impact on the Bank's strategic direction while enjoying a culture of integrity and respect. Located in a vibrant area, we provide our team with unique advantages such as access to fitness facilities and a commitment to work-life balance, making us an attractive choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
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    Contact Detail:

    UBL UK (United National Bank Limited) Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Head of Strategy and Capital

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the banking and finance sector. Attend industry events, webinars, or even casual meet-ups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s recent strategic moves and capital management practices. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re the one they need!

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate your vision for the role and how you can contribute to the Bank's growth. Keep it concise and impactful—think of it as your personal brand statement.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team. Let’s make it happen!

    We think you need these skills to ace Head of Strategy and Capital

    Strategic Planning
    Capital Management
    Market Analysis
    Competitor Analysis
    Performance Measurement
    Stakeholder Engagement
    Financial Analysis
    Regulatory Knowledge
    Project Execution
    Communication Skills
    Data Interpretation
    Risk Management
    Corporate Development
    Board Governance
    Influencing Skills

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head of Strategy and Capital role. Highlight your strategic planning and capital management expertise, as well as any relevant banking experience.

    Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your professional experience, focus on quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead strategic initiatives and manage capital effectively. Use metrics to illustrate your impact in previous roles.

    Be Clear and Concise: In your written application, clarity is key. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. Remember, we want to see your ability to communicate complex ideas succinctly, just like you would in a Board meeting.

    Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people!

    How to prepare for a job interview at UBL UK (United National Bank Limited)

    ✨Know Your Strategy Inside Out

    Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Bank's current strategic plan and how it aligns with shareholder expectations. Be prepared to discuss how you would lead the development and refresh of this plan, and think about specific initiatives you could propose.

    ✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills

    Given the role's focus on capital allocation and performance frameworks, come ready to demonstrate your financial analysis capabilities. Bring examples of how you've used data to inform strategic decisions in the past, and be prepared to discuss methodologies for measuring returns.

    ✨Engage with Stakeholders

    Highlight your experience in stakeholder management during the interview. Discuss how you've successfully influenced Board members or regulators in previous roles, and be ready to share strategies for maintaining strong relationships with external stakeholders.

    ✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

    Expect scenario-based questions that assess your strategic thinking and decision-making skills. Think about potential challenges the Bank might face in the current market and how you would address them, ensuring your answers reflect a deep understanding of UK banking regulations and corporate governance.

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