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: Competitive salary, life assurance, private medical insurance, and gym membership.
- Other info: Dynamic role with significant visibility and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of banking and make impactful decisions at the executive level.
- 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: Responsibilities
- 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.
Our Commitment to You
We Are Committed To Ensuring That 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; and 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
- Life Assurance (x4)
- 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
As a leading player in the banking sector, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a supportive work environment and prioritises employee growth. Our commitment to competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and professional development opportunities ensures that our team members thrive both personally and professionally. Located in a vibrant area, we offer unique advantages such as a strong focus on work-life balance and a culture of integrity and collaboration, making us an attractive choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Strategy and Capital
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the banking and finance sector. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by doing your homework. Research the company’s recent projects, their strategic goals, and any challenges they’re facing. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role. Plus, it’ll give you some great talking points!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and get comfortable with the format. Focus on articulating your experience in strategy and capital management clearly and confidently. Remember, it’s all about showcasing your expertise!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined application process that makes it easy for you to showcase your skills. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm for the role and gives you a better chance of standing out from the crowd.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Strategy and Capital
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
✨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 direction. Be prepared to discuss how you would lead the development and refresh of this plan, and think about measurable 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. Prepare examples of how you've used data to inform decision-making in previous roles, especially in banking or strategy consulting.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Highlight your experience in stakeholder management during the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've influenced decisions at the Board level or engaged with regulators, showcasing your ability to communicate complex information succinctly and effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your strategic thinking and judgement. Think through potential challenges the Bank might face in its growth trajectory and how you would address them, demonstrating your capacity to operate in a fast-paced environment.
