At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of UK Location Strategy and Network Plan for Premier Inn.
- Company: Join Whitbread, a leader in hospitality with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 20% bonus, matched pension contributions, and discounts on stays.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for career growth and impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of location strategy using cutting-edge analytics and AI.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills in Excel or Python and experience in strategic planning.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
This role leads the development, maintenance and continuous improvement of the UK Location Strategy and Network Plan for Premier Inn and hub, transforming complex market, demand and competitive insight into clear, investment‑ready decisions that shape Whitbread’s long‑term growth. Acting as a vital bridge between strategy, analytics and delivery, it ensures the business invests in the right locations, formats and priorities to maximise sustainable returns. A key focus of the role is modernising Whitbread’s location strategy modelling capabilities—bringing automation, scalable tools and AI‑enabled analytics into the heart of decision‑making. Commercial judgement is applied throughout, grounding recommendations in real‑world trading dynamics, investment considerations and long‑term value creation. As the network evolves, the role will continue to grow, shaping how Whitbread identifies, evaluates and delivers future opportunities.
- Lead Location Strategy— Own and evolve the UK Location Strategy and Network Plan, defining where to grow, what to build and how large, while balancing returns, risk and brand priorities.
- Shape Market Insight— Act as the subject‑matter expert on UK hotel market dynamics, producing quarterly outlooks and governing competitor and market datasets to maintain a single source of truth.
- Drive Strategic Modelling— Own and enhance core growth potential and network models, translating outputs into clear strategic choices and continuously improving assumptions, inputs and governance.
- Modernise Analytics— Lead the shift toward automated, scalable and AI‑enabled modelling, applying machine‑learning techniques to strengthen forecasting, scenario testing and cannibalisation logic while keeping outputs explainable.
- Influence Senior Stakeholders— Partner with Property, Finance and Strategy teams to guide investment decisions, applying commercial judgement across all areas to maximise long‑term value creation.
Why you'll love it here:
- Bonus potential up to 20%
- Pension contributions matched up to 10%
- Up to 60% off stays with Premier Inn and Hub
What you'll need:
- Ability to take full end to end ownership of the Strategic Growth Plan, working with stakeholders across acquisition, delivery, insight and strategy teams to align inputs and translate market, demand and supply insights into clear, actionable growth recommendations.
- Experience owning and maintaining strategic datasets, ensuring data quality, governance and accuracy across multiple sources to support critical business decisions.
- Strong quantitative modelling and analytical skills (Excel and/or Python), including forecasting, scenario analysis and investment modelling.
- Ability to build robust location-level insight, integrating demand, supply, competitor and market dynamics to identify opportunities, risks and priorities.
- Proven commercial judgement and communication skills, translating complex analysis into clear, evidence-based recommendations that influence investment and strategic decisions.
Senior Location Strategy & Planning Analyst employer: Whitbread PLC
Whitbread PLC is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture where fun and hospitality thrive. As a Restaurant Team Member at The Warrener in Thetford, you'll enjoy competitive pay, comprehensive training, and valuable employee benefits, all while being part of a supportive team that values your growth and development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Location Strategy & Planning 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 Senior Location Strategy & Planning Analyst at Whitbread PLC!
✨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 Whitbread PLC or be willing to refer you for that Senior Location Strategy & Planning 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 Whitbread PLC who’s on the lookout for their next Senior Location Strategy & Planning 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 Senior Location Strategy & Planning Analyst role at Whitbread PLC!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Location Strategy & Planning 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 Whitbread PLC. 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 Whitbread PLC
✨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 Whitbread PLC. 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!
