At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformation initiatives and develop strategic roadmaps for operations.
- Company: YouLend, an award-winning fintech recognised for its supportive culture.
- Benefits: Stock options, private medical insurance, gym access, and generous leave policies.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team that values diversity and fosters career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-growth environment with exciting opportunities.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategy and transformation within operations, preferably in fintech.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
YouLend’s Operations function is undergoing significant transformation over the next 2-3 years, and we are looking for a Head of Strategy & Transformation to lead it. Reporting directly into the VP of Operations, this is a newly defined, senior role enabling the delivery of our target operating model.
The role has line management responsibility of a team of analysts, delivering on continuous improvement, business operations support and change readiness. You will own the strategic roadmap for how Operations evolves, govern the portfolio of cross-functional change initiatives, and act as the critical translation layer between frontline operational needs and our Technology/Engineering teams – converting real business problems into clearly defined requirements and a prioritised delivery backlog. You will work closely with the Director of Operations and their leadership to ensure change is prioritised, resourced, and delivered in a way that moves Operations toward its target state.
Key Responsibilities- Own and continuously evolve YouLend’s 2-3 year Operations Target Operating Model (TOM), including current-state diagnostics, target-state design and a sequenced delivery roadmap.
- Own governance of the cross-functional change portfolio: prioritisation, business case standards, stage-gating and benefits tracking for all technology-dependent or cross-functional initiatives.
- Partner closely with Engineering/Technology to translate frontline colleague pain points and business needs into clear, prioritised requirements and user stories, owning backlog prioritisation jointly with Technology product owners.
- Lead the innovation pipeline for Operations, identifying and piloting automation and efficiency opportunities (e.g. chatbots, workflow automation) and graduating successful pilots into the wider change portfolio.
- Own change adoption for major initiatives, including stakeholder communication, training and embedding, so delivered change lands effectively.
- Use Operations performance data to assess whether the TOM is landing and articulate anticipated and realised benefits via coherent tracking systems.
- Represent the VP of Operations in Technology roadmap and prioritisation conversations, ensuring the Operations change agenda is appropriately resourced.
- Define and maintain a clear operating agreement (RACI) with Engineering covering backlog prioritisation versus delivery sequencing and capacity.
- Proven experience leading strategy, transformation or portfolio/programme management within an operations environment, ideally in financial services, fintech or a regulated, high-growth business.
- Strong track record of translating business and operational requirements into technology-delivered outcomes, including direct experience working with Engineering/Product teams.
- Strong leadership capability of both direct teams and cross-functional leadership.
- Strong analytical and problem-structuring skills, able to use operational and performance data to inform prioritisation.
- Experience designing target operating models, spanning organisational, process and technology dimensions.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, credible operating at senior leadership level.
- Comfortable with ambiguity, ready to roll sleeves up and get into the detail.
- Experience leading and developing a small, high-performing team of analysts/business analysts.
Why join YouLend?
- Award-Winning Workplace: YouLend has been recognised as one of the “Best Places to Work in 2024, 2025 and 2026” by the Sunday Times for being a supportive, diverse, and rewarding workplace.
- Award-Winning Fintech: YouLend has been recognised as a “Top 250 Fintech Worldwide” company by CNBC.
- It’s just getting fun: We have developed powerful solutions, won some significant partnerships, and are growing at a rapid pace.
- Lots of upsides: High-growth (>100% growth during 2022 and 2023), so clear outlook to compensation (bonus or share option appreciation) and career growth (through growth with business).
- Well-capitalised with supportive private equity backing.
- Part of Banking Circle Group with a fully licensed Luxembourg bank, which can provide a balance sheet and support European expansion in otherwise complex regulated markets.
- Motivating work environment: A high-quality team that pushes each other to succeed through direct feedback and aligned incentives.
- Strong and transparent team culture, we have each other’s backs.
- Independent work environment where results matter.
- Data-driven culture and emphasis on speed (anti-red tape).
We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Stock Options
- Private Medical insurance via Vitality and Dental Insurance with BUPA
- EAP with Health Assured
- Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Leave
- Modern and sophisticated office space in Central London
- Free Gym in office building in Holborn
- Subsidised Lunch via Feedr
- Deliveroo Allowance if working late in office
- Monthly in office Masseuse
- Team and Company Socials
- Football Power League and Yoga Club
At YouLend, we champion diversity and embrace equal opportunity employment practices. Our hiring, transfer, and promotion decisions are exclusively based on qualifications, merit, and business requirements, free from any discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, nationality, or any other protected basis under applicable law.
Head of Strategy and Transformation employer: YouLend
YouLend is an exceptional employer located in the heart of Greater London, offering a dynamic work culture that encourages innovation and collaboration. With benefits like stock options and private medical insurance, employees are well-supported while enjoying a vibrant office environment that fosters creativity and growth. The company prioritises professional development, providing ample opportunities for career advancement in a fast-paced and rewarding setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Strategy and Transformation
✨Dive Into Corporate Strategy Communities
Get yourself involved in online communities or forums focused on corporate strategy. Places like LinkedIn groups or specific Slack channels can hook you up with industry insights, trends, and many potential job leads. Don't hesitate to share your thoughts or ask questions; it’ll boost your visibility!
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Events
Keep an eye out for corporate strategy conferences or networking events in your area (or online!). These gatherings are gold mines for meeting hiring managers and making impactful connections. Plus, having a few good conversations can lead to job referrals at companies like YouLend!
✨Showcase Your Strategy Skills
Create content that showcases your knowledge of corporate strategy—think reports, blogs, or even video discussions. Sharing these on platforms like LinkedIn or Medium can demonstrate your expertise and make you stand out to employers looking for fresh talent.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply for the Head of Strategy and Transformation position at YouLend via our website! This shows your genuine interest, and who knows, you might just land that interview in a matter of days. Keep your application focused on how you can add value to their strategy team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Strategy and Transformation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Strategic Thinking:When crafting your CV and cover letter, highlight your strategic analysis skills. Focus on past experiences where you've effectively assessed market trends or made impactful recommendations. Evidence-based achievements, like improving processes or contributing to significant projects, will help us see your potential for driving corporate strategy at YouLend.
Tailor Your Narrative:Don’t just send us a generic application! Personalise your cover letter by connecting your experiences and aspirations to YouLend’s mission and goals. We love seeing candidates who genuinely understand what we do; share how your vision aligns with ours and what you can bring to the table.
Highlight Relevant Academic Credentials:In your CV, make sure to showcase your academic background, especially if you have qualifications in business, economics, or analytics. We appreciate candidates who can back up their skills with relevant degrees or certifications, so don’t be shy about flaunting those achievements!
Utilise Professional Language:While we want you to be yourself, remember that corporate strategy roles demand a level of professionalism in communication. Use clear and concise language in your application materials, ensuring that your ideas come across as well-structured and sophisticated. It’s all about making a great impression right from the written application stage!
How to prepare for a job interview at YouLend
✨Master the Numbers
Corporate strategy often involves data analysis and financial forecasting. Brush up on your quantitative skills, and be prepared to handle case studies or numerical problems during the interview. We might get questions about how to approach market trends or assess the performance of a hypothetical company — so practice these scenarios!
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarity with strategic frameworks like SWOT, PESTLE, or Porter’s Five Forces can set you apart. We should be ready to discuss how we’d apply these tools to real-world business situations — maybe even relating them to YouLend. This shows we’re not just theory-happy but can articulate our practical application.
✨Engage in Strategic Conversations
In a full-time role like this, it’s crucial to show that we're engaged and informed about current trends in the industry. Keep up with major news and prepare to discuss how recent developments could impact strategic decisions at YouLend. This will demonstrate our passion and proactive approach to the field.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Whether through internships or projects, we should highlight any experience that relates to corporate strategy. Have specific examples ready to talk about how we’ve contributed to strategic growth or improvements. It's about showcasing our unique journey and how it will bring value to YouLend.
