About The Role

It's an exciting time to join The Group's Strategy function as we have a unique opportunity to play a key role in bringing together organisations to collaborate on high-impact initiatives.

The Strategy function will play a vital role in shaping the future direction of the combined organisation, working closely with the Group Executive and the wider senior management teams.

We're hiring a Head of Strategy & Planning. This role will lead the development, communication, and execution of our strategic agenda and long-term goals. The ideal candidate will bring a deep knowledge of the financial services sector, experience of developing and executing strategies in complex environments, and possess exceptional influencing skills to drive a cohesive and actionable plan.

Areas Of Responsibility

• Strategic Planning & Development: Lead the development of the Group's strategy
• Project Leadership: Lead and execute strategic projects end-to-end
• Stakeholder Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, ensuring effective communication
• Team Contribution: Foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment
• Strategic Initiatives: Support in driving specific strategic initiatives, including identifying opportunities for business growth, mergers, acquisitions, partnerships, or market expansion
• Financial Planning & Budgeting: Collaborate with the Finance Team to develop financial forecasts, budgets, and resource allocation plans that support strategic initiatives

Why Join the Strategy Team?

• A unique opportunity to help shape the future as we bring circa 300 years of combined history together and to develop your career to the next level
• You and your ideas will help influence the transformation of a circa £90 billion member-centric and ethical organisation

Location

Coventry/Manchester. Team-led hybrid working arrangements apply - at least once a week based in the Coventry offices.

About You

To be successful in this role, you'll need to be a highly experienced leader with proven ability to translate your leadership skills across different functions, along with these essential requirements:

• A highly experienced leader with proven ability to translate leadership skills across various functions
• Ability to operate and demonstrate gravitas with Executives and the Board
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with substantial experience in writing Board and Executive papers
• Ability to inspire and lead a team of talented enterprise leaders to deliver outstanding results
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and influence

About Us

We are one of the largest building societies in the UK, sharing a mutual goal to improve the lives of others. Recognised as a Great Place to Work, we offer benefits beyond basic pay, including a discretionary bonus scheme, a culture of reward and recognition, and comprehensive wellbeing support.

Recently, The Co-operative Bank became part of our Group, sharing our values and ethical approach towards members, customers, and colleagues.

We are committed to equality across race, age, faith, disability, and sexual orientation, celebrating diversity. Working with us, you'll build more than just a career.

Flexibility and Why It Matters

We support flexible working arrangements; please discuss possibilities with us before applying.

Disability Confident Employer

We are proud to offer interviews or assessments to all disabled applicants meeting minimum criteria. You can opt into the Disability Confident Interview Scheme during the application process. For more information, contact our recruitment team at Coventry Building Society.