Strategy Manager

Role overview

The Strategy Manager will sit at the heart of the organisation’s enterprise strategy work, helping define and deliver the wider strategy agenda while supporting meaningful transformation across the business. Reporting to the Head of Strategy & Internal Communications, this senior individual contributor will own the annual strategy cycle from start to finish and help maintain consistency, discipline and follow-through across Group and market-level strategy work, alongside priority strategic initiatives during the year.

This position requires someone who can work independently, show sharp judgement and speak with confidence in front of senior stakeholders. The role will act as a trusted advisor to the Leadership Team, regional leaders and functional leaders, while also supporting projects that are critical to growth and transformation.

Annual strategy cycle ownership

The central focus of the role is to run the annual strategy process and ensure it delivers strong outcomes across the organisation.

• Coordinate the annual strategy cycle across Group, region and market or business levels.
• Help design and prepare strategy offsites, leadership conferences, and Group, regional and market/business planning activities.
• Support Board-level strategy discussions.
• Keep strategy inputs and outputs aligned so the overall narrative stays coherent.
• Maintain momentum across the different phases of the cycle, adapting the approach as the work moves from design to challenge to execution.
• Bring the right level of insight, challenge, content and rigour at each stage while balancing hands-on delivery with senior-level synthesis and sparring.

Strategic thinking and external insight

The role also requires a strong grasp of market, industry and macro trends so external developments can be translated into useful strategic viewpoints.

• Stay current on relevant market, industry and macro trends affecting the business.
• Turn external intelligence into structured scenarios, implications and perspectives that support strategic decision-making.
• Contribute to scenario planning as well as Board and leadership discussions.
• Serve as a thoughtful partner to senior stakeholders by offering evidence-based challenge and direction.

Support for governance priorities

• Provide strategy input and advisory support to Group functions and central teams as they work on strategic priorities, large initiatives and governance responsibilities.
• Help ensure functional initiatives remain aligned with the wider Group strategy.

Targeted strategic projects and transformation work

• Lead or support targeted strategy and transformation projects across Group, regional or market/business levels.
• Scope, structure and deliver focused workstreams that advance strategic priorities and support organisational change.
• Adjust working style depending on the phase of the project, from deep analysis through to senior facilitation, execution and change management.

Stakeholder management and influence

• Work effectively with senior stakeholders across Group, regional and market/business teams.
• Build trusted relationships with leaders at multiple levels of the organisation.
• Contribute confidently in senior forums with clear, structured thinking and strong insight.

Candidate profile

Applicants should bring at least 8 years of experience in strategy roles, ideally from a top-tier consulting background and/or a highly complex multinational organisation. Experience with a top four consultancy is required for consideration. An MBA or similar advanced degree would be an advantage, though it is not mandatory.

The successful candidate should have credible exposure to leadership teams and Boards, along with experience in enterprise-wide strategy development and multi-phase strategy processes. Experience in complex sectors is helpful but not essential.

Core capabilities

• Strong command of strategy consulting methods, including analysis, synthesis, storyline development, executive materials, project management and deadline control.
• Ability to work independently, move quickly and make sound decisions with limited supervision.
• Comfort operating both at a strategic level and in detailed problem-solving and execution.
• High standards for quality, rigour, delivery and confidentiality.

Personal attributes

• Confident, credible and able to hold their own in senior discussions.
• Commercially aware with the ability to challenge constructively.
• Practical and focused on outcomes rather than theory.
• Strong at building trust and relationships quickly.
• Resilient, adaptable and comfortable working in uncertain environments.

Additional information

Experience from a top four consultancy background is mandatory for this opportunity.