Senior Vice President, Head of Strategy and Planning - Business Banking Group

RAK BANK; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 400,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent financial institution in the United Arab Emirates is seeking a Head of Strategy & Planning to act as a key strategic partner to the Chief Commercial Officer. This role involves developing and executing the strategic direction while ensuring alignment with market opportunities. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in banking, exceptional analytical skills, and a proven track record in business transformation.

Qualifications

• 10–15 years of banking or financial services experience, with at least 5 years in strategy or planning leadership.
• Strong understanding of Business Banking products and market dynamics in UAE/GCC.
• Proven track record in strategic planning and business transformation.
• Exceptional analytical, commercial, and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive Business Banking strategy in alignment with the bank’s overall direction.
• Monitor market trends, regulatory changes, and emerging technologies to identify opportunities and risks.
• Translate insights into strategic recommendations and initiatives.
• Develop annual and multi-year strategic and financial plans.
• Oversee planning and budgeting processes, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities.
• Track performance against plans and recommend corrective actions.
• Maintain dashboards and executive-level reporting for transparency.

Skills

Strategic Planning & Execution

Financial Planning & Performance Management

Market & Competitor Analysis

Cost Optimization

Customer Segmentation & Insights

Strategic Thinking & Commercial Acumen

Leadership & Team Development

Stakeholder Management & Communication

Analytical & Problem-Solving

Execution Excellence & Results Orientation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics

Master’s degree (preferred)

Job description

About the Role

The Head of Strategy & Planning acts as a key strategic partner to the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) – Business Banking, driving the strategic direction, commercial planning, and execution agenda of the Business Banking division. This role shapes the medium- and long-term strategy, aligns it with market opportunities and internal capabilities, and translates it into actionable plans. It leads Cost Management, Planning, and Customer Segmentation functions, supported by a Strategy Manager, forming the central strategy office for Business Banking.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Define and drive Business Banking strategy in alignment with the bank’s overall direction.
• Monitor market trends, regulatory changes, and emerging technologies to identify opportunities and risks.
• Translate insights into strategic recommendations and initiatives.
• Develop annual and multi-year strategic and financial plans.
• Oversee planning and budgeting processes, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities.
• Track performance against plans and recommend corrective actions.
• Maintain dashboards and executive-level reporting for transparency.
• Lead cost optimization initiatives to improve cost-to-income ratio.
• Ensure efficiency and productivity while maintaining customer experience.
• Develop segmentation frameworks for targeted propositions and pricing strategies.
• Use analytics to shape product development and channel strategy.
• Drive transformation projects, process reengineering, and digital enablement.
• Act as business owner for cross-functional initiatives with clear success metrics.
• Lead and develop teams in Cost Management, Planning, and Customer Segmentation.
• Foster collaboration across Finance, Risk, Operations, and Digital functions.
• Represent Business Banking in strategic forums and committees.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics (Master’s preferred).
• 10–15 years of banking or financial services experience, with at least 5 years in strategy or planning leadership.
• Strong understanding of Business Banking products and market dynamics in UAE/GCC.
• Proven track record in strategic planning and business transformation.
• Exceptional analytical, commercial, and leadership skills.

Skills

• Strategic Planning & Execution – Master
• Financial Planning & Performance Management – Advanced
• Market & Competitor Analysis – Advanced
• Cost Optimization – Advanced
• Customer Segmentation & Insights – Advanced
• Strategic Thinking & Commercial Acumen
• Leadership & Team Development
• Stakeholder Management & Communication
• Analytical & Problem-Solving
• Execution Excellence & Results Orientation