Associate, Strategy and Planning

FirstBank UK Limited; England; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading top-tier bank is seeking an experienced Associate in Strategy and Planning to contribute to strategic projects and business performance. This hybrid role involves supporting the Head of Strategy in delivering key initiatives and collaborating with a diverse team. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, a strong understanding of the banking industry, and excellent analytical skills. The position offers a competitive benefits package and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Up to 10% employer pension contribution

Private Medical Insurance plan

Gym subsidy

Cycle to work scheme

25 days annual leave, rising with service

Qualifications

• Strong interest in strategy development and business transformation.
• Understanding of the UK banking industry and regulatory environment.
• Ability to conduct market and industry research.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Support the formulation and execution of strategic plans.
• Assist in identifying and evaluating growth opportunities.
• Monitor market trends to inform strategic direction.
• Support the execution of innovation initiatives.
• Engage with key internal stakeholders for strategic alignment.

Skills

Strategy development

Business transformation

Management consulting

Innovation

Corporate planning

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder management

Market research

Financial analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in finance, Economics, Business Administration, Strategy, or related discipline

Job description

Associate, Strategy and Planning

London (Hybrid)

FirstBank UK is a globally recognised, top-tier bank who provide world-class services to various institutions and individuals. Offering a comprehensive range of retail and corporate financial services / products, this thriving business with over 10 million active customers in over 700 business locations is the oldest African bank in the UK. Due to business requirements, we are now looking to acquire the services of an experienced Associate, Strategy and Planning.

• This is a hybrid role with 3 days in the office & 2 days from home

The Associate, Strategy and Planning will support the Head, Strategy and Planning and the wider team in delivering FirstBank UK’s business strategy. The role is designed for a high-potential individual eager to develop expertise in strategy, planning, market intelligence, and innovation within the banking sector. The Associate will contribute to strategic projects, research, analysis, and cross-functional collaboration, helping to drive the Bank’s long-term goals.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy Support and Execution

• Assist in the formulation, review, and refinement of the Bank’s strategic plans.
• Support enterprise-level strategy discussions and cross-functional collaboration.

Business Performance and Planning

• Support the identification and evaluation of growth opportunities (e.g., M&A, partnerships).
• Assist with due diligence and integration planning for partnerships, acquisition targets etc.
• Help coordinate periodic performance review sessions and track progress against strategic goals.

Market and Competitive Intelligence

• Monitor market, regulatory, technological, and economic trends to inform strategic direction.
• Conduct research and analysis on macroeconomic and industry trends, including banking innovation and fintech disruption.

Project Management and Innovation

• Support the execution of strategic and innovation initiatives, including challenges and hackathons.
• Assist in managing or lead special projects and high-impact initiatives as assigned.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with key internal stakeholders (Business Heads, Finance, Risk, Compliance, Technology, Operations, HR, etc.) to foster strategic alignment.
• Support collaboration with external consultants and the Group’s strategy office.

Capacity Building and Teamwork

• Take ownership of personal development and participate in team learning and development plans.
• Promote cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing within the team.

Key Skills / Experience

• Experience or strong interest in strategy development, business transformation, management consulting, innovation, or corporate planning.
• Understanding of the UK banking industry, regulatory environment, and digital transformation trends
• Exposure to financial services or consulting
• Analytical and strategic thinking skills.
• Ability to conduct market and industry research.
• Financial acumen : basic understanding of financial statements and analysis.
• Effective communicator and collaborator.
• Strong networking and stakeholder management skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Economics, Business Administration, Strategy, or related discipline

In return we offer a fantastic benefits package including

• Up to 10% employer pension contribution
• Life Assurance Cover
• Income protection
• Private Medical Insurance plan (upon successful completion of probation period)
• Contribution to glasses / contacts and eye testing
• Gym subsidy (up to £50 per month)
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee Assistance Program
• Interest Free season ticket loan for travel
• Birthday Leave
• 25 days annual leave, rising to 28 after 3 years and 30 after 8 years’ service
• Give As You Earn (GAYE)

The Curve Group is First Bank UK’s outsource partner for Recruitment and a "Data Processor". The Curve Group will hold the information you submit but First Bank UK will have access to it. You can find their privacy policy here : https : / / www.thecurvegroup.co.uk / privacy-policy /

First Bank is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.