Director, Group Strategy

Barclays UK; London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a strategic leader to join their London-based Group Strategy team. This role focuses on driving long-term ambitions and maximizing returns through collaboration with senior executives. You will develop and execute strategies, provide independent advice, and foster a culture of growth within the team. If you have a solid background in consultancy and a passion for financial services, this is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Significant experience at a top-tier consultancy, ideally in Financial Services.
• Proven ability to shape and execute strategies for change.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic advice to Group Executives for decision-making.
• Develop financial models to support strategic recommendations.

Skills

Analytical mindset

Problem-solving skills

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Team leadership

Education

Degree in Business or Finance

Job description

You will be one of the leaders in our growing, London-based Group Strategy team focused on driving the group’s long-term strategic ambition, maximizing returns now and in the future. Your role includes:

1. Partnering with senior executives to develop and challenge Group and business unit strategies.
2. Delivering impact on strategic initiatives by identifying opportunities for growth and optimization.
3. Developing talent within the team and fostering a culture of development and enablement to achieve full potential.

You Should Have:

• Significant experience at a top-tier consultancy, ideally combined with experience in a client-focused role in Financial Services (Corporate and Investment Banking, Wealth & Private Banking, UK Retail and SME Banking).
• A solid analytical mindset and approach to problem-solving.
• Proven ability to shape, develop, and execute strategies to drive change.
• An ability to read a room and understand and balance the objectives of multiple stakeholders.
• Experience building and leading project teams.
• A clear instinct to partner and prioritize the team and Barclays above personal advancement.

Purpose of the Role:

To provide independent and balanced advice and counsel to senior stakeholders through problem identification, solving, and decision-making practices.

Accountabilities:

• Providing strategic advice to Group Executives to support decision-making on business challenges and opportunities.
• Developing and implementing strategic advisory incentives to grow and optimize the bank’s operations through market research and analysis.
• Collaborating with stakeholder groups to identify strategic directions that meet the needs of Barclays clients and investors.
• Developing financial models to support strategic recommendations and transactions, including financial data analysis and assessing financial impacts.
• Managing transactions, negotiations, transaction structuring, and post-transaction integration.
• Maintaining and developing client relationships to identify new opportunities.
• Identifying industry trends, conducting peer benchmarking, and attending conferences for market research.

Director Expectations:

• Managing a business function, contributing to strategic initiatives, and influencing policies and procedures.
• Leading a large team or sub-function, coaching less experienced staff, and embedding a performance culture.
• Providing expert advice to senior management and influencing decisions outside of their immediate function.
• Managing resourcing, budgeting, and policy creation for a significant sub-function.
• Ensuring compliance with policies and regulations and guiding adherence.
• Monitoring and influencing external environment factors, including regulators and advocacy groups.
• Demonstrating comprehensive knowledge of industry practices and external market developments.
• Using advanced analytical skills to solve complex and sensitive problems.
• Making significant decisions and influencing stakeholders at a senior level.
• Acting as a principal contact for key clients and internal divisions.
• Representing the function and business division as a spokesperson.

All senior leaders are expected to embody the LEAD behaviours: Listen and be authentic, Energise and inspire, Align across the enterprise, Develop others. Additionally, all colleagues should demonstrate Barclays Values—Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence, and Stewardship—and the Barclays Mindset—Empower, Challenge, and Drive.