Head of Strategy

Automobile Association; Basingstoke; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Worksave pension

Free AA breakdown membership

Discounts on AA products

Employee discount scheme

Life assurance

Learning & development

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

The AA is seeking a Head of Strategy in the United Kingdom to shape the future direction of the organisation by leading the development of corporate strategy and influencing major commercial and operational decisions. You will work with the Group Executive Committee and SLT to turn priorities into clear, actionable plans and ensure long-term success.

This is a highly collaborative leadership role combining strategic thinking with delivery, using data, market insight and business analysis to

Qualifications

• Proven experience developing and delivering business strategy, ideally in a strategy role or consultancy.
• Strong track record of working with senior leaders to solve complex problems.
• Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building at GEC/SLT level.
• Experience identifying and developing strategic solutions with sound judgement and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical, research and problem-solving skills for insights.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with senior stakeholders.
• Strong organisational and planning skills managing multiple priorities in fast-paced environments.
• Collaborative leadership style and ability to coach high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of strategy across high-value initiatives, influencing at GEC level.
• Partner with senior leaders to shape strategies that drive sustainable growth and performance.
• Build trusted relationships across GEC/SLT and the wider business as strategic adviser.
• Identify strategic opportunities aligned to the AA's long-term ambitions.
• Lead strategic analysis of market trends, competition, customer needs and environment.
• Drive corporate strategic planning and ensure priorities align with long-term vision.
• Develop clear recommendations, action plans and evidence-based insights.
• Produce robust business cases with Finance and business teams to inform decisions.
• Present insights and progress to GEC, SLT and senior stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Communications to share the AA's strategic narrative.

Skills

Strategy

Leadership

Stakeholders

Analytics

Communication

Job description

Location: Basingstoke or London (hybrid working 3 office days per week) #LI-Hybrid
Employment Type: Full time / 6 Month Fixed Term Contract

Think the AA is just about roadside assistance? Think again.

For over a century, we've been evolving and adapting. Today, as the nation's leading motoring organisation, we offer a wide range of products and services to millions of customers. From roadside assistance to home and motor insurance, and the latest driving technologies, we have it all. As we continue to expand, diversify, and modernise, joining us as an Head of Strategymeans you'll play a crucial role in our success and be part of this exciting motoring journey.

This is the job

As Head of Strategy, you'll have the opportunity to shape the future direction of the AA by leading the development of our corporate strategy and influencing some of the organisation's most important commercial and operational decisions. Working closely with the Group Executive Committee (GEC), Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and colleagues across the business, you'll help identify strategic opportunities, solve complex challenges and ensure our long-term priorities are translated into clear, actionable plans.

This is a highly collaborative leadership role where you'll combine strategic thinking with delivery, using market insight, data and business analysis to inform decision making and drive meaningful change. You'll work across functions to build alignment, develop future-focused strategies and help ensure the AA remains competitive, customer-focused and well positioned for long-term success, while leading and developing a high-performing Strategy team.

What will I be doing?

• Lead the development and delivery of strategy across high-value business initiatives, influencing at GEC level to ensure successful implementation of strategic priorities.
• Partner with senior leaders across the AA to shape strategies that drive sustainable commercial growth and operational performance.
• Build trusted relationships across the GEC, SLT and wider business, acting as a strategic adviser and influencing key business decisions.
• Identify and develop strategic opportunities that support the AA's long-term ambitions and create value for our customers and colleagues.
• Lead strategic analysis of market trends, competitor activity, customer needs and the external environment to inform future business direction.
• Drive the corporate strategic planning process, ensuring business priorities are aligned to the AA's long-term vision and objectives.
• Develop clear recommendations, action plans and solutions that address commercial and operational opportunities through evidence-based strategic insight.
• Produce robust business cases and financial analysis in partnership with Finance and business teams to support informed decision making.
• Present strategic insights, recommendations and progress updates to the GEC, SLT and other senior stakeholders.
• Work with Internal and External Communications to develop and communicate the AA's strategic narrative to colleagues and external audiences.
• Collaborate with the GEC and Transformation Management Office (TMO) to develop multi-year strategic plans, monitor business performance and identify risks and opportunities to keep delivery on track.
• Lead, coach and develop the Strategy team, creating a high-performing environment that encourages collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement.

What do I need?

Capability, Knowledge and Experience:

• Proven experience developing and delivering business strategy, ideally gained within a strategy consultancy or a strategic leadership role. Experience within a consumer-facing or B2C organisation is advantageous.
• A strong track record of working with senior leaders to solve complex commercial and operational challenges and influence strategic decision making.
• Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage, challenge and influence at GEC and SLT level.
• Experience identifying, evaluating and developing strategic solutions to commercial opportunities, supported by sound judgement and strong attention to detail.
• Strong analytical, research and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex information, draw meaningful insights and develop practical recommendations.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with confidence in creating compelling strategic materials and presenting recommendations to senior stakeholders.
• Strong organisational and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently and deliver high-quality outcomes in a fast-paced environment.
• A collaborative leadership style, with the ability to build trusted partnerships across the business and lead, coach and develop high-performing teams.

Additional information

We’re always looking to recognise and reward our employees for the work they do. As a valued member of The AA team, you’ll have access to a range of benefits including:

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays + holiday buying scheme
• Worksave pension scheme with up to 7% employer contribution
• Free AA breakdown membership from Day 1 plus 50% discount for family and friends
• Discounts on AA products including car and home insurance
• Employee discount scheme that gives you access to a car salary sacrifice scheme plus great discounts on healthcare, shopping, holidays and more
• Company funded life assurance
• Diverse learning and development opportunities to support you to progress in your career
• Dedicated Employee Assistance Programme and a 24/7 remote GP service for you and your family

Plus, so much more!

We’re an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from everyone. The AA values diversity and the difference this brings to our culture and our customers. We actively seek people from diverse backgrounds to join us and become part of an inclusive company where you can be yourself, be empowered to be your best and feel like you truly belong. We have five communities to bring together people with shared characteristics and backgrounds and drive positive change.