Head of Strategy

Wickes; Watford; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive bonus

Private Medical and Life Assurance

Enhanced contributory pension scheme

Discount platform including savings

Job summary

Wickes seeks a Head of Strategy to shape and execute the long-term strategic vision in Watford. You’ll partner with the SLT and Executive Team to drive company-wide initiatives and translate strategy into actionable plans across functions.

The role demands high-impact leadership, robust financial acumen, and the ability to influence at the top levels to deliver measurable business outcomes.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in corporate strategy and leading strategy development.
• Proven success in complex, matrixed organisations at senior levels.
• Strong financial acumen with business case development and performance management.
• Advanced quantitative analysis skills.

Responsibilities

• Define and align long-term objectives with shareholder value creation.
• Translate strategy into actionable roadmaps and cross-functional plans.
• Lead strategic initiatives, board-level discussions and governance.
• Evaluate project ROI and identify optimisation opportunities.
• Support M&A activity and market/competitor analysis.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Executive collaboration

Stakeholder influence

Change leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

Location: WATFORD LINK HOUSE SUPPORT CENTRE WICKES

Position Type: Permanent, Contract Type: Full Time

Hours of work: 40

Descriptions & Requirements

As Head of Strategy you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping and executing the company’s long-term strategic vision. You’ll work closely with the Director of Strategy, members of the Executive Team and the Senior Leadership Team. As Head of Strategy you’ll support the long term strategic direction of the business, leading company-wide strategic initiatives and supporting the definition of the overall long term business strategy.

This is intended to be a high-impact role with a need to influence at the highest levels and deliver measurable business outcomes. You could tackle strategic opportunities in any business function, often working with ambiguous data, divergent opinions and rapidly changing customer, market and competitor environments.

You’ll be a key thought partner to the SLT and members of the Executive Team on key strategic business questions, providing insight-driven recommendations

What you’ll be doing:

Ensuring the strategy aligns with the long-term business goals and shareholder value creation. Collaborate with senior leadership to define long-term objectives and identify new business opportunities, accounting for market trends, and competitive landscapes.

Support the Director of Strategy with the annual and multi-year strategic planning processes, annual PLC Strategy Day and inputting into the 5 year planning and annual budgeting processes.

Moving strategy to action

Evaluate business performance and strategic project ROI, identifying areas for optimisation and innovation. Work closely with department heads to translate the corporate strategy into actionable business plans and initiatives. Create and communicate clear roadmaps for achieving functional strategic goals, including short-term priorities and long-term initiatives. Partner with the wider business and encourage cross-functional collaboration to ensure strategic initiatives are effectively executed and deliver intended outcomes.

Business Development / Mergers & Acquisitions

Support corporate M&A activity including evaluation of potential acquisitions, joint venture and partnership opportunities to include market sweeps, partnership discussions and negotiations, due diligence

Lead the development of external market and competitor analysis to inform strategic choices and identify growth opportunities.

Providing insight, challenge, and direction on key business decisions and strategic transformation priorities to the Senior Leadership Team and sounding board to the Exec on specific projects. Independently guide and influence senior stakeholders and run board-level discussions on specific initiatives

Stakeholder Engagement

Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support strategic alignment and execution.

Leadership & Talent Development

Help foster a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement across the business. The role will lead virtual teams to deliver strategic projects to senior stakeholders , external partners, independent consultant support and may coach the analyst community to develop capability.

What we’re looking for:

You’ll have extensive experience in corporate strategy, ideally with a blend of consulting at a top-tier management consulting firm and in-house strategic experience. You’ll have at least a Bachelor's degree or equivalent and will have demonstrated success in leading strategy development and execution in complex, matrixed organisations. As well as this you’ll have:

Strong financial acumen and experience with business case development, investment prioritisation, and performance management.

Advanced quantitative analysis skills.

Proven ability to influence and collaborate with C-suite executives and senior leadership teams.

Have Visionary Thinking - be able to see the big picture and translate it into actionable strategies

Commercial Acumen, a deep understanding of business drivers and value creation levers.

Influence and Gravitas - a confident communicator with the ability to challenge constructively and build consensus.

Strong project leadership and change management capabilities.

Resilience & Agility, comfortable operating in fast-paced, high-stakes environments.

What can we offer you?

You’ll be supported with fantastic learning and development and have the opportunity to develop your career with us.

We’ll also equip you with a benefits package that includes:

• Competitive bonus
• Private Medical and Life Assurance
• Enhanced contributory pension scheme
• Discount platform including savings and cash back at numerous retailers, savings on gym membership, cycle to work scheme

Our widely recognised wellbeing strategy is something we’re proud of at Wickes. As part of this, we offer a range of health and wellbeing benefits and support, including an Employee Assistance Programme, financial education & loans, and access to parental, menopause and fertility support.

By giving you the support you need to do well at work, and the flexibility to make life work for you. We are giving you a career that doesn’t put your life on hold. Where you can be yourself, do your best work, and make a positive difference every day.

About Us:

Wickes is a multi-channel retailer operating in the home improvement market. With 50 years in industry, Wickes now generates revenue in excess of £1.6bn across 230 stores delivered by 8,000+ colleagues. But it is our culture that is considered our best kept secret; it’s a collaborative, down to earth, fun and inclusive environment where people feel part of a winning team. All our colleagues come from different backgrounds, but what we all have in common is a determination to succeed and a passion for being the best we can be. If that sounds like you, we’ll make you feel right at home.

"We aim to create an inclusive workplace with colleagues’ wellbeing at the heart of everything we do.

We’re a Disability Confident Employer and committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from disabled people and are committed to providing an accessible recruitment process and workplace for everyone. If you require any support or reasonable adjustments, please let us know here ."