RC 219 - Head of Strategy and Business Planning

Connected Places Catapult; Milton Keynes; Hybrid; GBP 68,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Head of Strategy and Business Planning to lead the development of innovative strategies that drive impactful change. This role involves coordinating market appraisals, providing actionable insights, and facilitating strategic initiatives across the organization. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership and collaboration skills, with a focus on sustainability and inclusivity. Join a dynamic team that values diverse perspectives and fosters an inclusive culture while contributing to the advancement of connected places. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a significant impact in a forward-thinking environment.

Benefits

9-day fortnight

23.5 days holiday entitlement

Competitive pension

Two paid volunteering days

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work Scheme

Cash Health Plan

Payroll Giving scheme

Retail discounts

Mortgage Advice service

Qualifications

• Experience in leading and managing teams to achieve objectives.
• Strong planning skills in complex, fast-paced environments.
• Knowledge of operational management and project methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy development and business planning across the organization.
• Provide market insights and facilitate strategic initiatives.
• Drive the annual business planning cycle and support unit directors.

Skills

Leadership and Management

Collaboration Skills

Planning Activities

Business Tools for Strategy Development

Operational Management

Project Management

Change Management

Emotional Intelligence

Communication Skills

Sustainability and EDI Principles

Job description

RC 219 - Head of Strategy and Business Planning

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Location: London or Milton Keynes (minimum of two days a week in the office, with flexibility for more)

Reporting to: Strategy & Portfolio Director

Working hours: Full time (9-day Fortnight companywide)

Contract type/duration: Permanent

Band: 4.1

Salary: £68,890 to £79,386

Closing date: 9am 8th May 2025

The Role

To lead and coordinate strategy development and Business Planning across CPC.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead market appraisal including identification of market barriers in CPC's core innovation focus areas.
• Provide actionable market insight on Connected Places Catapult, define market focus areas and innovation themes in collaboration with Business Unit Leads.
• Provide actionable internal insight based on our performance and impact data.
• Advise on Business Unit's strategic direction, by providing strategic assessment and horizon scanning on the state of the market, including insights into penetrating new geographies, new businesses, and UK-leading innovation ideas.
• Facilitate the development of organisational ‘points-of-view' informing technology roadmaps (with relevant BUs), policy consultations (with Public Affairs), etc.
• Ensure appropriate information management of up-to-date supporting material (consistent bid/proposal material for innovation focus areas, case studies, etc).
• Provide content for briefings aligned with the stakeholder engagement plan (signed off by BU lead or Managing Directors).
• Develop approach and content for producing the State of the Nation and annual report.
• Own and prepare the annual strategy and business planning process and outputs, working closely with all areas of CPC, in partnership with Finance and Chief of Staff.
• Drive the annual business planning cycle, working closely with all CPC Leads to produce necessary inputs.
• Support Business Unit Directors in developing strategic initiatives and programmes through shaping and leading targeted strategy development projects.
• Support Business Unit leads with strategic insight to help them secure opportunities across innovation imperatives, coordinating cross-cutting strategic initiatives/projects.
• Work with Business Unit Leads and marketing colleagues to ensure pre-sales material and opportunities are strategically aligned.
• Ensure an ethos where equity, inclusivity, and diversity underpin your work activity, contributing to inclusive innovation across all activities.
• You may be required to undertake other duties to support the Catapult in achieving its strategic outcomes and ensure effective operations.

Requirements

Required Skills and Experience

• Adept at leading, managing, and developing people to deliver objectives, using collaboration and influencing skills.
• Ability to set deadlines and support others in meeting them effectively.
• Experience in planning activities in complex, fast-paced environments.
• Experience with using collaboration and influencing skills to support strategy and planning iterations.
• Working knowledge of business tools for strategy development and prioritisation.
• Demonstrable experience of building and delivering plans with colleagues.
• Knowledge of operational management in project environments, including project and programme management methodologies.
• Experience in instigating and delivering business change.
• Confident influencer and communicator, adept at managing relationships with senior stakeholders.
• Focused on achieving impact for the organization.
• Demonstrates determination, drive, and commitment, especially when facing challenges.
• Champion of embedding sustainability and EDI principles into strategy development.

Required Competencies

• Provide coaching and feedback to drive team development, innovation, and high performance.
• Use emotional intelligence to foster a safe environment for experimentation.
• Encourage continuous improvement in processes, systems, and ways of working.
• Build motivation and engagement through understanding individual aspirations and development needs.
• Manage performance with clear goals and regular reviews.
• Clarify expectations and own team performance.
• Manage change effectively, guiding the team through transitions.
• Organize work across multiple initiatives, prioritising and delegating effectively.
• Use management information to inform decisions and identify opportunities.
• Build an inclusive and sustainability-focused team culture that values diversity and ensures policy compliance.

Benefits

• 9-day fortnight with a company-wide shutdown every other Friday.
• 23.5 days holiday entitlement, with pro-rata for part-time, plus Christmas shutdown.
• Competitive pension, up to 10% employer contribution.
• Two paid days of volunteering leave per year.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) providing 24/7 confidential support.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Cash Health Plan for healthcare expenses.
• Payroll Giving scheme for charitable donations.
• Retail discounts and offers.
• Mortgage Advice service in partnership with Charles Cameron & Associates.

Employment is based on merit and qualifications. We prohibit discrimination and harassment and provide reasonable accommodations for disabilities.

Additional Information

• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job functions: Business Development and Sales
• Industries: IT Services and IT Consulting