Senior Strategy Manager

Location: WATFORD LINK HOUSE SUPPORT CENTRE WICKES

Position Type: Permanent, Contract Type: Full Time

Hours of work: 40

Posted: 09-Nov-2026

Descriptions & Requirements

As Senior Strategy Manager you'll help drive the company's long-term strategic vision. You will be working closely with the Director of Strategy to support members of the Executive Team and the Senior Leadership Team. working on company-wide strategic initiatives and supporting the definition of the overall long term business strategy.

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 will be focused on key strategic business questions, providing insight-driven recommendations supported by high quality data modelling and financial analysis.

What you'll be doing:

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.

Collaborate with senior leadership to define long-term objectives and identify new business opportunities, accounting for market trends, and competitive landscapes.

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 on specific projects.

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.

What we're looking for:

You'll have experience in corporate strategy, ideally with a blend of consulting at a top-tier management consulting firm and in-house strategic experience in a complex matrixed environment. You'll have at least a Bachelor's degree or equivalent. 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 ."