Strategy Director

1 week ago

Reading, Reading, United Kingdom PepsiCo Full time £90,000 - £120,000 per year
Overview

The Strategy Director plays a critical leadership role in shaping and executing the long-term strategic agenda of the UK Operating Unit (UK OU). Partnering closely with the OU General Manager, the UK Executive Team, and Europe Sector Strategy, this role drives enterprise-level thinking, identifies growth opportunities, and ensures the successful delivery of initiatives that create sustainable, profitable growth.

As a trusted advisor, the Strategy Director brings analytical rigor, external perspective, and strategic clarity to guide key business decisions across categories, channels, and functions.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

  • Define and steer the long-term strategic direction for the UK OU, ensuring alignment with Europe Sector and Global priorities.
  • Provide thought leadership and challenge to the OU GM and Executive Team on growth, productivity, portfolio, and capability agendas.
  • Lead the annual strategic planning process, integrating insights, resource allocation, and execution priorities.

Growth & Value Creation

  • Identify and prioritize growth opportunities across categories, channels, and partnerships.
  • Translate strategic recommendations into executable roadmaps with clear metrics and P&L impact.
  • Partner with Finance and Corporate Development to evaluate potential M&A, partnership, and investment opportunities.

Market & Competitive Foresight

  • Maintain an external orientation on consumer, customer, and competitive dynamics in the UK market.
  • Anticipate emerging trends, disruptions, and regulatory shifts to inform proactive strategic choices.
  • Represent the UK OU in Europe Sector and Global forums to ensure market perspectives inform enterprise strategies.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Partner with Commercial, Finance, Supply Chain, Insights, and Digital teams to embed strategy into business execution.
  • Lead cross-functional and cross-sector initiatives that enhance the enterprise's competitive advantage.

Leadership & Capability Building

  • Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing Strategy team that operates as the internal consulting engine for the OU.
  • Build strategic capability across the organization through training, coaching, and knowledge sharing.
  • Foster a culture of curiosity, agility, and collaboration.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree required; MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred.
  • 12+ years' experience in strategy, corporate development, or senior commercial leadership within top-tier consulting or consumer-goods companies.
  • Proven record of leading complex strategic initiatives and influencing senior executives in a matrixed environment.
  • Strong financial and analytical acumen with deep understanding of P&L drivers.
  • Excellent communication and executive-level presentation skills.
  • Strong knowledge of the UK market, consumer, and retail environment.

Key Competencies

  • Strategic Agility: Frames complex issues and delivers actionable, insight-led solutions.
  • Analytical Excellence: Uses data and financial rigor to drive decisions.
  • Influence & Communication: Crafts compelling narratives and drives alignment at senior levels.
  • Enterprise Mindset: Balances UK OU priorities with Sector and Global objectives.
  • Leadership: Inspires, coaches, and develops high-performing teams.
  • External Orientation: Connects market insights to strategic priorities and innovation.

Success in the Role

  • The UK OU has a clear, actionable long-term strategy driving growth and competitiveness.
  • Strategic initiatives deliver measurable commercial and operational impact.
  • The Strategy team is recognized as a trusted advisor and catalyst for enterprise value creation

  • Strategy Director

    1 week ago

    Reading, Reading, United Kingdom PepsiCo Full time £100,000 - £140,000 per year

    OverviewTheStrategy Directorplays a critical leadership role in shaping and executing the long-term strategic agenda of the UK Operating Unit (UK OU). Partnering closely with theOU General Manager, theUK Executive Team, andEurope Sector Strategy, this role drives enterprise-level thinking, identifies growth opportunities, and ensures the successful delivery...

  • Director - MEP

    2 days ago

    Reading, Reading, United Kingdom V1 Recruitment Full time £830,000 - £1,145,000 per year

    Director – MEP (Reading)Salary:£83,000 – £95,000 + Travel AllowanceLocation:ReadingCategory:MEP | Full TimeA Strategic Leadership Role Shaping the Future of Regional MEP DeliveryAn opportunity for an experiencedMEP Directorto lead regional strategy, guide complex project delivery, and strengthen relationships with key clients. This role combines...

  • Director of FP&A

    2 weeks ago

    Reading, Reading, United Kingdom We Do Group Full time £130,000 - £140,000 per year

    Director of FP&A£130,000 – £140, % BonusClose to Reading | Hybrid (2-3 days/week in office) | Telco | B2B | High-GrowthThis is a career-defining opportunity to lead FP&A for one of the fastest-growing, most innovative businesses in the UK. Private equity-backed, scaling fast, and operating in a complex B2B telco environment - it's the perfect setting for...

  • FP&A Director

    6 days ago

    Reading, Reading, United Kingdom We Do Group Full time

    FP&A Director£130,000 – £140, % BonusClose to Reading | Hybrid (3 days/week in office) | Telco | B2B | High-GrowthThis is a career-defining opportunity to lead FP&A for one of the fastest-growing, most innovative businesses in the UK. Private equity-backed, scaling fast, and operating in a complex B2B telco environment - it's the perfect setting for a...

  • Associate Director

    6 days ago

    Reading, Reading, United Kingdom PropSource Consulting Full time £50,000 - £70,000 per year

    Role:Associate Director –Town PlanningLocation:Reading (preferred) or SouthamptonSalary:£50,000–£70,000 (flexible, reviewed annually)Experience:Chartered MRTPIMy client, a leading independent planning consultancy in the UK, is seeking anAssociate Planning Directorto join their growing team. This is a senior, high-profile role offering the opportunity...

  • Associate Director

    2 weeks ago

    Reading, Reading, United Kingdom PropSource Consulting Full time £50,000 - £70,000 per year

    Role:Associate Director –Town PlanningLocation:Reading (preferred), Cambridge, or SouthamptonSalary:£50,000–£70,000 (flexible, reviewed annually)Experience:Chartered MRTPIMy client, a leading independent planning consultancy in the UK, is seeking anAssociate Planning Directorto join their growing team. This is a senior, high-profile role offering the...

  • Regional Director

    1 week ago

    Reading, Reading, United Kingdom REM Associates Limited Full time £65,000 - £75,000 per year

    **Regional Director – Pharmaceuticals (Manufacturing)Location: Reading,BerkshireSalary: £150,000 + performance-based bonus + executive benefits packageAbout Our ClientOur client is a leading and fast-growing pharmaceutical manufacturer, recognised for exceptional quality, regulatory excellence and continuous investment in innovation. With strong...

  • Sales Director

    2 days ago

    Reading, Reading, United Kingdom Scout Global Full time £60,000 - £120,000 per year

    Sales Director – Cybersecurity (SMB & Mid-Market)Lead Direct Sales + Channel | High-Growth SaaS Scale-UpOur client is a fast-growing cybersecuritySaaS scale-upon a mission to simplify and strengthen security forSMB and mid-market customers. With strong momentum and a rapidly expanding customer base, they're now hiring ahands-on, high-energy Sales...

  • Medical Director

    4 days ago

    Reading, Reading, United Kingdom Shr Group Full time £87,100 - £134,000 per year

    Job DescriptionJob DescriptionJob Title: Medical Director - Consultant OphthalmologistOverviewOur healthcare organization is seeking a compassionate and visionary Medical Director - Consultant Ophthalmologist to lead our ophthalmology department. This role involves providing expert patient care, mentoring a diverse team of medical professionals, and driving...

  • Senior Account Director

    6 days ago

    Reading, Reading, United Kingdom Neos Networks Full time £60,000 - £120,000 per year

    Senior Account Director - Systems IntegratorsNeos Networks offers alternative working arrangements that give employees some flexibility, including office, home and hybrid working.Base location: Reading (Field based) travel to Reading office 2 days per weekContract Type: PermanentFull Time / Part Time: Full TimeWorking Pattern: Full time 37.5 hours per...