Head of Strategy and Business Operations

About Invest Engine

Invest Engine is everything the modern investor should need. Unbeatable value, market-leading automation, and built for easy, long-term investing. We've built a strong foundation, have over £3 billion invested, award-winning service, and a passionate team — now we're ready to scale. We are seeking a hands‑on Head of Strategy & Business Operations to partner with our CEO in setting the strategic agenda, running the company and building the operating model that will carry us through the next stage of growth.

As Head of Strategy & Business Operations, you will operate at the intersection of strategy, operations and executive decision-making, combining analytical judgement with hands‑on execution. You will work closely with the CEO as part of a lean leadership team, leading the Strategy & Business Operations function and a team of five.

You will translate high‑level objectives into clear execution plans, operating rhythms, KPIs and measurable outcomes, acting as an integrator who drives delivery across every function in the business rather than managing a large team of your own. This is a newly created role: much of the framework you will run does not yet exist in a formal shape, and building it is a core part of the job.

Operating Model & Company Rhythm

• Design and run Invest Engine's company operating model, including the goal cycle, executive meeting architecture, business reviews and decision governance.

• Own the quarterly goal cycle end to end, working with function leaders to set targets that are ambitious, measurable and owned.

• Run the executive cadence so that decisions are made once, documented and acted upon, and surface risks and slippage early.

Strategy & Planning

• Own the annual and multi‑year strategic planning process, from framing the agenda to a plan the leadership team commits to.

• Partner with the CEO and leadership team on strategic planning, prioritisation and resource allocation.

• Structure and answer the company's most significant open questions, including market sizing, prioritisation and build‑versus‑buy decisions.

• Bring an independent, evidence‑based point of view to executive discussions, including where it differs from the prevailing one.

Cross‑Functional Delivery

• Own the portfolio of company‑wide initiatives, with clear prioritisation and formal start and stop gates.

• Lead high‑impact initiatives end to end, resolving delivery challenges directly rather than escalating them.

• Embed completed work with the function that will own it as business‑as‑usual, leaving no residual dependency on your team.

Performance & Reporting

• Own the monthly CEO pack and quarterly Board pack, produced from a single, trusted source of truth.

• Develop the KPI framework covering commercial performance, delivery, customer outcomes, cost efficiency and operational risk.

• Build the analysis yourself, working with Data & Analytics on the underlying infrastructure.

Team Leadership

• Lead, develop and grow a team of five, setting remits, priorities and standards, and hiring into open roles.

• Partner closely with leaders across Product, Technology, Platform Operations, Marketing, Data & Analytics, Finance, Compliance and People, securing outcomes from teams that do not report to you.

• Apply AI and automation practically to reporting, planning and internal workflow to keep the function lean as we scale.

• Significant experience (typically 8+ years) across strategy and operations in fintech, financial services or another high‑growth, regulated environment — for example as Head of Strategy & Business Operations, Head or Lead of Strategy & Operations, Chief of Staff, or a similarly broad leadership role.

• Demonstrated experience building a company operating model rather than administering one designed by someone else, and securing genuine adoption by a leadership team.

• Proven track record leading company‑wide initiatives end to end, including embedding them into business‑as‑usual and stopping those no longer worth the investment.

• Experience managing a team of four or more strategy, operations or programme professionals, with evidence of raising performance.

• Strong…