Head of Strategic Channels

We are seeking a commercially minded, strategic, and high-performing leader to join our Unsecured Lending Leadership Team as Head of Strategic Channels. This role is responsible for leading the performance and development of our strategic distribution channels, including key partnerships and aggregators, to deliver sustainable growth, strong customer outcomes, and seamless journeys across both digital and non-digital channels. You will play a pivotal role in shaping channel strategy, leading a high-performing team, and working collaboratively across the wider business to support Nationwide’s growth ambitions.

As Head of Strategic Channels, you will oversee growth and performance across Nationwide’s strategic unsecured lending distribution channels. This includes accountability for key partnerships, such as Virgin Atlantic Airways, as well as shaping and delivering the aggregator strategy to drive strong commercial outcomes and seamless customer experiences.

Working as part of the Unsecured Lending Leadership Team, you will play a critical role in delivering Nationwide’s growth ambitions. You will lead a high-performing team, drive productivity and engagement, and collaborate closely across the wider function and the Society. You will balance commercial performance with excellent customer outcomes, ensuring our channels remain effective, competitive, and aligned with strategic priorities.

We are happy to consider flexible working approaches to help you perform at your best. At Nationwide, we offer hybrid working wherever possible. More rewarding relationships are supported through our hybrid approach, bringing colleagues together across our UK-wide estate, whilst also supporting generous access to home working. We value our time in the office to solve problems, to learn, and to feel connected.

For this job, you’ll be assigned to our nearest regional hub. There will be a need to regularly connect with colleagues for collaboration events in one of our office sites. This is anticipated to be at least monthly in Chester/Manchester/London/Glasgow/Swindon or Gosforth. If your application is successful, your hiring manager will provide further details on how this works.

You will lead the growth and performance of the credit card portfolio across key partner and distribution channels, driving strong commercial results while delivering excellent customer outcomes. Working closely with internal teams and external partners, you will shape channel strategy, enhance customer journeys, and identify opportunities to grow the portfolio.

You will also build and manage key commercial relationships, influence senior stakeholders, and ensure plans are executed effectively in a fast‑paced environment. In addition, you will lead a high‑performing team and help define the strategic direction for future growth.

Significant senior leadership experience within financial services, with a strong track record of delivering commercial growth and performance outcomes.

Proven experience in leading third‑party partnerships and distribution channels, including aggregators and other high‑volume acquisition routes.

Demonstrated success in delivering ambitious sales, revenue, or portfolio growth targets within a complex, matrix‑managed organisation.

Strong track record of building effective relationships and influencing senior stakeholders, both internally and externally, to achieve business objectives.

Proven ability to develop and execute channel, distribution, or partnership strategies that enhance customer acquisition and commercial performance.

Extensive experience in leading, developing, and motivating high‑performing teams within a senior leadership role.

Strong knowledge of the UK unsecured lending market, including the regulatory environment relevant to customer acquisition and distribution.

There are all sorts of employee benefits available at Nationwide, including:

• Access to private medical insurance
• A highly competitive pension to help you build a strong foundation for retirement
• Access to an annual performance‑related bonus
• Training and development to help you progress your career
• A…