Full job descriptionHead of StrategyLocation of RoleStratford upon Avon
Job NumberCEOD00264
Closing Date07-Sep-2026
Recruiter:Steve Coldicott
Head of Strategy*Lead the development and delivery of enterprise-wide strategy at NFU Mutual
*Head a high-profile function driving growth, transformation and long-term value creation
*Work closely with the CEO, Board and Executive Committee to help shape NFU Mutual’s future direction
About the roleAs Head of Strategy, you’ll report directly to the CEO and lead the development, delivery and ongoing evolution of NFU Mutual’s enterprise strategy. Working closely with the CEO, Board and Executive Committee, you’ll help set and drive the strategic agenda for the organisation, translating long-term ambitions into clear priorities, plans and outcomes.
You’ll use customer, market, competitor and commercial insight to identify opportunities, emerging risks and future trends, providing strategic challenge and recommendations that support effective decision-making at the highest level. As a trusted advisor to the CEO and senior leaders, you’ll play a key role in driving sustainable growth, innovation and corporate development, helping to create long-term value for customers, colleagues and the business.
A key part of the role will be building strategic capability and organisational competence across NFU Mutual. Through effective governance, planning and performance reporting, you’ll help leaders understand how their activities contribute to wider strategic objectives and strengthen the organisation’s ability to execute strategy successfully.
You’ll oversee the development of our future operating model and business architecture, ensuring strategic ambitions remain aligned to organisational priorities and transformation activity. You’ll also lead major strategic initiatives and programmes that support business performance and long-term success.
As a senior leader, you’ll lead and develop a high-performing team of strategy professionals while building strong internal and external relationships. You’ll collaborate with Board members, Executive leaders, senior stakeholders and external partners, including other mutual insurers around the world, industry observers and consultancies, to inform strategic thinking and deliver meaningful business outcomes.
This role is hybrid and based in our Stratford-upon-Avon office.
About youYou’re an experienced strategy leader with a strong track record of developing and delivering enterprise strategy within a large, complex financial services organisation.
You will have successfully led a dedicated Strategy function, or an equivalent enterprise-wide strategy capability, with responsibility for shaping strategic direction, enabling transformation and delivering measurable business outcomes.
You bring strong commercial acumen and are comfortable operating in complex environments, balancing long-term strategic thinking with practical delivery. You have deep expertise in strategic planning methodologies, operating model design, business architecture and strategic change management, alongside experience leading major transformation programmes.
You’ll be a credible and influential leader, capable of building trusted relationships with the CEO, Board, Executive Committee and senior stakeholders, while constructively challenging thinking and driving alignment around strategic priorities.
A degree-level qualification, or equivalent experience, is essential. A business-related postgraduate qualification would be beneficial. Experience within the insurance or wider financial services sector is critical.
You’ll also bring:
*Proven experience developing and executing corporate and enterprise strategy.
*Strong expertise in strategic planning tools, business architecture and operating model design.
*A track record of leading strategic change, transformation and major business programmes.
*Experience in corporate development, including acquisitions or disposals.
*Exceptional stakeholder and relationship management skills, with the ability to influence, advise and challenge effectively at CEO, Board and Executive level.
*Experience leading and developing high-performing strategy teams while building organisational capability and delivering sustainable growth, innovation and long-term value.
Certification
This role is subject to certification. Certification applies to key roles within the organisation that meet set criteria defined by our regulators.
Certification is an internal process undertaken in line with regulatory requirements that is to be in place on appointment and annually thereafter.
Certified Function
This role is subject to certification for NFU Mutual Insurance Society Ltd due to being identified as:
Material Risk Taker
A person whose professional activities have a material impact on the firm’s risk profile
At NFU Mutual, we support an inclusive workplace and value all the differences that make us unique. We celebrate the creativity and innovation that comes from diverse perspectives and experiences and share a common vision of doing the right thing for our customers and employees.
We recognise that some candidates may experience barriers during the recruitment process. So, we encourage candidates to discuss any adjustments or accommodations they need to be the best they can be throughout our recruitment process.
We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, a Race at Work and Women in Finance Charter signatory and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, regardless of age, ethnicity, disability, neurodiversity, gender, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic background.
Benefits and RewardsWhen you join our team, you can expect a supportive culture and an attractive range of rewards and benefits including:
*Salary aligned to experience
*Annual bonus (up to 40% of salary)
*Car allowance of £9,500
*Eligible for our Long-Term Incentive Plan bonus scheme
*Contributory pension scheme, up to 20%, including your 8% contribution
*A Family Friendly policy that helps you balance your work and family responsibilities
*Access to savings at High Street brands, travel and supermarkets
*£20 contribution to a monthly gym membership - subject to T&Cs
*Health and wellbeing plan - cashback for dentist, opticians, physio and more
*Employee Volunteering - volunteer in the community for one day each year
*Unlimited access to Refer a Friend £500 bonus scheme
*Life Assurance cover of 4 x salary
*Employee discounts of 15% on a range of NFU Mutual insurance policies.
*28 days annual leave + bank holidays + buy/sell/save holiday trading scheme...