Job Description

Location:

127 Public Square, Cleveland Ohio

Location: Cleveland, OH or Buffalo NY; Cleveland OH, preferred.

As a leader in the Commercial Bank Strategy & Ventures Team, the Strategic Planning Leader will partner closely with the Head of Strategy, Commercial Bank leadership, and external stakeholders to define, prioritize, and execute strategic business initiatives.

This role requires developing a deep understanding of market dynamics, customer needs, product capabilities, and the competitive landscape to support sustained business growth. The leader will own a portfolio of high-priority, interrelated initiatives and establish operating rhythms to deliver against shared business objectives.

The Strategic Planning Leader will drive clarity, alignment, and execution across complex, fast-moving priorities by leveraging strong business acumen, critical thinking, and relationship management skills. This role is instrumental in enabling the Commercial Bank to achieve its growth ambitions over the next strategic planning horizon.

Essential Functions

• Lead multiple strategic initiatives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, including engagement with third-party partners
• Collaborate across internal and external stakeholders to drive alignment and achieve business outcomes
• Own, grow, and optimize partnerships across fintechs, venture capital firms, and strategic industry groups
• Lead national and market-level Commercial Bank strategic planning in partnership with Strategy and Performance Management teams
• Serve as the central point of coordination for Commercial Bank Healthcare strategy, partnering across sales, product, operations, and cross-line-of-business teams
• Translate strategic priorities into actionable plans and ensure effective execution across stakeholders
• Establish governance, operating rhythms, and performance tracking mechanisms to support execution
• Define success metrics and key performance indicators; monitor progress and adjust strategies as needed
• Influence senior leadership, including the Commercial Bank Leadership Team (CBLT), to align priorities and accelerate decision-making
• Identify and remove barriers to execution to ensure consistent delivery of strategic objectives

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Strategy, or a related field required
• MBA or other advanced degree preferred

Work Experience

• 8+ years of experience in strategy planning, management consulting, program management, corporate development or relevant industry roles
• 5 years in commercial banking or related industry experience
• Demonstrated success leading complex, cross-functional strategic initiatives
• Experience within financial services, fintech, venture capital, or partnership-driven environments
• Proven ability to work with and influence senior executives and leadership teams
• Experience managing external partners, vendors, or consulting resources preferred

Certifications & Licenses

• Relevant professional certifications (e.g., CFA, PMP, or similar) are a plus

Skills

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to translate complex business challenges into clear, actionable strategies
• Initiative Leadership: Proven ability to lead multiple, high-priority initiatives simultaneously
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ability to drive alignment across diverse teams (sales, product, operations, strategy)
• Stakeholder Engagement Proven ability to influence and align senior leaders while building strong relationships across internal teams and external partners
• Business Acumen: Deep understanding of commercial banking, market dynamics, and growth drivers
• Data-Driven Performance Management: Leverages analytical thinking to guide decision-making, define KPIs, track progress, and drive accountability for results
• Program Management Expertise in structuring work, managing dependencies, and driving execution
• Change Leadership: Ability to lead through ambiguity and drive organizational alignment during change
• Partnership Development: Experience building and managing fintech, VC, and strategic partnerships
• Communication: Clear, concise, and effective communication with executive-level presentation skills
• Operational Excellence: Ability to establish governance, processes, and operating rhythms
• Adaptability: Comfortable navigating evolving priorities and ambiguous business conditions

Physical Demands

• Primarily a sedentary role requiring extended periods of sitting and computer use
• Ability to participate in meetings, presentations, and collaborative sessions (virtual and in-person)
• Minimal physical exertion required

Travel / Driving Requirements

• Occasional travel may be required to support stakeholder engagement, strategic planning sessions, and partnership activities
• Travel expectations may vary based on business needs

This position is NOT eligible for employment visa (e.g., H-1B) sponsorship. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United Stated on a full-time basis.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This position is eligible to earn a base salary in the range of $116,000.00 - $216,000.00 annually. Placement within the pay range may differ based upon various factors, including but not limited to skills, experience and geographic location. Compensation for this role also includes eligibility for incentive compensation which may include production, commission, and/or discretionary incentives.

Please click here for a list of benefits for which this position is eligible.

Key has implemented an approach to employee workspaces which prioritizes in-office presence, while providing flexible options in circumstances where roles can be performed effectively in a mobile environment.

Job Posting Expiration Date: 06/23/2026
KeyCorp is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to sustaining an inclusive culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, pregnancy, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Qualified individuals with disabilities or disabled veterans who are unable or limited in their ability to apply on this site may request reasonable accommodations by emailing HR_Compliance@keybank.com.

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