Job Description

Are you passionate about business strategy, financial analysis, and driving growth? We’re seeking a Strategy Analyst to evaluate business opportunities, develop financial models, and translate data into actionable insights that shape strategic decisions. If you thrive on solving complex problems and turning ideas into measurable results, we’d love to hear from you.

JOB OVERVIEW:

The Strategy Analyst supports the development and execution of Guardian Asset Management's strategic agenda across its investment services and merchant banking businesses by conducting research, strategic and financial analysis, developing financial models and business cases, and supporting the delivery of approved initiatives. The role further supports corporate development, regulatory and governance activities, business performance analysis and Executive reporting, providing accurate and well-supported analysis to inform management decision-making and monitor the delivery of agreed strategic initiatives.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Analysis and Business Case Development

• Conduct market, competitor, client and product analysis relevant to the investment services, asset management and merchant banking businesses
• Frame strategic questions, develop and test hypotheses, and construct strategic options with their financial and operational implications.
• Develop business cases, cost-benefit analyses and return assessments to support the evaluation and prioritisation of proposed initiatives.
• Analyse corporate development opportunities, including acquisitions, amalgamations and portfolio changes, assessing strategic fit, value drivers and risks.
• Work with Group Strategy to draw on their analytical support, apply Group frameworks and methodologies, and ensure that analysis, definitions and metrics align to Group strategy.
• Prepare strategy papers, option assessments and recommendations for review and onward submission.

1. Financial Modelling and Quantitative Analysis

• Build, maintain and audit financial models, including forecast, valuation, business case and transaction models.
• Apply recognised valuation and financial analysis methods, and document the assumptions on which they rely.
• Design and run scenario and sensitivity analyses to test the financial effect of strategic and corporate development options.
• Analyse financial performance, revenue drivers and cost structures across business lines to identify value and efficiency opportunities.
• Apply Group Strategy modelling standards, valuation conventions and metric definitions, and draw on Group Strategy technical support where specialist input is required.

1. Strategic Initiative Execution and Delivery

• Translate approved strategic objectives into actionable plans, workplans and milestones.
• Coordinate and drive assigned strategic workstreams and deliverables through to implementation, tracking milestones, actions and responsible owners.
• Work with the Group Delivery and Excellence Office (DEO) on large initiatives, supplying the business unit inputs, analysis and documentation they require, adhering to their project management standards and maintaining an effective working relationship.
• Prepare and coordinate information and supporting documentation for regulatory submissions and applications relating to assigned strategic initiatives, working with Legal, Compliance and Risk.
• Support integration and implementation planning where initiatives involve structural or organisational change.
• Identify risks, blockers and delays to delivery, pursue their resolution, and escalate material risks and decisions required in a timely manner.

1. Business Performance Analysis and Management Reporting

• Analyse the performance of the business regularly across revenue, cost, product, channel and client dimensions to identify trends, gaps and areas of underperformance.
• Assess performance against the business unit’s stated strategy, testing whether results and the choices being made remain consistent with the strategic direction and principles set.
• Identify and recommend improvement opportunities, and support the development of these into initiatives where the case is made.
• Track and report progress of approved initiatives against agreed milestones, targets and financial outcomes.
• Prepare performance packs, dashboards, briefing notes and variance commentary, and prepare sections of Executive, Board and Group submissions.
• Consolidate inputs from across the organisation into a single coherent view of strategic and operational performance.

1. Stakeholder Engagement and Departmental Support

• Engage with stakeholders across departments and Group functions to obtain required inputs, facilitate alignment and follow up on agreed actions.
• Facilitate and document meetings, working sessions and strategy discussions, and follow up on agreed actions.
• Produce presentation and written materials to a consistent executive-ready standard.
• Maintain departmental records, model libraries, research repositories and version-controlled documentation.

1. Any Other Duties assigned by the Senior Manager and or Executive

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration or a related discipline.
• 2 years’ experience in strategy, financial analysis, audit, advisory, corporate finance, project delivery or a comparable analytical role.
• Demonstrated experience building and working with financial models or structured analysis.
• Demonstrated experience preparing reports and presentations for management or client audiences, including structuring a narrative and preparing and presenting analytical findings and recommendations.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT:

As a regulated entity with obligations under the Know Your Employee guidelines, a Certificate of Character is required.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

The Strategy Analyst must be analytical, adaptable and responsive to changes in the organisation and business environment. He/She must possess strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders. The individual must be highly organised, meticulous and detail-oriented, demonstrating sound judgement, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. He/She must also demonstrate initiative, accountability, a strong customer service orientation and the ability to manage competing priorities while consistently delivering accurate, high-quality work within established timelines.