Strategy Manager

About Us

We are Ocado Group, and we're bringing world-class automation to online grocery. Our Ocado Smart Platform (OSP) combines cutting-edge robotics, AI, and IoT within our advanced CFCs (Customer Fulfilment Centres). We've mastered the single pick, transforming online delivery for our global partners. Join us and be part of a team pushing the boundaries of retail technology.

About the Role

The Strategy Manager sits in the Strategy Team within the Office of the CEO, working alongside senior leadership to shape and execute Ocado's long-term decisions. This high-exposure position balances leading strategic projects with managing day-to-day business operations. Ideal for professionals capable of navigating both detailed analytical work and senior stakeholder engagement, the role offers a direct window into the centre of the company during a pivotal period of strategic change. 

This is a 15-month secondment. 

Accountabilities

Strategic Projects & Problem Solving

• Identify and prioritise problems to solve within Ocado Group, drawing on a wide and diverse range of sources, including own observations
• Develop business cases and/or recommendations on how to solve business problems using desk-based research, stakeholder consultation, financial modelling and quantitative and qualitative analysis
• Project manage strategic projects on behalf of Senior Leadership, often in collaboration with support functions (Finance, People Team, Legal etc.), from scoping the work through to driving progress and delivery of the project to completion
• Present project progress to relevant audiences in structured, coherent, high quality presentations
• Assessment of M&A and partnership opportunities for the business

Governance and Ways of Working

• Prepare materials for regular governance meetings, assist in the running of these meetings and continuously improve the working practices of the Senior Leadership Team
• Maintain the rhythm and support execution of key business processes throughout the year e.g. Goal setting, KR process, Board Meetings
• Organise and facilitate advisory board days, annual Leadership Conference, regular business area away days and other workshops as required
• Qualitative and quantitative analysis of various data sources to provide insight to Senior Leadership
• Collaborate with other support functions to ensure best possible ways of working and processes e.g. Finance and People team
• Assist Senior Leadership with various ad hoc requests of both a strategic nature (e.g. product planning) and operational nature (e.g. slide creation, board reports, communications etc.)

You may be asked to perform tasks as required by management deemed as a reasonable request. This job description is a summary of the typical functions of the role, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of possible role responsibilities, tasks and duties and is subject to review. The responsibilities, tasks and duties of the job holder might differ from those outlined in the job description and other duties, as assigned, might form part of the job. 

Essential skills

• Proven ability to solve a variety of problems creatively and practically
• Excellent senior stakeholder management skills
• Strong qualitative and quantitative analytical skills including spreadsheet based analysis
• Clear and concise communication skills (both written and verbal) with attention to detail
• Commercial mindset
• Basic understanding of financial statements, financial analysis and accounting

Desirable

• Evidence of curiosity, autonomy and proactivity
• Familiarity with financial modelling

What we offer

We believe in supporting our people with meaningful, flexible benefits that prioritise well-being and work-life balance. Here’s a snapshot of what you can expect:

• Time to recharge:
  25 days annual leave (rising to 27 after 5 years), plus the option to buy more – and 30 days a year to work from anywhere in the world.
• Health & wellbeing:
  Private Medical Insurance from your first month, wellbeing support through specialist apps and EAP, plus Income Protection and Life Assurance.
• Family-first policies:
  22 weeks paid maternity/primary carer leave and 6 weeks paid paternity leave
• Financial support:
  Pension with employer matching up to 7%, share schemes (Sharesave & BAYE), and interest-free loans for train tickets.
• Commuter perks:
  Cycle to Work Scheme and free shuttle buses to/from Hatfield and Welwyn Garden City stations.
• Exclusive discounts:
  15% off at Ocado.com with free delivery (starting in your first month)