Job Title: Head of Business Planning & Strategy
(Strategy Initiatives / Enterprise Architecture)
Company Size: 200+ employees
Location: Abu Dhabi
Reporting To: CSO
Role Overview
The Head of Business Planning & Strategy will lead enterprise wide strategy initiatives and enterprise architecture to support the organization's transition into a banking environment. This role ensures that business strategy, operating models, technology architecture, and data capabilities are aligned and scalable. The position works closely with leadership to translate strategic intent into structured initiatives, roadmaps, and execution plans across the enterprise.
Key Responsibilities
Enterprise Strategy & Initiatives
- Define and manage enterprise level strategy initiatives aligned with the bank transformation roadmap.
- Translate corporate strategy into structured programs, initiatives, and execution roadmaps.
- Establish governance for strategic initiatives and track progress, dependencies, and outcomes.
- Support executive leadership with strategic analysis and recommendations.
Enterprise Architecture & Operating Model
- Own and evolve the enterprise architecture framework covering business, data, application, and technology layers.
- Ensure alignment between business strategy, operating model, and technology architecture.
- Partner with IT, Digital, and Operations teams to design scalable and compliant architectures.
- Support regulatory readiness through structured architecture, documentation, and controls.
Business Planning & Performance Management
- Lead enterprise business planning and strategic reviews.
- Define KPIs, scorecards, and dashboards to track strategic and operational performance.
- Monitor execution against strategic goals and recommend corrective actions.
- Support budgeting and investment prioritization for strategic initiatives.
Data, Analytics & Business Intelligence
- Oversee business analytics, data science, and decision support functions.
- Drive data driven decision making across leadership and business units.
- Ensure data governance, quality, and consistency in line with banking standards.
- Translate analytical insights into clear business actions.
R&D, Innovation & Product Alignment
- Align R&D and innovation initiatives with enterprise architecture and business strategy.
- Evaluate new products, platforms, and digital initiatives for feasibility, ROI, and risk.
- Support go to market planning while ensuring operational and regulatory readiness.
Program & Project Governance
- Provide oversight for strategic programs and transformation initiatives.
- Establish standards for project management, benefits tracking, and reporting.
- Manage cross functional dependencies and escalation of risks and issues.
Key Skills & Competencies
- Strong understanding of enterprise strategy and enterprise architecture
- Experience in financial services or banking transformation environments
- Ability to connect strategy, operating models, and technology execution
- Strong analytical, business analysis, and data interpretation skills
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication abilities
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Engineering, IT, Data Science, or related field
- MBA or Master's degree preferred
- 10+ years of experience in strategy, enterprise architecture, transformation, or consulting roles
- Experience within banking, fintech, NBFCs, or regulated financial institutions preferred
- Exposure to large scale transformation, digital platforms, or core banking initiatives is a strong advantage
