Strategic Planning Associate

An exciting job opportunity has arisen at Leeds United Football Club for anyone with a passion in strategic and financial analysis.

Elland Road has been the home of Leeds United since 1919 and remains one of English football's great theatres and is 'the only place for us' ever since. With a capacity of 37,890, it is one of England's largest football grounds.

Everyone at Leeds United is dedicated to working as one team and to be the best we can be.

Come be part of our fabulous team as we March on Together.

The Strategy Department at Leeds United is working to help tackle some of our most important long-term projects on both the footballing and business side of the club.  We are looking for individuals who combine intellectual curiosity, strategic and financial analysis capability, and effective communication to help us plan and execute key initiatives.

Main Responsibilities:

• Create and manage financial forecasting models for use in football strategic planning (e.g. squad planning and financial / Profit-and-Sustainability forecasting); general business strategic planning; and perhaps most of all the financing, design, and pricing of a stadium expansion effort.
• Provide ad-hoc analyses as needed on additional topics as needed.

Required Relevant Experiences:

• At least 3+ years and preferably 5+ years of professional experience in financial planning and/or strategic analysis, including presenting key findings to management stakeholders.  

• The ability to build, manage, and communicate the contents of financial models is absolutely required.

Technical Skills & Experience we are looking for

• Must thrive on digging into problems in detail to solve key questions and preparing materials that clearly and efficiently convey your findings. The ideal candidate will be both analytically excellent and a highly effective communicator and is energized by doing both.
• Strong interpersonal skills are required.  Low-ego listener / collaborator / team player.
• Experience in fields such as banking, financial planning & analysis, investment management, or strategy consulting is preferred but not required. 
• Candidates should expect to engage in a case study as part of the interview process, including a financial analysis, written argument/findings, and verbal presentation/discussion.  Using prior work (can be redacted or modified as needed) will be acceptable, as would preparing new materials.
• Must be able to work in a high pressured environment with a cool head and strong team work.
• Ability to work locally to Leeds United (at Elland Road, and occasionally at Thorp Arch Training Ground) is preferred, and being able to work onsite at least part time is required.

Behavioural attributes we are looking for:

• Inspires others and is a positive role model
• Is personable and able to connect and build relationships with others easily
• Demands high standards and has an attention to detail
• Shares the vision and values of the Club and is motivated to achieve its objectives
• Able to work in a high-profile environment with regular media coverage and public interest
• Is responsible and acts in the best interests of the Club
• Is open minded, innovative and willing to explore new ideas/concepts
• Enjoys facing challenges and have the resilience and resourcefulness to see complex tasks through
• Is proactive and able to identify and mitigate risks
• Is a collaborator and relishes the opportunity to work alongside others to overcome challenges and achieve goals
• Willing to share their knowledge experience as part of a community of practice
• Able to work with players, staff and other stakeholders of varying ages, experience, backgrounds and cultures
• Committed to personal development and continuous improvement
• Possesses a strong work ethic and are motivated to be the best they can be
• Able to promote the positive image of the Club
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Reliable, punctual & honest
• Excellent communication skills
• Positivity and objectiveness
• Ability to use initiative and be creative
• Ability to prioritise and manage time effectively
• Confident and assertive
• Ambition, passion and willingness to learn

EQUALITY & DIVERSITY:

As we are a diverse organisation that respects differences in race, ethnicity, religion or belief(s), gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age or with regards to pregnancy or maternity, we welcome all applications. We want everyone to feel valued and included in the football community and to achieve their full potential. Leeds United is opposed to any form of discrimination and commits itself to the redress of any inequalities by taking positive action where appropriate.

SAFEGUARDING & RECRUITMENT:

Leeds United FC are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk, and expect all staff to share this commitment. All staff, whatever their role will receive safeguarding training and will be expected to champion the culture of 'safeguarding is everybody's responsibility'.