Head of Strategy and Transformation

AI in this role

YouLend’s Operations function is undergoing significant transformation over the next 2-3 years, and we are looking for a Head of Strategy & Transformation to lead it. Reporting directly into the VP of Operations, this is a newly defined, senior role enabling the delivery of our target operating model.

The role has line management responsibility of a team of analysts, delivering on continuous improvement, business operations support and change readiness. You will own the strategic roadmap for how Operations evolves, govern the portfolio of cross-functional change initiatives, and act as the critical translation layer between frontline operational needs and our Technology/Engineering teams - converting real business problems into clearly defined requirements and a prioritised delivery backlog. You will work closely with the Director of Operations and their leadership to ensure change is prioritised, resourced, and delivered in a way that moves Operations toward its target state.

Key Responsibilities

Own and continuously evolve YouLend’s 2-3 year Operations Target Operating Model (TOM), including current-state diagnostics, target-state design and a sequenced delivery roadmap.
Own governance of the cross-functional change portfolio: prioritisation, business case standards, stage-gating and benefits tracking for all technology-dependent or cross-functional initiatives.
Partner closely with Engineering/Technology to translate frontline colleague pain points and business needs into clear, prioritised requirements and user stories, owning backlog prioritisation jointly with Technology product owners.
Lead the innovation pipeline for Operations, identifying and piloting automation and efficiency opportunities (e.g. chatbots, workflow automation) and graduating successful pilots into the wider change portfolio.
Own change adoption for major initiatives, including stakeholder communication, training and embedding, so delivered change lands effectively.
Use Operations performance data to assess whether the TOM is landing and articulate anticipated and realised benefits via coherent tracking systems.
Represent the VP of Operations in Technology roadmap and prioritisation conversations, ensuring the Operations change agenda is appropriately resourced.
Define and maintain a clear operating agreement (RACI) with Engineering covering backlog prioritisation versus delivery sequencing and capacity.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

Proven experience leading strategy, transformation or portfolio/programme management within an operations environment, ideally in financial services, fintech or a regulated, high-growth business.
Strong track record of translating business and operational requirements into technology-delivered outcomes, including direct experience working with Engineering/Product teams.
Strong leadership capability of bot direct teams and cross-functional leadership.
Strong analytical and problem-structuring skills, able to use operational and performance data to inform prioritisation.
Experience designing target operating models, spanning organisational, process and technology dimensions.
Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, credible operating at senior leadership level.
Comfortable with ambiguity, ready to roll sleeves up and get into the detail.
Experience leading and developing a small, high-performing team of analysts/business analysts.

How we rate this

Head of Strategy and Transformation at YouLend rates 22 out of 100 for how much of the daily work is AI. That makes it Little AI (AI Level 1 of 4). The level is about AI in the job, not seniority.

Classification

Little AI. AI is not part of the work.