Chief Strategy & Partnerships Officer

Chief Strategy & Partnerships Officer

Nest Invest

London (Hybrid Working)

Nest Invest stands at a pivotal moment in its evolution. With more than 14 million members and c.£68bn of assets, taking in £600m of pension contributions per month, it is building the capabilities, influence and partnerships required to become one of the world's leading asset owners. As the organisation expands its reach and ambition, the opportunity to shape its future direction has never been greater.

The Chief Strategy & Partnerships Officer will play a central role in defining and delivering Nest Invest's long-term vision, driving the development of business strategy for one of the UK's most important institutional investors and helping determine how it evolves, where it invests, and how it leverages its scale to create better outcomes for millions of members.

Through the development of high-value partnerships with UK and international asset managers, investment firms, policymakers, technology providers and other key stakeholders, the Chief Strategy & Partnerships Officer will strengthen Nest Invest's influence across the global asset owner landscape and help shape the future direction of the industry.

The Role

Reporting to the CEO and as a member of the Executive Committee, the Chief Strategy & Partnerships Officer will be responsible for shaping and driving Nest Invest's strategic agenda. The role will lead the development of long-term business strategy, identify opportunities to strengthen organisational capability and ensure the organisation remains well-positioned to respond to an evolving investment and regulatory landscape.

A critical part of the remit will be the development and stewardship of partnerships that enhance Nest Invest's investment capabilities, broaden access to opportunities and accelerate the achievement of its long-term objectives. The postholder will engage extensively with senior stakeholders across the investment industry, government, regulators and the wider pensions ecosystem, acting as a key ambassador for the organisation.

Working closely with the CEO, Executive Committee and Board, the Chief Strategy & Partnerships Officer will bring external insight, strategic challenge and fresh thinking to support decision-making and future growth. They will help shape the evolution of Nest Invest as it continues its journey towards becoming a globally significant asset owner and leader in responsible, long-term investing.

The Person

We are seeking an exceptional strategic leader with the credibility, intellectual curiosity and external perspective to help shape the future of Nest Invest. The successful candidate will combine strategic excellence with strong commercial judgement and an ability to build influential relationships across complex stakeholder environments.

To ensure success, we are looking for:

• A proven track record of developing and delivering business strategy within a complex asset management, investment or pensions environment.
• Experience building and leveraging high-value partnerships that have delivered measurable organisational impact and growth.
• Strong understanding of the investment industry and the trends shaping institutional investors, asset managers and retirement outcomes.
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills, with the credibility to influence Boards, Executive Committees, regulators, policymakers and external partners.
• Strategic, intellectually curious and forward-thinking, with the ability to translate external developments into practical business opportunities.
• A collaborative leadership style and the ability to work effectively across a broad range of disciplines and stakeholders.
• A passion to work within a purpose led organisation and for delivering meaningful outcomes for members, helping shape the future of long-term savings and investment.

The role is subject to the applicable requirements of the FCA Senior Managers and Certification Regime. The successful candidate must satisfy Nest Invest’s fit and proper assessment before appointment and at least annually thereafter. This includes assessment of qualifications, training, competence, honesty, integrity, reputation, financial soundness and criminal-record checks.

Organisational Overview

Nest is an award-winning workplace pension scheme, the largest in the country.

Set up by the government to give every worker in the UK somewhere to save, our first-class responsible investment practice and governance are the backbone of what we do, supported by all the functions you'd expect to find in a thriving business. We're committed to creating a workplace where you can be your authentic self and offer an inclusive and flexible working environment.

To apply or for an informal discussion, please contact Braidie Cole – Braidie.Cole@sandersonplc.com

Directorate/Department Overview

Nest Invest is responsible for investing members' contributions to grow their retirement pots over the long-term. The responsibilities of the team include:

• Asset allocation and portfolio risk management
• Manager selection and monitoring
• Responsible investment
• Investment communications
• Fund administration
• Investment technology and financial modelling
• Contributing to the development of the investment proposition

From December 2019, the Nest Investment team was seconded into Nest Invest Ltd (Nest Invest), the investment subsidiary of Nest Corporation.

Nest Invest is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). For the role holder, this means working in a regulated entity and being required to adhere to certain rules and behaviours included in the FCA's Code of Conduct (COCON), specifically the individual Conduct Rules defined by the FCA.

Flexible and agile working

Everyone's personal situation is different. To make the most out of hybrid working, we've introduced different ways of working, which include (subject to role requirements):

• Hybrid of office (Canary Wharf, London) and home working (there will be an expectation to attend the office once or twice a week, or more, as required)
• Reduce or vary working hours
• Reduce or vary the days worked
• Work compressed hours
• Job share

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Everyone is welcome to apply for our roles and we particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnicity, LGBTQ+, and disabled candidates.

Everyone is welcome to apply for our roles, and we are determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment because of their age, belief, disability, gender identity, marital status, national origin, pregnancy or caring responsibilities, socio economic background, sex, sexual orientation, religion or race or any other legally protected status.

We also recognise the importance of diversity of thought and other forms of neurocognitive variation.

As a Level 2 Disability Confident organisation, we're part of the guaranteed interview scheme. This means should you meet the minimum criteria for this role, you will automatically be put forward for an interview.

Please note that this advert may close early if we receive a sufficient number of satisfactory applications.