About Company
Boots UK is a leading health and beauty retailer, part of the Walgreens Boots Alliance. With a rich heritage spanning over 170 years, we are dedicated to helping our customers look and feel good. Operating thousands of stores across the UK, we offer a vast range of products and services, from pharmacy and optical care to beauty and wellness. Our commitment extends beyond commercial success; we are deeply invested in community health, sustainable practices, and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. At Boots, innovation is at our core, constantly seeking new ways to enhance customer experience, optimize operations, and maintain our position as a trusted healthcare provider and retail leader. We pride ourselves on a culture of excellence, integrity, and continuous improvement, driven by the passion and expertise of our talented teams.
Job Description
We are seeking an exceptionally skilled and visionary Managing Director – Strategic Control to lead critical strategic initiatives within Boots UK. This pivotal role is designed for a dynamic leader who can drive long-term growth, optimize operational efficiency, and ensure robust strategic alignment across our diverse business units. The successful candidate will be instrumental in shaping the future direction of Boots UK, translating high-level corporate objectives into actionable strategies and overseeing their flawless execution. This involves a deep dive into market trends, competitive landscapes, and internal capabilities to identify opportunities for innovation and sustainable advantage. You will be responsible for establishing rigorous control mechanisms to monitor strategic performance, mitigating risks, and adapting our approach in a fast-evolving retail and healthcare environment. This role demands a leader with a proven track record in complex organizational environments, capable of inspiring large teams, influencing key stakeholders at all levels, and fostering a culture of accountability and strategic excellence. You will be at the forefront of driving significant change and ensuring our strategic decisions deliver measurable impact, maintaining Boots UK’s leading position in the health and beauty market. Your expertise will be vital in navigating regulatory challenges, technological advancements, and shifting consumer behaviors to keep Boots agile, competitive, and customer-centric. The role requires meticulous attention to detail while maintaining a broad, forward-looking perspective, ensuring that both short-term targets and long-term vision are achieved.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, implement, and oversee comprehensive strategic control frameworks to ensure alignment with corporate objectives and long-term vision.
- Lead strategic planning processes, including market analysis, competitive assessment, and identification of growth opportunities across all business units.
- Monitor and evaluate the performance of strategic initiatives, implementing corrective actions as necessary to achieve desired outcomes.
- Provide executive leadership and mentorship to cross-functional teams, fostering a culture of strategic thinking, innovation, and accountability.
- Manage significant change initiatives, ensuring smooth transitions and effective integration of new strategies and operational models.
- Identify and mitigate strategic risks, developing robust contingency plans to safeguard business continuity and performance.
- Cultivate strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including board members, senior management, partners, and regulatory bodies.
- Champion data-driven decision-making, leveraging analytics and insights to inform strategic choices and performance reporting.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant industry regulations, corporate governance standards, and ethical guidelines.
- Optimize resource allocation to support strategic priorities, ensuring efficient and effective utilization of capital and talent.
Required Skills
- Exceptional strategic planning and execution capabilities, with a proven track record in a senior leadership role.
- Deep understanding of the retail, healthcare, or pharmacy industries, including market dynamics and regulatory landscapes.
- Strong financial acumen and experience in managing complex budgets and driving profitability.
- Outstanding leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, capable of influencing and motivating diverse teams.
- Advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a capacity to translate complex data into actionable strategies.
- Demonstrated experience in change management and organizational transformation.
- Proficiency in risk management and compliance within a large corporate environment.
- Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic, and highly regulated sector.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) or equivalent advanced degree.
- Over 15 years of progressive experience in strategic leadership roles, preferably within a large multinational corporation.
- Experience with digital transformation initiatives and e-commerce strategies.
- Certification in project management (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2) or strategic planning methodologies.
- Proven ability to manage and lead large-scale projects with significant business impact.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive executive salary package with performance-based bonus scheme.
- Generous pension contribution and comprehensive private medical insurance.
- Company car or car allowance.
- Flexible working options (where business allows) and enhanced annual leave.
- Access to exclusive employee discounts on Boots products and services.
- Opportunities for continuous professional development and executive coaching.
- Life assurance and income protection benefits.
- Participation in share schemes and other long-term incentive plans.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their application by clicking the link below. Please ensure your CV and cover letter clearly outline your relevant experience and how you meet the requirements for this strategic leadership position. We look forward to reviewing your application and exploring how your expertise can contribute to the future success of Boots UK.