Role Overview for VP, Corporate Strategy with a Major Bank – Philadelphia, PA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, Tier-1 financial institution in their search for a visionary and results-driven Vice President of Corporate Strategy. Based in the vibrant financial hub of Philadelphia, PA, this is a career-defining opportunity to join the executive leadership team of a bank renowned for its stability, innovation, and commitment to customer excellence.
As the VP of Corporate Strategy, you will be the central architect of the bank’s long-term growth trajectory and competitive positioning. You will operate at the intersection of finance, technology, and market dynamics, reporting directly to the Head of Strategy and working in close collaboration with the C-suite and Board of Directors.
This is not merely a planning role; it is a position of significant influence and impact. You will be tasked with identifying and analyzing complex challenges and opportunities facing the banking industry—from digital transformation and the rise of FinTech to shifting regulatory landscapes and macroeconomic trends. Your insights and recommendations will directly shape pivotal decisions regarding market entry, product development, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), strategic partnerships, and capital allocation.
The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of the financial services ecosystem, possessing the analytical rigor to build data-driven business cases and the executive presence to champion them across the organization. You will lead a high-caliber team of strategy professionals, fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. If you are a forward-thinking leader passionate about shaping the future of banking and driving sustainable, profitable growth, we invite you to explore this exceptional opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Corporate Strategy with a Major Bank – Philadelphia, PA
The Vice President of Corporate Strategy will be responsible for a wide range of high-impact activities, including but not limited to:
Strategic Planning & Execution
Lead the end-to-end annual and long-range strategic planning process for the entire enterprise. This involves facilitating workshops with senior leaders, pressure-testing assumptions, and synthesizing disparate inputs into a cohesive and actionable strategic plan. You will be responsible for translating this high-level strategy into tangible initiatives with clear ownership, timelines, and key performance indicators (KPIs).
Market Intelligence & Competitive Analysis
Develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of the competitive landscape and market dynamics. Conduct in-depth analysis of industry trends, emerging technologies, customer behaviors, and competitor strategies to identify potential threats and opportunities. You will be the organization’s foremost expert on where the market is headed.
Mergers, Acquisitions, and Partnerships
Play a critical role in the corporate development lifecycle. Proactively identify, screen, and evaluate potential M&A targets, strategic alliances, and investment opportunities that align with the bank’s strategic objectives. This includes leading due diligence efforts, developing sophisticated financial models, and preparing investment theses for executive review.
New Growth Initiatives
Serve as an internal consultant and thought leader, championing new avenues for growth. Develop robust business cases for new products, services, or market entries, complete with financial projections, risk assessments, and implementation roadmaps. You will work cross-functionally with product, technology, and marketing teams to incubate and launch these new ventures.
Executive & Board-Level Communication
Prepare and deliver compelling, data-driven presentations and reports for the CEO, C-suite, and Board of Directors. You must be adept at articulating complex strategic concepts in a clear and concise manner, building consensus, and influencing key stakeholders at the highest levels of the organization.
Performance Monitoring & Reporting
Establish a framework for tracking the progress and performance of strategic initiatives against stated goals. Provide regular updates to the executive team, highlighting successes, identifying roadblocks, and recommending corrective actions to ensure the strategy remains on track.
Regulatory & Economic Oversight
Maintain a deep understanding of the evolving landscape of financial regulations, monetary policy, and macroeconomic factors. Analyze the potential impact of these external forces on the bank’s strategy and business model, providing proactive guidance to mitigate risks and capitalize on opportunities.
Team Leadership & Development
Recruit, manage, and mentor a team of strategy analysts and managers. Foster a collaborative and high-performance environment, providing guidance and professional development to build a best-in-class strategy function.
Requirements for the VP, Corporate Strategy with a Major Bank – Philadelphia, PA
The successful candidate will possess a unique blend of analytical prowess, strategic acumen, and leadership experience. We are seeking a professional with a proven track record of success in a similar capacity within a complex financial institution or top-tier consulting firm.
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related quantitative field is required. A Master of Business Administration (MBA) from a top-tier university is strongly preferred.
Professional Experience
A minimum of 10-15 years of progressive experience in a relevant field, such as corporate strategy within a large bank, management consulting with a dedicated financial services practice, or investment banking (M&A or FIG).
Industry Expertise
Deep and comprehensive knowledge of the banking and financial services industry is non-negotiable. This includes a firm grasp of retail banking, commercial banking, wealth management, capital markets, and the regulatory environment (e.g., Dodd-Frank, Basel III).
Analytical & Financial Skills
Exceptional quantitative and qualitative analytical skills. Must possess expert-level proficiency in financial modeling, valuation (DCF, comparable company analysis, etc.), market sizing, and statistical analysis. Meticulous attention to detail is paramount.
Strategic Thinking
A demonstrated ability to think critically and strategically, connecting disparate pieces of information to see the bigger picture. Must be able to move seamlessly between high-level strategic thinking and detailed, tactical execution planning.
Communication & Influence
World-class written and verbal communication skills. The candidate must have proven experience presenting to and influencing senior executives and board members. The ability to build relationships and drive consensus across a matrixed organization is critical.
Leadership Qualities
Proven experience leading and developing teams. A natural leader who can inspire and motivate others, set a clear vision, and hold the team accountable for results.
Technical Proficiency
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly PowerPoint for creating executive-level presentations and Excel for complex financial modeling. Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau) and market intelligence platforms (e.g., Bloomberg, Capital IQ) is a plus.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top talent by offering a highly competitive compensation and benefits package, reflecting the seniority and impact of this role. This includes:
Competitive Compensation
An attractive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus and a long-term incentive plan (e.g., restricted stock units or stock options).
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
A full suite of benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents, with low premiums and deductibles. The package also includes robust wellness programs, mental health support, and gym membership reimbursements.
Retirement Planning
A generous 401(k) retirement plan with a substantial company match to help you secure your financial future.
Work-Life Balance
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation days, sick leave, and personal days, in addition to company-paid holidays.
Family Support
Comprehensive parental leave policies for all new parents, as well as access to family-support resources.
Professional Development
A strong commitment to your growth, with a budget for professional development, industry conferences, and opportunities for continued education and tuition reimbursement.
Employee Perks
Access to exclusive employee banking products, preferential rates on loans and mortgages, and various corporate discount programs.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for exceptional candidates moving to the Philadelphia area.
How to Apply
This is a retained search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a qualified and ambitious strategy leader ready to make a significant impact at a leading financial institution, we encourage you to submit your application. To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience. Qualified candidates can apply through our Financial Services executive search team. We look forward to reviewing your credentials and discussing how your expertise can help drive the future success of our client.
