Strategy Manager

Busey Bank•Leawood, KS

22d

About The Position

The Strategy Manager serves as a strategic partner to the Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) and Chief Operating Officer (COO), supporting the development, coordination, communication, measurement, and execution of enterprise strategic priorities. This hands-on individual contributor translates strategic objectives into actionable plans, analysis, executive-ready materials, and measurable results. The role coordinates annual strategic planning, quarterly performance reviews, selected strategic initiatives, and ad hoc decision support. It requires business acumen, analytical rigor, financial modeling, strong writing and presentation skills, organizational discipline, and the ability to influence stakeholders without direct authority. The Strategy Manager coordinates strategic planning across business lines and support functions, maintains an inventory of enterprise priorities and initiatives, prepares executive materials, tracks progress and risks, and researches relevant market and industry developments. The role owns coordination and preparation of Quarterly Performance Reviews, developing reporting materials and dashboards, validating information with partner teams, preparing meeting materials, documenting decisions and actions, and improving the review process. The position also develops financial models, business cases, scenario analyses, and data-driven assessments; analyzes business and initiative performance; supports incentive-plan design and execution; evaluates growth opportunities and operating-model alternatives; and turns complex information into concise recommendations. The Strategy Manager acts as a trusted extension of the CSO and COO, building cross-functional relationships and handling confidential matters with discretion.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field.
At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in corporate strategy, strategic finance, financial planning and analysis, management consulting, investment banking, corporate development, banking, business analytics, project or program management, or a comparable role.
Experience leading cross-functional work and preparing materials for senior executives.
Knowledge of corporate strategy, strategic planning, initiative management, and performance management.
Knowledge of financial statements, budgeting, forecasting, financial modeling, business-case development, and value-driver analysis.
Knowledge of market research, competitor analysis, operating models, project governance, and change management.
Knowledge of banking or financial services economics, products, regulatory environment, and competitive dynamics, or ability to learn a complex regulated industry quickly.
Knowledge of executive- and Board-level communication practices.
Ability to use advanced Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint to produce executive-ready analyses and presentations.
Ability to move between strategic thinking and detailed, hands-on execution.
Ability to structure ambiguous questions, identify critical facts, test assumptions, and develop practical recommendations.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and stakeholders with limited supervision.
Ability to influence senior leaders and cross-functional partners without direct authority.
Ability to communicate complex information clearly and concisely in writing, presentations, and discussions.
Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and composure when handling confidential or sensitive matters.
Strong attention to detail while maintaining an enterprise perspective.

Nice To Haves

7–10 years of progressively responsible relevant experience.
Experience with Power BI, Tableau, or other data visualization tools.
Financial services or banking experience.
Prior direct people management is not required; demonstrated leadership through dotted-line relationships and project teams is preferred.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and support annual and multi-year strategic planning across business lines and support functions, including calendars, templates, inputs, working sessions, and final materials.
Maintain the enterprise inventory of strategic priorities, initiatives, milestones, measures, risks, owners, and dependencies.
Partner with business leaders to translate enterprise objectives into actionable plans and measurable goals.
Develop strategic planning materials, executive presentations, written narratives, and progress updates in coordination with senior leaders.
Track progress against strategic objectives, identify execution risks, and elevate issues requiring leadership attention.
Research market trends, competitors, industry developments, and emerging opportunities relevant to Busey and banking.
Coordinate cross-functional working groups and dotted-line project teams while preserving clear ownership by business and functional leaders.
Own the hands-on coordination and preparation of Quarterly Performance Reviews.
Build and refine executive reporting materials, dashboards, and scorecards connecting strategic objectives to progress, business issues, and risks.
Partner with Finance, the Enterprise Project Management Office, Corporate Insights, and business leaders to validate data and produce accurate, concise, decision-useful materials.
Prepare agendas, briefing materials, discussion questions, meeting notes, and executive summaries.
Document decisions, commitments, and action items, and maintain follow-up between review cycles.
Continuously improve Quarterly Performance Review content and processes so leadership time focuses on decisions, actions, and enterprise implications.
Follow up with accountable leaders, surface interdependencies, and help remove barriers to execution.
Develop financial models, business cases, scenario analyses, and data-driven assessments to support strategic decisions.
Analyze profitability, growth, productivity, and performance across business lines, regions, markets, and strategic initiatives.
Participate in the design and lead execution of key business-line incentive plans for the Regional Operating Model, Wealth Management, Busey Payments, and Consumer Banking.
Structure ambiguous business questions, gather relevant facts, test assumptions, and develop practical recommendations.
Evaluate organic growth opportunities, strategic partnerships, new capabilities, and operating-model alternatives as assigned.
Benchmark business and enterprise performance against peers and relevant market indicators.
Translate complex quantitative and qualitative information into concise executive-level insights and recommendations.
Perform ad hoc analyses and special projects requested by the CSO, COO, or CEO.
Act as a hands-on extension of the CSO and COO on strategic planning, analysis, and execution matters.
Build productive dotted-line relationships across business lines and functions, influencing through credibility, analysis, responsiveness, and follow-through.
Handle confidential and time-sensitive matters with sound judgment and discretion.

Benefits

401(k) match
Profit sharing
Employee stock purchase plan
Paid time off
Medical, dental, and vision coverage
Company-paid life insurance and long-term disability
Supplemental voluntary life insurance
Short-term and long-term disability
Wellness incentives
Employee assistance program
Pre-tax health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts for eligible associates
The role may be eligible for bonuses or incentives based on company and individual performance.