How to Become a Strategy Manager?

Are you a visionary individual that likes the idea of implementing exciting, fresh projects? If so, a career as a Strategy Manager could be for you. Highly qualified individuals who hold an international business degree or similar, Strategy Managers are tasked with planning and implementing projects for a company, usually working on cross-departmental matters. A senior role, they will work with the executive team and other senior managers to deliver the required results. 

The role can encompass anything from: collecting relevant data in order to generate a project idea; analysing existing data to come up with a solution to a particular problem; setting goals; devising a project which complements existing objectives; planning projects in detail, including costing’s; ensuring delivery of complex projects where multiple departments or external partners are involved; delivering corporate-wide projects (for example the introduction of a new grading system or different ways of working).

Could a full-time MBA degree kick-start your Strategy Manager career?

Because the role is undertaken at a senior level, most Strategy Managers will need to have completed an MBA qualification or MBA top-up. Besides, a good knowledge of the relevant industry will be required, as well as a proven track record of project planning and implementation success previously.

Strategy Managers also need exceptional interpersonal skills: frequently tasked with driving through ambitious projects which may meet resistance, they need excellent communication skills, problem-solving expertise and an ability to "think big picture".

What career pathways can lead to becoming a Strategy Manager?

There are many different ways to become a Strategy Manager, depending on which industry you intend to specialise in.

1.       Some people do a first degree, then study for an MBA before starting as a more junior strategy player, working their way up as they acquire more experience.

2.       Another pathway involves starting work for a company in your chosen field, then moving upwards or laterally to take on the Strategy Manager role. In some cases, individuals will carry on working full-time, completing an online MBA in UK business, giving them the skill set and competencies needed to apply for a range of Strategy Manager Roles subsequently.

What should I do if I wish to become a Strategy Manager?

It's probably best to take a look at some vacancies in your chosen field to see what type of skills and qualifications are required, then begin to work towards them!