Background:
40M, 8months in, Director, group strategy and ops, previously a top3 strategy consulting manager (ex MBB)
Currently on £200K + 20-30% bonus
9-8pm most days
I am keeping outgoing reasonable and avoid lifestyle inflation - should be able to save £4-5K a month + bonus
The problem:
On paper, this role looks great. In reality, it’s increasingly feeling like a well-paid PMO. Although I was hired in as a strategy director, the CEO said multiple times he wanted this to be a delivery office.
- Little to no real ownership or decision-making authority
- Strategy is often top-down, reactive whims and governance is weak
- A lot of coordination, firefighting, and reporting / slide production
- Limited ability to build “real” operating or P&L credentials
My question:
- I was expecting more active in the strategic discussion and have prioritisation inputs. This should be a role where I can develop into COO or CEO someday: Do you think this role would help me or a well paid time waster?
- if it is a time waster, how should I manage this without hurting my CV? How long should I stay? Would staying two years hurt my CV more than the short term £ benefits?
- how should I market this role in interviews?
Thank you!