Graduate - Strategy Planning Executive/Analyst

As the UK’s largest independent travel agency, Hays Travel specialises in providing good value, quality holidays alongside excellent customer service. We work with all leading suppliers and can package holidays that include hotels, flights, cruises, tours, attraction tickets, and more. We have over 470 Branches throughout the UK and our Head Office based in Sunderland, is home to tour operator teams, finance, marketing, people/HR, IT, plus many more. We have been operating for over 43 years, and continue to grow each year. 

Role Summary

The Strategy Planning Assistant/Executive will play a critical role in help shaping Hays Travel’s long-term direction and ensuring its success. Collaborating with senior management to develop strategic plans, analyse business proposals, and align department goals with the overall strategy. If you’re passionate about strategic thinking, data analysis, and driving growth, this role might be a perfect fit for you!
 

Main Responsibilities

Assisting the Strategy Planning Manager and Director of Strategy to ensure priorities and business objectives are achieved. Shaping Business Strategy:

•       Understand and contribute to the company’s overall strategy and mission.

•       Collaborate with senior executives to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT analysis).

•       Develop strategic plans that guide the organisation toward achieving its goals.

•       Analysing Business Proposals:

•       Research and analyse industry trends, competition, and market changes.

•       Recommend changes based on findings to enhance the company’s competitive edge.

•       Construct forecasts and analytical models to inform decision-making.

•       Market Research Experience:
•       Understanding of industry trends and competitive landscapes ideally within the travel industry or related industries.

Qualifications

●        Graduate or master’s degree in business administration.

Knowledge/ skills required.

To excel in this role, you’ll need:

•           Strategic Thinking: Ability to think critically and shape long-term business strategies.

•           Analytical Skills: Proficiency in data analysis, forecasting, and modeling.

•           Market Research Experience: Understanding of industry trends and competitive landscapes.

• Proficiency in data analysis, reporting, and presentation tools.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills.

• Familiarity with travel industry and current industry trends.

Our values 

Our SMILE values are embedded into our company and ensure our teams work strongly together. You and all of our colleagues will ensure that the Hays Travel values are demonstrated at all times. 

• Supportive 
• Motivational 
• Innovative 
• Loyal 
• Excellent 

What it’s like to work for us? 

Whichever location or department you work in, our people are always at the heart of everything we do. We offer a range of training programmes to help you progress personally and professionally, as we know the benefits of promoting and rewarding our hardworking colleagues are extremely important. 

Of course, it's not all about work. We’re very sociable and there are always lots of team nights-out and company parties. Plus, there are opportunities to travel abroad on educational trips, and you can also take advantage of our colleague discount when booking your own holidays. 

Hays Travel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all colleagues. As an accredited employer provider of apprenticeships, we undertake basic checks through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to ensure the safety of our apprentices for relevant roles.