Populous
Strategy Analyst
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About Populous
For more than 40 years Populous has had a singular focus – to draw people together around the things that they love, to be the leading design firm that specialises in places, spaces and events where people gather. Our success is defined by designing projects that are seen as the benchmark. We are committed to future innovation, anticipating and shaping the future of our industries.
Our team is made up of highly talented people with a range of skills, all integral to successfully bringing to life the places and experiences we design. As our company has grown, our expertise has expanded to encompass a wide variety of disciplines – including architecture, audiovisual consultancy, brand activation, design & build, events, food & beverage strategy, interior design, landscape architecture, urban design and wayfinding.
This varied expertise enables us to transform neighbourhoods, revitalise cities, build relationships and create buildings, places and spaces that draw people together, from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to The Co-op Live Arena [https://emperia.digital/getty/populous/index.html].
As we continue to bring to life award-winning venues and experiences our EMEA Practice is looking for a Strategy Analyst based in our Putney studio.
About the Role
We are looking for an analytically strong and financially literate Analyst to join our Strategy Team. You will combine market and demand analysis, commercial and operating strategy to help clients make well-founded decisions about the development of and investment in, stadiums, arenas and other sports and entertainment venues.
You will sit within a broad consulting remit spanning market and demand analysis, feasibility, business planning, commercial and operating strategy, and client advisory. The aim is to develop into a rounded venue consultant with particular strength in financial evaluation and business planning.
You will help develop venue projects from conception to completion, working directly with clients and multidisciplinary design teams to translate financial outputs into clear strategic, commercial and operational recommendations.
This opportunity is suited to someone with high-quality professional training in consulting, economics, accounting, financial advisory or another analytical environment. Direct venue experience is not required, but curiosity about how venues are conceived, funded, operated and commercialised is essential.
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Key responsibilities include:
- Lead and support feasibility studies, business cases, venue strategies and performance-improvement assignments, considering the market, strategic, commercial, operational and financial dimensions together
- Undertake market and demand analysis, including catchment assessment, event-market research, competitor and comparable-venue review, attendance analysis and utilisation forecasting
- Develop evidence-based assumptions and scenarios for event calendars, attendance, pricing, utilisation, revenue streams, operating costs, capital expenditure and funding structures
- Build, review and maintain robust financial models for new and existing venues, including profit and loss, cash flow, NPV, IRR, payback, scenario and sensitivity analysis
- Analyse financial statements, management accounts, budgets and business plans to understand performance, identify key drivers and test the credibility of forecasts and investment cases
- Assess and benchmark venue revenue streams, operating models, commercial arrangements, event calendars, staffing, costs and performance indicators to identify practical opportunities
- Gather insight through research, data analysis, stakeholder interviews, workshops and site visits, and translate the evidence into clear strategic, commercial, operational and financial recommendations
- Prepare high-quality client presentations, reports and models including taking ownership of defined workstreams
- Contribute to proposals, benchmarks and broader team/ company knowledge
Key requirements include:
- At least two years of relevant full-time professional experience gained after university, with evidence of structured training and progressively greater responsibility
- A strong academic record, typically including a degree in economics, business, finance, accounting or another quantitatively rigorous subject
- Proven analytical and quantitative problem-solving skills, with the ability to work confidently with incomplete information and reach a defensible conclusion
- Strong financial literacy, including the ability to interpret profit and loss accounts, balance sheets and cash flow statements and understand how they connect
- Hands-on experience building or materially contributing to financial models in Excel. Models should be logical, auditable, clearly structured and capable of supporting scenarios and sensitivities
- Excellent attention to detail, sound judgement and a commitment to producing accurate, well-evidenced work
- Clear written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to summarise complex findings, explain the implications, build narratives and contribute confidently to client and stakeholder discussions
- A collaborative, proactive and intellectually curious approach, with the confidence to ask good questions, challenge assumptions constructively and connect financial outputs to wider client issues
- A genuine interest in sports, live entertainment and the strategic, commercial, operational and financial dynamics of venues, with flexibility to work across projects, markets and geographies
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About the Studio
Our Putney studio, which is also our EMEA Headquarters, is located on the banks of the River Thames, a short walk from Putney High Street and with excellent travel connections. Our employees enjoy a comprehensive and competitive benefits programme, as well as the opportunity to attend events at several Populous-designed venues.
Why Join the Team?
- Work alongside passionate, creative individuals who lead their industry, transform ideas into reality and celebrate the beauty of human connection
- Enjoy various benefits, such as hybrid working and gym membership discounts
- Enjoy the opportunity to attend events at Populous-designed venues
- Connect and learn at regular social and knowledge sharing events including an annual conference and a weekend abroad Christmas party
How to Apply
Populous is an equal opportunity employer. If you’re ready to utilise your skills to support our growing practice, click “Apply” to begin the application process. In your application, please include your CV and a one-page letter of motivation (cover letter), salary expectations, and availability.
Want to learn more about us?
Find us here: Populous [https://populous.com/] Populous | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/Populous] Instagram: @WeArePopulous X: @Populous
We are committed to supporting candidates to perform at their best throughout the recruitment process, including making reasonable adjustments to our process. If you wish to discuss or request an adjustment, please contact our recruitment team at emea.recruitment@populous.com.
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