Location:
127 Public Square, Cleveland Ohio
Location: Cleveland, OH or Buffalo NY; Cleveland OH, preferred.
Hybrid Requirement (if within specific cities): Selected candidate resides in Key Bank footprint are expected to work on-site 3 days per week at the nearest KeyBank office (non-branch location).
Remote Option: If the selected candidate lives outside of KeyBank's geographic footprint, the position will be considered fully remote.
Open to those residing in the United States.
Job Summary
As a leader in the Commercial Bank Strategy & Ventures Team, the Strategic Planning Leader will partner closely with the Head of Strategy, Commercial Bank leadership, and external stakeholders to define, prioritize, and execute strategic business initiatives.
This role requires developing a deep understanding of market dynamics, customer needs, product capabilities, and the competitive landscape to support sustained business growth. The leader will own a portfolio of high-priority, interrelated initiatives and establish operating rhythms to deliver against shared business objectives.
The Strategic Planning Leader will drive clarity, alignment, and execution across complex, fast-moving priorities by leveraging strong business acumen, critical thinking, and relationship management skills. This role is instrumental in enabling the Commercial Bank to achieve its growth ambitions over the next strategic planning horizon.
Essential Functions
Lead multiple strategic initiatives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, including engagement with third-party partners
Collaborate across internal and external stakeholders to drive alignment and achieve business outcomes
Own, grow, and optimize partnerships across fintechs, venture capital firms, and strategic industry groups
Lead national and market-level Commercial Bank strategic planning in partnership with Strategy and Performance Management teams
Serve as the central point of coordination for Commercial Bank Healthcare strategy, partnering across sales, product, operations, and cross-line-of-business teams
Translate strategic priorities into actionable plans and ensure effective execution across stakeholders
Establish governance, operating rhythms, and performance tracking mechanisms to support execution
Define success metrics and key performance indicators; monitor progress and adjust strategies as needed
Influence senior leadership, including the Commercial Bank Leadership Team (CBLT), to align priorities and accelerate decision-making
Identify and remove barriers to execution to ensure consistent delivery of strategic objectives
Education
Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Strategy, or a related field required
MBA or other advanced degree preferred
Work Experience
8+ years of experience in strategy planning, management consulting, program management, corporate development or relevant industry roles
5 years in commercial banking or related industry experience
Demonstrated success leading complex, cross-functional strategic initiatives
Experience within financial services, fintech, venture capital, or partnership-driven environments
Proven ability to work with and influence senior executives and leadership teams
Experience managing external partners, vendors, or consulting resources preferred
Certifications & Licenses
Relevant professional certifications (e.g., CFA, PMP, or similar) are a plus
Skills
Strategic Thinking: Ability to translate complex business challenges into clear, actionable strategies
Initiative Leadership: Proven ability to lead multiple, high-priority initiatives simultaneously
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ability to drive alignment across diverse teams (sales, product, operations, strategy)
Stakeholder Engagement : Proven ability to influence and align senior leaders while building strong relationships across internal teams and external partners
Business Acumen: Deep understanding of commercial banking, market dynamics, and growth drivers
Data-Driven Performance Management: Leverages analytical thinking to guide decision-making, define KPIs, track progress, and drive accountability for results
Program Management : Expertise in structuring work, managing dependencies, and driving execution
Change Leadership: Ability to lead through ambiguity and drive organizational alignment during change
Partnership Development: Experience building and managing fintech, VC, and strategic partnerships
Communication: Clear, concise, and effective communication with executive-level presentation skills
Operational Excellence: Ability to establish governance, processes, and operating rhythms
Adaptability: Comfortable navigating evolving priorities and ambiguous business conditions
Physical Demands
Primarily a sedentary role requiring extended periods of sitting and computer use
Ability to participate in meetings, presentations, and collaborative sessions (virtual and in-person)
Minimal physical exertion required
Travel / Driving Requirements
Occasional travel may be required to support stakeholder engagement, strategic planning sessions, and partnership activities
Travel expectations may vary based on business needs
This position is NOT eligible for employment visa (e.g., H-1B) sponsorship. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United Stated on a full-time basis.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
This position is eligible to earn a base salary in the range of $116,000.00 - $216,000.00 annually. Placement within the pay range may differ based upon various factors, including but not limited to skills, experience and geographic location. Compensation for this role also includes eligibility for incentive compensation which may include production, commission, and/or discretionary incentives.
Please click here (https://www.key.com/about/careers/working-with-us/benefits.html) for a list of benefits for which this position is eligible.
Key has implemented an approach to employee workspaces which prioritizes in-office presence, while providing flexible options in circumstances where roles can be performed effectively in a mobile environment.
Job Posting Expiration Date: 06/23/2026
KeyCorp is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to sustaining an inclusive culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, pregnancy, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Qualified individuals with disabilities or disabled veterans who are unable or limited in their ability to apply on this site may request reasonable accommodations by emailing HR_Compliance@keybank.com.
LI-Remote
KeyBank is an organization collectively committed to helping you unlock your potential and discover what truly drives you. Working here means sharing our purpose to help our clients, colleagues, and communities thrive. You'll find genuinely supportive teammates, a flexible, inclusive work environment, challenging projects, accessible leaders, and opportunities to grow in your position and your career. For 200 years, Key has opened doors in our communities. Let us open one for you.
