Introduction:
The Strategy Manager will play a critical role in the development of the long-term strategic direction and ambitions for the organisation as well as ensuring the successful implementation of key strategic initiatives across a portfolio of clusters.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Support the Executive Head of Strategy in the development of long-term divisional strategic plans and objectives;
- Support cluster executives, develop cluster strategic initiatives to execute on the divisional strategic vision;
- Facilitate discussions with group executives to prioritise strategic initiatives for implementation;
- Working across a portfolio of clusters, ensure successful development and implementation of cluster strategic initiatives by:
- Overseeing the development of robust initiative roadmaps (incl. KPIs, risks, milestones and interdependencies) for certain high-importance strategic initiatives;
- Acting as a sounding-board for cluster executives and initiative owners for key decisions in road mapping and implementation;
- Share experience and best practices with cluster executives;
- Regularly monitor performance measures put in place to determine the effectiveness of certain implemented initiatives;
- Ensure all key strategic initiatives consistently reflect the Group’s goals and interests
- For certain important initiatives, Strategy Managers may be seconded to clusters to perform an activist project management role
- Communicate the status of strategic initiatives to Senior Managers
- Collaborate with Senior Managers on facilitation of quarterly business reviews on cluster strategic performance;
- Support annual strategic review process to evaluate overall performance against strategic targets and make adjustments as necessary;
- Provide mentorship and support to Associate Managers ensuring continuous individual development;
Qualifications & Experience:
- Post-graduate university degree with 7-10 years related experience or strategy consulting equivalent, preferably with a strategy consultancy
- MBA will be to your advantage
- CA (SA), Actuarial or Engineering qualifications may help you with analytical part of the role
- Strategy development experience, preferably working as a strategy manager in a fast paced and dynamic business environment
- Strong quantitative and analytical skills
- Understanding of, or experience in, financial services
- Project management experience
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to inspire trust and confidence in others
- Levelheadedness under pressure and uncertainty
- Integrity and confidence in your own ability and decision-making
- Willingness to ‘roll up sleeves’ and get things done
