Executive Analyst at NMG Benefits

Company Overview

The NMG Group is a global advisory and intermediary firm focused exclusively on the financial services sector. Established in 1992, NMG has enjoyed rapid expansion internationally and now has over 800 employees in 18 cities, covering all continents. NMG is made up of three broad business groups:

• NMG Consulting, a specialist consulting business focused on the insurance and investment industries
• NMG Benefits, an employee benefit consulting and administration business in South Africa
• NMG Capital, a private equity business investing in financial services entities
• NMG Botswana, an employee administration business

Clients include multinational insurance and wealth management companies, as well as employers whose staff participate in Retirement Fund and other employee benefit programmes.

NMG Benefits is the trusted partner of employers, medical schemes, pension funds, employees and retirees. We provide clients with unbiased and professional advice on the provision and management of employee medical, life and disability insurance, and retirement solutions.

NMG provides advice to many blue-chip corporations with a team in excess of 400 staff looking after the employee benefit requirements of more than 200,000 of our clients’ staff members and their families.

Role Overview

This role will provide executive-level support to the CEO of NMG Benefits. The successful candidate will manage the flow and exchange of information, streamline interactions with key stakeholders (including clients and senior executives) and facilitate initiatives on behalf of the CEO, requiring the use of considerable judgement and independent action. 

Responsibilities will include planning key operational activities including preparation for key meetings, agenda development, and providing timely advice or key updates on critical projects or issues requiring the CEO’s attention. Other key accountabilities will include managing, researching, facilitating, analyzing and implementing projects and issues as required, supporting client-facing activities and ensuring that communication with key stakeholders is undertaken effectively and in a timely manner.

This role is expected to provide significant assistance to the CEO in working closely with business unit managers and functional heads to assist in the achievement of strategic and commercial objectives and growth targets.

The incumbent will be based in Johannesburg for the duration of the secondment, although travel to other NMG offices will be required.  

Duties and Responsibilities

Executive Support

• Develop an in-depth understanding of the business environment, internal organisation and ways of working
• Establish strong rapport with key stakeholders within the organization
• Act as the first point of contact for all internal and external stakeholders on behalf of the CEO, as appropriate and communicate directly on all matters related to the CEO’s initiatives
• Research, prioritize and follow up on incoming issues and concerns addressed to the CEO, including those of a sensitive or confidential nature, and determine appropriate course of action, referral or response
• Act as a liaison for the CEO with all internal departments whilst developing and maintaining credibility, trust and support with all Senior Executive staff
• Monitor the issues taking place within NMG Benefits and updating the CEO as appropriate/required
• Assist the CEO in conducting regular business reviews in order to monitor and drive performance
• Assist the CEO in conducting annual business planning and strategy exercises
• Support planning and preparation for the monthly Exco meeting, quarterly Board meeting, offsites and other senior staff meetings as required. Create agendas and supporting materials as required
• Maintain a close working relationship with the PA for the CEO to remain up to date with current obligations in addition to upcoming business priorities and assist with scheduling conflicts etc
• Other functions, projects and responsibilities as assigned by the CEO

Strategic Initiatives / Project management

• Develop a working knowledge of the growth targets of the company and various strategies, programs, management initiatives and priorities to meet these goals
• Monitor and report progress on these programs, initiatives etc.; highlight risks, delays, and opportunities to CEO
• Provide support on client activity to the CEO as required
• Lead ad-hoc projects as required by the CEO to deal with business issues as they arise; this will require self-initiated research and analysis to investigate options

Communications

• Plan and prepare timely business-wide communications from the CEO (strategy and financial performance updates etc.)
• Draft strategic communications and prepare external correspondence as required
• Coordinate PR and external activities for the CEO in liaison with the Marketing department.

Qualification

• Tertiary qualification in a technical discipline
• Current employee of the NMG Benefits

Attributes & Skills: 

• Excellent written English
• Ability to exercise good judgement in a variety of situations
• Ability to engage stakeholders both throughout the organization and externally
• Exceptional analytical abilities
• Ability to multitask and prioritize a number of projects
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial and often unpredictable environment
• Ability to apply discretion and deal with highly confidential matters
• Proven ability to exercise good judgement and discretion on a consistent basis
• Exceptional project management skills with the ability to manage a project from inception to completion
• Takes initiative to thoroughly monitor, coordinate, follow up and ensure priorities and projects are managed through to completion
• Excellent communication (Written and Verbal)
• Interpersonal skills
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
• Highly professional and diplomatic approach
• Approachable, dynamic and enthusiastic

Core Competencies

• Influencing Others
• Creating Networks
• Customer Engagement
• Structured & Analytical