Head of Partnerships at MultiChoice

Key Performance Objectives/Tasks:

Strategy Formulation & Execution;

• Develop and refine a  partnership strategy and framework for MCSA, based on insights from the strategy team.
• Oversee and lead the development of strategic partnership initiatives.
• Develop a measurement framework for tracking partnership success and KPIs.
• Track partnership performance and strategic execution against a balanced scorecard.
• Prepare partnership related internal and external presentations and documentations.
• Identify and prospect potential partners, evaluating their strategic fit and alignment with the company's goals and values.
• Negotiate and close partnership agreements that result in mutual benefits for all stakeholders involved.

Stakeholder Management;

• Identify new partnerships and corresponding capabilities and skills required.
• Lead due diligence on potential partnerships.
• Lead partnership formation and management.
• Work collaboratively with the entire Strategy function and senior leadership team.
• Collaborate with internal teams, including Sales, Marketing, Product, and Operations, to ensure seamless execution and integration of partnerships.
• Manage stakeholder expectations.

Budget Management;

• Set budget and commercial frameworks for strategic partnerships,  including the setting of goals and targets.
• Manage financials and associated controls in respect of these partnerships (effective cost control).
• Rigorously monitor partnership income and expenditure against approved budgets and put measures in place to address variances.
• Continuously identify areas for increased revenue, improved efficiency and reduced cost.

Partnership Execution;

• Manage the portfolio of partnership programmes and projects.
• Manage execution of the partnership roadmap through effective co-ordination with the relevant business and technical teams both inside and outside of MCSA.
• Own the partnership feature roadmap, demand management and prioritization. Ensure that prioritisation parameters are in alignment with, and balances, the overall business strategic objectives.
• Collaborate and align with Marketing and Communications teams on marketing of partnerships prior to deployment (go to market strategies).

Market intelligence & Commercial analysis;

• Guide and oversee analysis and forecasting of market, competitor, economic and environmental trends
• Guide and oversee commercial analysis, including modelling, forecasting and analysis of strategic partnership initiatives
• Use these analyses to support strategic direction and development of partnership initiatives
• Stay up-to-date with industry best practices and emerging trends in commercial partnerships, seeking continuous improvement and innovation.

People Management;

• Oversee the activities of the team to ensure effective delivery of business outcomes.
• Develop a high performing team by embedding formal performance management process using I-perform system and informal coaching. Encourage frequent knowledge sharing between team members.
• Determine and analyse development needs for the team and ensure that identified training requirements are budgeted for and executed.
• Interview and recruit new members of the team, including determining appropriate compensation levels with input from Human Capital.
• Create effective workforce and recruitment demand plans to ensure that current and future business requirements can be met.
• When required, initiate disciplinary processes for team members calling on support from Human Capital when required.
• Resolve grievances raised by team members and escalate only if required.
• Address poor performance of any team member through the formal Performance improvement programme and ensure that continued poor performance is appropriately dealt with.
• Motivate team members and ensure that their efforts are recognised.

Qualifications Essential:

• Post Grad Qualification or Equivalent NQF Level 8 Qualifications in Business Management or similar
• Qualification Preferred:
• MBA advantageous

Experience

• A minimum of 10 years’ experience in consulting or product development
• Experience leading a team
• Experience in the Telecommunications, financial services and payments industries preferred
• Knowledge of Media & Entertainment, internet, and online video market and tech preferred
• Proven track record of successfully driving revenue growth through strategic partnerships.
• Strong business development and negotiation skills, with the ability to close complex deals.
• Analytical mindset, with the ability to leverage data and insights to drive decision-making and optimize partnership performance.

Technical Competencies:  

• Commercial Acumen
• Negotiations Skills
• Customer Relationship Management
• Developing Value Proposition
• Product/Brand Knowledge
• Financial Management
• Risk Management
• Governance and Compliance
• Contract Management
• Data Analysis
• Sales and Marketing Management
• Project Management