Manager | Retail Operations | Operations Analytics at Allan Gray Proprietary Limited

Job Description

The Ops Analytics team have different streams that drive initiatives to support the retail business' strategic goals of continuous enhancement of our systems, processes, and people capacity, while appropriately managing for product compliance and operational risk. 

The team drives continuous enhancements to ensure that processes built into our core systems run optimally, as well as leverage automation tools, such as robotics and OCR, that can complement and integrate with processes in our core systems for game-changing efficiency gains. The team enables data-driven decision making, runs with complex regulatory impact projects in the organisation and is an aspirational team to be part of that attracts top talent across the organisation. The team has a range of skillsets including an automation product owner with developers, business analysts and testers focused on automation. In addition to this, there are a group of business analysts which focus on the remaining streams.

We are looking for someone who is passionate about operational excellence and driving change in Retail Operations in the Allan Gray business.

The ideal candidate for this position will have experience managing multiple complex projects, as well as leading and developing people - specifically business analysts.

The successful candidate will report to the Head of Retail Operations and be responsible for providing direction to the team while fostering a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence. The role will also include responsibility for the Operations Analytics roadmap, backlog and working with our stakeholders to ensure that the projects the team takes on consist of elements that add value to our clients and the business. These projects will be strategic in nature spanning across the platform and its various technologies aimed improving efficiency and service for the Retail business.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct line management and mentorship to a team of analysts.
• Assist in prioritising projects to meet the strategic objectives of continuous improvement and tactical business objectives.
• Prioritise / plan the associated work by assessing scope of projects as well as the business analyst capabilities within the team.
• Communicate with stakeholders on team progress and provide enough information to allow for informed business decisions.
• Critically evaluate information gathered from multiple stakeholders and resolve conflicts.
• Manage the Operations Analytics roadmap and communicate this roadmap to the team and business stakeholders.
• Engage with business stakeholders on their product vision, business / client needs and what system enhancements are required to support their needs.
• Challenge stakeholders on their assumptions of how they envision business and systems processes to work.
• Communicate with stakeholders on team progress and provide enough information to allow for informed business decisions.
• Assist in enforcement of project deadlines, and methodologies.
• Support and drive implementation of projects.
• Recruit, develop and retain quality staff.
• Participate in general management of the Retail Operations division.

Requirements

• High attention to detail with excellent problem-solving skills.
• Experience working with Allan Gray’s retail IT systems is advantageous.
• Experience working with business analysis frameworks and methodologies.
• Ability to multitask across different projects with experience in project management.
• Experience with stakeholder management and ability to communicate well at all levels throughout the organisation.
• Good conceptual thinking and critical analytical skills.
• Good verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Initiative, creative and thinks out of the box.
• Organised and ability to function well under pressure.
• Ability to work in a team with a positive, friendly, and respectful attitude.
• Ability to get things done, be accountable and self-manage.
• Flexible, energetic, trustworthy, self-disciplined.
• Industry experience is advantageous.
• Have an interest in operational excellence, digital transformation and be willing to learn new skills.

Education

• At least 2 years of people management experience (with direct reports)
• At least 5 years of business analyst or project management experience
• Reputation of consistent strong performance
• Relevant Degree