Strategy Support Manager at Old Mutual

This role facilitates and supports strategic alignment and strategy execution monitoring processes across the cluster. Key deliverables are production of on-time quality documents that facilitate Exco-level decision-making on strategic priorities, planning and execution. Tracking of delivery progress of strategic initiatives and associated benefits tracking is also a key component of the role. Work with the cluster’s Project Management Office as well as functional areas/business units to produce a single view of the cluster’s progress on strategy execution. The role also contributes to the strategy consulting function in terms of strategy formulation for the cluster and functional areas.

Key results : Own and drive strategic alignment and strategy execution monitoring processes

• Develop associated performance measurement metrics and monitor these on an ongoing basis.
• Devise mechanisms for ease of reporting on strategy delivery and align with broader cluster reporting requirements. Collaborate with functional areas for delivery of strategies and associated implementation plans.
  
  Provide strategic support and guidance to internal stakeholders on strategic matters to ensure alignment.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with internal stakeholders.

Develop effective tools and mechanisms for communication of the cluster’s strategy as well as associated strategic goals and objectives to both internal and external stakeholders to ensure understanding of these by all relevant stakeholders. Engage with both stakeholders to identify and evaluate performance barriers and success in order to continuously improve the compilation of the strategic plans and associated execution.

• Supports the annual business and strategic planning process within the segment. Facilitates the alignment of strategic and business plan deliveries in Exco scorecards.
• Ensures the segment complies with OMSA timelines for business planning and executive reporting deliverables.
• Sources and/or conducts ad hoc research on behalf of the segment Exco.
• Provides ad hoc board reports as required.
• Builds and maintains relationships with the segment's senior management and other key stakeholders.
• Perform and/or manage other projects, tasks and assignments not stipulated on the Job description as and when required. Contribute to delivery of the cluster Strategy team’s deliverables as and when required.

Business & Technical Skills

• Ability to produce on-time high quality reports. Ability to identify appropriate research methodologies for addressing key issues in the MFC environment and support informed decision making. Knowledge and understanding of strategy management principles. Strong data analytics skills and the ability to analyse information, draw conclusions and make recommendations. Experience in financial services (banking and/or insurance) an advantage.

Strategy Definition Skills

• Market research & competitor analysis and knowledge
• Strategy development frameworks & methodologies
• Scenario planning & forecasting tools

Personal & leadership competencies

• Individual execution discipline (self-starter) & ownership of responsibilities
• Balances own priorities
• Appropriate assertiveness
• Internal customer service focus (willingness to support and help)
• Appropriate personal communication proactivity (according to environment)
• Meeting leadership: driving and ensuring successful meetings
• Aligned to team’s high performance culture
• Flexibility: Not getting stuck in the means versus the relevant outcomes
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Able to flex between detail and big picture

Formal Education :

• This position requires a minimum Bachelors Honours Degree/Post Graduate Diploma/ Bachelor Degree (NQF Level 7)
• An MBA would be advantageous. Knowledge of Agile methodology/business agility principles with practical application also an advantage.