Business Manager at Safaricom Kenya

Detailed Description

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer the role holder will at as an advisor to the Chief on strategic initiatives, performance improvement of the organization, and assisting the Chief in achieving business results. Lead the elements of strategic planning & implementation within the company by providing solutions to business issues & challenges. Develops and maintains effective working relationships with Safaricom Board, and external partners. Provides ongoing support to the Chief on general business development issues, informing the Chief of system-wide matters needing attention to enable the Chief to focus on more strategic challenges and better optimize use of time. Researching, benchmarking, publishing accurate and factual information for decision making as well as providing thought leadership on changes taking place within the industry. Plays a key role in providing insights and analytics on Business performance. Supports the business in the strategic projects rollout and ensures tracking of progress, using information integrated from varied systems and sources. Responsible for leading & coordinating all administrative tasks within the Chief’s office and ensures the efficient running of the Chief's office. Communicates and coordinates internal and external information from the Chief’s office to the Business Unit directors and partners. Prepares agenda, researches and document information for meetings involving issues and projects deemed necessary by the Chief; proactively ensures successful execution of above.

Key accountabilities

Strategy Formulation & Alignment

• Lead the strategic mapping process for the division.
• Research on new methodology on Strategic Management to match to business needs.

Strategy Execution

• Facilitate the roll-out of the Business Development Strategy. Work with divisional leads to ensure implementation of best practice
• Champion the process improvement within the business to attain strategic objectives
• Partners in delivery of strategic programs across divisions for turnarounds by tracking & monitoring the roll out
• Monthly reporting on progress of implementation of agreed strategy action plans.

Projects Management

• Take leadership in strategic projects/initiatives in relating to overall company strategy.
• Oversee the formulation, implementation, and review of Safaricom Strategic projects.
• Oversee justifications and due diligence for all business acquisitions and key projects undertaken by the business.
• Lead the Integration of acquired businesses

Products Gate and Governance

• Drive the Governance and Gate process for all products and Services.

Business Intelligence & Thought Leadership

• Consistently monitoring operating environment activities of strategic interest and provide thought leadership on changes taking place in the industry.
• Research on new areas of business that Safaricom can gain strategic advantage over its competitors
• Seek intelligence on competitor strategy from industry experts, Telecom analysts and other media whilst maintaining highest ethical standards.

Costs Containment

• Review and advice the Chief on overall company cost management initiatives.
• Prepare the department’s budget and forecasts in line with the company policy and manage the department’s Expenditure.

People Management

• Oversee the team
• Work and manage in a matrix structure Coaching, mentoring, and delegating when need be.

Job Qualifications

• Must have technical / professional qualifications:
• A Bachelor’s degree
• Project Management certification Prince II or PMP and / or Six Sigma Yellow or Green Belt.
• Have 10 years work experience in the Telecom/ICT space of FMCG; 5 of which must be in senior Management
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in project management and information technology
• Minimum 5 years leadership experience in a cross-functional or matrix organization.
• Requires strong experience in business and solution development, project/program management, and project delivery in a technology space.
• Experience developing complex, multi-year project plans to meet business objectives within budget
• Very Strong understanding of the system development life cycle
• Very Strong understanding of the project management and testing life cycle
• Ability to interact effectively with various levels within the organization
• Proven experience in risk management and change management
• Proficient in project management software
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to effectively communicate and present to all levels of the organization including EXCO
• Solid understanding of project management methodology to identify and communicate issues, risks and dependencies across a large-scale program
• Experience using automated project management governance tools