Business Manager to COO at I&M Bank

Job Purpose:

• The Business Manager to the COO is a senior strategic support role responsible for driving execution of the COO’s priorities across the Bank. 
• The role ensures timely delivery of critical initiatives, tracks performance against agreed deliverables, and prepares high-quality Board and Executive Committee materials. 
• The job holder will act as a trusted advisor and deputy to the COO, providing insight, analysis, and coordination across multiple business units.
• This role demands a highly capable professional with extensive banking sector experience, strong consulting/strategy expertise, and advanced technical skills (Microsoft Office Suite, AI tools, data analysis). 

Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Support & Coordination:

• Partner with the COO to execute the Bank’s strategic agenda and transformation programmes. 
• Track deliverables across business units, ensuring timely follow-up, risk identification, and resolution of blockers. 
• Provide structured briefings, talking points, and high-quality presentations for Board, Exco, and regulator engagements.
• Deputize for the COO in internal and external meetings as required. 

Business & Performance Management:

• Develop frameworks and dashboards to monitor execution of COO priorities. 
• Drive cross-functional alignment, ensuring initiatives are delivered to scope, quality, and budget.
• Prepare performance reviews, financial and operational analysis, and executive reports. 

Process & Efficiency Enablement: 

• Coordinate COO Office operations including meeting preparation, follow-up, and tracking of action points.
• Streamline workflows and optimize use of technology, including adoption of AI, automation, and digital productivity tools. 

Stakeholder Engagement & Influence:

• Serve as a key liaison between the COO and business units, enabling clear communication and alignment. 
• Influence outcomes across teams without direct authority by applying strong interpersonal and empathy skills.
• Build trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders (Board members, regulators, auditors, strategic partners). 

Academic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Economics, Finance, or related field (MBA or equivalent postgraduate degree strongly preferred). 

Professional Qualifications / Membership to professional bodies/ Publication: 

• Formal training in strategy, consulting, and finance essential. 
• Certification in project management desirable (e.g., PMP, Prince2, or equivalent). 

Work Experience Required: 

• Minimum of 10 years' experience in the banking industry, with a blend of line and project/strategy roles. 
• Prior experience in management consulting, corporate strategy, or transformation functions is essential.
• Demonstrated track record of influencing senior stakeholders and managing cross-functional initiatives. 

Competencies: 

• Strategic thinking, analytical ability, and strong problem-solving skills. 
• Exceptional oral and written communication, with ability to prepare crisp executive outputs. 
• High emotional intelligence, empathy, and influencing without authority. 
• Strong understanding of technology, systems, architecture and associated trends. 
• Strong organizational and execution focus with attention to detail. 
• Adept at leveraging digital tools, AI, and data to drive efficiency. 
• Deep understanding of banking operations, regulatory context, and market trends. 
• Expertise in Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel at an advanced level. 
• Exposure to AI, data analytics, and prompt engineering strongly preferred.