Openings at Frank Management Consult Ltd

JOB PURPOSE

The main purpose of the role is to drive the brand strategy behind trade and consumer marketing initiatives to achieve Business Revenue and EBITDA Goals. In addition, the role aims at protecting, growing, and building the brand by managing demand for the brand to achieve budgeted volume, market share, and profit objectives.

About the Role

The job holder works closely with the sales and marketing teams in providing leadership in planning and implementation of brand strategy laddering up to the higher business strategy. The brand manager is responsible for overseeing the development and execution of a brand's marketing strategy.

The role involves high stakeholder engagement including the sales team to ensure full execution of field activities in line with brand strategies;

• Consumer Insight for provision of up-to-date research on brands and thorough analysis of the same for identification of opportunities and threats to the brand towards strategy development
• Advertising Agencies & media agencies/media houses for effective brand communication in line with next generation marketing principles;
• Procurement for support on delivery of brand activity related goods and services;
• Finance for cost/budget controls and brands profitability;
• Production department for monitoring product quality and availability.
• Cross functional linkages to deliver brand activities and innovations on time and in full.
• Management of the annual brand budget to deliver brand activities in line with the business growth strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement & monitor annual strategic brand plan including proper management of allocated budget.
• Monitoring brand availability and sales and being proactive on factors affecting the brand sales and market share performance.
• Identify and recommend market research programmes aimed at enhancing brand positioning.
• Analyzing market research data including secondary research and taking corrective action for enhancement of brand strategies.
• Effective management of brand advertising and sales promotion to generate brand growth.
• Recommending, planning & co-coordinating brand PR activities likely to enhance the brand sales and image in the short or long term.
• Monitor competitor activities affecting the brand and take appropriate corrective action.
• Monitor, evaluate and recommend brand-packaging update including pack and range extensions and follow through to implementation.
• Regular and continuous monitoring of brand costs and profitability and recommend areas for improvement.
• Prepare monthly brand expenditure and variance report to control budgeted expenditure.
• Plan and implement brand media strategy.
• Market intelligence through regular trade visits and utilizing this to enhance brand activities.
• Design, procurement, and economic distribution of brand promotional materials to plan.

Competences Required

• Strategic thinking: The brand manager should be able to think strategically and develop a long-term vision for the brand. They should be able to analyze market trends and consumer insights to develop a marketing strategy that effectively positions the brand.
  Communication skills: The brand manager should be an effective communicator, both verbally and in writing. They should be able to articulate the brand's messaging and value proposition to internal stakeholders and external audiences.
  Creativity: The brand manager should possess a high degree of creativity and be able to develop innovative marketing campaigns that engage and resonate with consumers.
  Analytical skills: The brand manager should be able to analyze data and metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and make data-driven decisions.
  Leadership: The brand manager should be able to lead cross-functional teams and collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop and execute marketing initiatives.
  Customer focus: The brand manager should be customer-focused and have a deep understanding of the brand's target audience. They should be able to develop marketing campaigns that speak to the needs and wants of the brand's customers.
  Adaptability: The brand manager should be able to adapt to changes in the market and the competitive landscape. They should be able to pivot marketing strategies and tactics as needed to stay ahead of the competition.

Personality, Traits and Attributes

• Passion and enthusiasm: The successful brand manager should have a high level of passion and enthusiasm for the brand they are managing. This can help to inspire and motivate the team to develop and execute marketing initiatives that effectively promote the brand.
• Creativity and innovation: The incumbent should be creative and innovative, able to develop new and unique marketing campaigns that stand out from the competition.
• Strategic thinking: The holder of the position should be able to think strategically, with a long-term vision for the brand's marketing strategy. They should be able to analyze market trends and consumer insights to develop marketing initiatives that effectively position the brand.
• Collaborative approach: The successful brand manager should be able to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including internal stakeholders and external agencies, to develop and execute marketing initiatives that meet the brand's goals.
• Resilience and adaptability: The brand manager should be able to adapt to changes in the market and the competitive landscape. They should be resilient in the face of challenges and able to pivot marketing strategies as needed to stay ahead of the competition.
• High energy and drive: The successful brand manager should have high energy and be driven to succeed. This can help them to stay motivated and focused on achieving the brand's goals, even in the face of obstacles.
• Attention to detail: The holder of the position is responsible for overseeing all aspects of a brand's marketing, including messaging, creative, and media planning. It’s important that they have a high level of attention to detail. This can help to ensure that all marketing initiatives are executed with consistency and accuracy.

Desired Qualifications and Experience

• A Bachelor of Commerce Marketing or business degree or equivalent.
• Relevant professional certifications.
• Minimum of 3 years marketing experience preferably in a FMCG environment.
• Brand management experience
• Experienced in the development and execution of advertising strategies.

go to method of application »

Reports to: The Managing Director

Our client is an Africa-focused integrated digital payments and commerce company that facilitates the electronic circulation of money as well as the exchange of value between individuals and organizations on a timely and consistent basis. Their vision is to build an Africa where payment is a seamless part of everyday life

Job Purpose

To drive profitable growth and establish the company as a leading player in the Fintech market of the designated country, as well as providing strategic leadership, operational excellence, stakeholder engagement, team empowerment, and ensuring compliance, ultimately contributing to company’s success, market share expansion, and sustainable development in the designated country

RESPONSIBILITIES           

• To develop and execute a business development, sales and delivery strategy for the designated country, that includes identifying key target segments, evaluating competitive landscape, and leveraging innovative Fintech solutions to gain a competitive edge in the market.
• To drive the expansion of company’s presence in the designated country by identifying new growth opportunities, assessing the feasibility of entering new markets, establishing strategic partnerships, and ensuring the successful execution of expansion plans.
• Partner with other executives and business leaders to develop and lead the implementation of a strategic executable plan to provide accurate business forecasting, and formulating commercial strategies to generate new revenue and customer relationships and partnerships in a manner that aligns with the company’s overall strategic objectives.
• To build and maintain strong relationships with key clients and stakeholders in the designated country, to understand their needs, collect feedback, and ensure exceptional customer satisfaction by delivering tailored Fintech solutions that address local market demands.
• To stay abreast of local regulatory requirements and ensure that company's operations in the designated country comply with all relevant laws and regulations. Proactively engage with regulatory bodies to obtain necessary licenses and approvals.
• To serve as the company's representative in the designated country, acting as a brand ambassador at industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities. Promote company’s Fintech solutions, share thought leadership, and enhance reputation in the local market.
• To provide strong leadership and direction to the Business Development, Sales and in country customer experience teams, fostering a high -performance culture, setting clear objectives, and empowering team members to excel in their roles.
• Create a collaborative and motivating work environment that encourages innovation, customer success and professional development.
• To collaborate effectively with various departments, in country and regionally, to ensure seamless coordination and alignment of efforts towards achieving company's growth objectives in the designated country.
• Effectively communicate strategic shifts, manage any resistance, and ensure that the entire Sales, BD and Service Delivery teams are aligned with company's vision and objectives.
• Set and monitor performance metrics for the designated country, driving pipeline & revenue growth, profitability, and market share.
• Develop and execute financial plans, analyse results, and adapt strategies to achieve sustainable success

BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES   

• Formulates a clear Business Development, Sales and Delivery strategy for the designated country and maps the aggressive steps that will clearly accelerate the Country toward its strategic goals.
• Is early to spot possible future policies, practices, and trends in the Country, with the competition, and in the marketplace. Applies knowledge of business and the marketplace to advance the Country's goals. For example, ensures that the team understands and discusses relevant industry changes. Gives strong messages about how people's efforts make a difference to the broader East Africa Region.
• Steers the Country toward innovation, ensuring it stays at the forefront of Fintech developments. Tries multiple, varied approaches to innovative ideas and ensures the company’s product suite aligns with market needs and technological advancements.
• Sets stretch goals and objectives, pushing individuals or teams to perform at higher levels, by using a collaborative and inclusive leadership style that fosters teamwork, motivates employees, and encourages cross-functional collaboration, leading to a high-performing and cohesive Country team.
• Promotes a team environment that values, encourages, and supports differences and senses how differences will play out in terms of needs, values, and motivators.
• Identifies and monitors key financial indicators to gauge performance, identify trends, and suggest strategies that can impact results. Transforms financial information into business intelligence through analysis and integration of quantitative and qualitative information.
• Picks up on the need to change personal, interpersonal, and leadership behaviour quickly and seamlessly adapts style to fit the specific needs of others.
• Consults with a wide network of internal and external connections and works through formal and informal channels to build broad-based relationships and support.

EDUCATION      

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Information Technology, Computer Science, Economics, Marketing, or related fields from an accredited University.
• An advanced degree, e.g., Masters in Finance/Business/ Technology or related fields or MBA would be an added advantage for higher level of understanding in business, financial and technological aspects of the industry.

EXPERIENCE      

At least 12 years' experience in a C-suite or Senior Management role, preferably in a reputable Financial Institution or Fintech company, covering the aspects listed below:

• A solid understanding of the Fintech ecosystem, this includes experience in mobile banking, digital payments, blockchain, or any other Fintech innovation prevalent in designated country or East Africa
• Demonstrated experience in business development and sales, including business growth, market entry, and partnership cultivation experiences, in both financial services and technology is essential
• Proven track record of overseeing service delivery operations
• Experience in using and implementing modern digital tools and platforms that help in market analysis, partnership management and strategic planning will be crucial.
• Demonstrated experience in the East African financial market, understanding its unique challenges, opportunities, regulatory environment, customer behaviours, and cultural nuances is critical

Managerial Experience

• At least 8 to 10 years’ proven leadership experience, with at least 6 years spent in a C-suite or Senior Management role of developing, cultivating and leading high-performing business development, sales and delivery teams.
• Strategic decision-making experience is critical for formulating business growth strategies - demonstrated experience in strategic decisions that have led to growth, innovation, and market expansion.
• Demonstrated experience in liaising with senior stakeholders, both internally (C-suite, board members) and externally (partners, regulators, and government officials).
• Experience in overseeing multiple projects, ensuring they align with the company's strategic goals.
• Familiarity with financial laws and regulations, compliance, and risk management specific to designated country.
• Familiarity with key players, regulators, and potential partners in the East Africa Fintech ecosystem would also be critical.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION     

• Nature of Impact: Directly tied to revenue generation, market expansion, and relationship management with clients or partners in designated country. The role is core to the EA business’ success and has direct and final accountability for achieving the Country revenue and profitability targets as set by the MD, EA as well as for increasing the market share, customer acquisition, and retention rates of the designated EA Country.
• Longevity: Both immediate (quarterly / annual sales targets) & long -lasting impact (establishing LT contracts, opening new markets & building strategic partnerships).