Corporate Strategy Manager - Region Africa

Brief Role Description

Provide thought leadership to the Board in the development of Company Corporate strategy, vision and mission statement. Engage with Group, Regional, Local and external stakeholders and strategy forums to formulate, implement and monitor the corporate strategy. Ensure strategic alignment of Group strategy forums. Establish a Project Management Methodology. Develop the necessary frameworks and tools to ensure execution of the strategy. Monitor and evaluate progress against the strategic objectives. To provide support and assistance to management in the implementation of new projects. Supporting management in preparing, scheduling, coordinating and monitoring of internal resources to ensure the flawless execution of assigned projects. Assisting management by acting as an internal consultant on new business and prioritized projects by engaging with stakeholders and determining internal and external factors affecting mid to long term needs. The position plays a critical role in shaping the long-term direction and success of Volkswagen Group Africa.

Possible Tasks within this Role

Structuring and managing strategic projects : definition of project content and team structure, structure and reporting in control circles, responsibility for developing content and adherence to timelines, leadership of cross brand / functional project teams, preparation of decision templates for the Group Executive Board. Delegation of the project management to team members and membership in the steering circle.

Assurance of quality Analyses & results of strategic projects (incl. resource / time management), control of necessary escalations in the control circuits, ensure derivation and identification of necessary action needs for the VW Group (brands and / or functional areas).

Ensure adequate roll out and communication of the Regional Strategy to all the divisions and subsidiaries in the Group Africa.

Actively drive the implementation of the agreed strategy on behalf of the Board by engaging key personnel from all divisions to achieve the strategic objectives set.

Prepare for Board-level strategic summits and relevant decision-making forums and committees as required.

Engage with Group, Regional, Local and external stakeholders to formulate, implement and monitor the Corporate strategy.

Drive policy implementation to support new business ventures on the continent.

Develop and implement a local Project Management methodology with relevant processes and standards agreed to by all affected divisions, by specification of project structures, decision authority, responsibilities, standards, processes, committees and limits of authority.

Assume responsibility for the tracking and monitoring of strategic initiatives as agreed by the Board of Management.

Anticipate issues and identify solutions and alternatives in advance by reviewing open tasks and deadlines as well as motivating and encouraging team members in order to ensure strategic KPIs and targets are fulfilled.

Represent VWGA and interact as required on an ad-hoc and formal basis with the Group strategy department and other regional counterparts.

Provide regular status reports to the Board on strategic initiatives and objectives.

Supporting Divisional management to ensure the flawless execution of assigned projects.

Ensure alignment between strategy and operational execution.

Qualification requirements

Tertiary qualification in one of the fields of Engineering, Finance, Economics, Business Administration or equivalent

Experience

7-10 years’ experience in a significant strategic role.

5 years’ experience in a leadership position

Essentials

Negotiating and decision-making experience at a senior level.

Financial and business consulting experience.

Ability to operate across a wide range of complex business segments.

Ability to plan, execute and make decisions on strategic projects and initiatives according to approved KPIs.

Ability to monitor and track project progress, to anticipate, identify and resolve major issues and to report and escalate these to the Board or Steering Committees.

Conflict management ability.

Ability to lead and motivate inter-divisional teams, whilst under pressure.

Ability to confidently represent the company, locally and internationally, at any level.

Ability to operate and negotiate across cultural lines.

Ability to present to multinational groups at all levels (Heads of Government, Ministers, CEO’s etc.).

Good interpersonal skills (negotiation and communication).

Ability to analyse external environment, draw relevant insights and anticipate trends.

Budget management skills.

Advanced computer literacy (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Ability to develop, analyse and present strategic scenarios.

Advanced Financial analysis capability

Added Advantage

A post-graduate qualification, preferably a master’s degree in business.

In-depth understanding & knowledge of the motor industry.

Automotive and African business experience