Strategic Operations Manager - Sales & Distribution (S&D)Location: Bryanston, JohannesburgSalary: R 150 000 - R 170 000 pmThe Strategic Operations Manager for Sales & Distribution will provide dedicated support to the Managing Director of Sales & Distribution by optimizing performance across the sales units and providing high-level strategic insights. This role is responsible for building robust financial models, creating management information dashboards, and ensuring consistent, valuable reporting across all distribution units. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with strong analytical capabilities, able to provide actionable insights to drive growth and improve the Value of New Business (VNB).ResponsibilitiesReporting and AnalyticsDefine all key metrics for each S&D unitCreate and maintain consistent and valuable reports for all sales units, focusing on actionable insightsDevelop management information dashboards to monitor performance and support decision-makingAnalyse data, considering the influence of missing information, outliers, and confounding variablesReport on insights obtained to inform business strategiesConsult on areas of uncertainty to promote optimal use of data-derived ideasCreate and update data sets that evolve with business needsBuild financial models for client pitches and profitability analysisCreate financial budgets and sales targets for each sales unitPerform monthly forecasting and provide variance analysisConduct competitor and consumer market research to inform forecastsPresent findings with clear recommendationsIdentify new business opportunitiesWork with financial analysts for decision-making and forecastingBusiness OptimizationAnalyse data and recommend strategies to lower acquisition costs and improve profitabilityCollaborate with the Business Information team to develop analytical toolsSupport business process owners and stakeholders for shared understandingDefine scope, key outcomes, and objectives of workConduct analysis to identify and communicate root causes of problemsFacilitate stakeholder reviews of processes and potential solutionsSupport implementation of future-state designsOperational Support & Stakeholder EngagementCoordinate with the Legal department on contracting and complianceWork with Finance on translating unit-level income statementsCollaborate with the Commission department for accurate commission paymentsSign off on month-end financial resultsLiaise with internal and external stakeholders to foster positive relationshipsProvide strategic advice to communications productsDevelop tools and support programs for stakeholder engagementMonitor the political environment for emerging issuesManage stakeholder systems and knowledge networksStrategic Planning & SupportAssist the MD in strategic planning by providing insightsConduct research to identify growth opportunitiesDevelop strategic plans to drive business growthCollaborate with cross-functional teams for effective executionMonitor progress of strategic initiativesProvide guidance to team membersStay updated on industry trendsIdentify risks and propose mitigation strategiesPrepare and present reports to senior leadershipEducation and Experience RequirementsBachelor's degree in finance, Business Administration, Economics, or related field5+ years of experience in financial analysis, business operations, or strategic planningProven track record in creating complex financial modelsExperience in Sales and Distribution functionsAdvanced proficiency in data visualization tools and ExcelKey Performance Indicators (KPIs)Consistency and accuracy of management reportsAchievement of VNB targetsReduced acquisition costsTimeliness of forecasts and budget analysesKey Leadership SkillsRelationship buildingAgility and adaptabilityInnovation and creativityEmployee motivationPersonal AbilitiesEmpathetic, professional, and accountableAbility to perform well under pressureExcellent listening and communication skillsKnowledge & AttributesStrong time management and organization skillsProficient in Microsoft suite of productsAbility to create visual modelsCritical thinking and problem-solving skills
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