Business Manager

Liberty, a prominent financial services group, is seeking a dedicated Business Manager to join their team in Johannesburg. This role is pivotal in supporting the Product Line Head by driving operational excellence, providing crucial data insights, and orchestrating various initiatives to ensure alignment with the organisation's overarching strategic goals. If you have a knack for translating strategy into actionable plans and a solid understanding of business operations within a complex environment, this opportunity could be an excellent fit for your career.

About the Role

The Business Manager will function as a key strategic partner, working closely with the Product Line Head. The core of this position involves enabling the effective execution of operational plans that directly contribute to achieving strategic objectives. This requires a proactive approach to identifying potential roadblocks and implementing solutions that ensure smooth progress. You will be instrumental in bridging the gap between high-level strategy and day-to-day operations, making you a vital link in the organisation's success.

Your responsibilities will be diverse and impactful, centering on driving operational efficiency and strategic alignment:

• **Operational Execution:** Facilitate and ensure the successful implementation of operational plans, directly contributing to the achievement of strategic business objectives.
• **Data Interpretation and Analysis:** Analyse complex datasets to extract meaningful insights, which will inform decision-making processes and guide strategic adjustments.
• **Initiative Coordination:** Spearhead and coordinate a variety of initiatives, ensuring they are strategically aligned and effectively executed to meet business goals.
• **Strategic Partnership:** Act as a strategic business partner, providing valuable insights and representing senior leadership perspectives in key discussions and planning sessions.
• **Financial Acumen:** Leverage strong financial understanding to analyse budgets, interpret financial information, and contribute to sound financial planning.
• **Reporting and Analytics:** Develop and present advanced reports and analyses to stakeholders, highlighting key performance indicators and trends.
• **Project Management:** Successfully manage various projects and coordinate executive-level activities, ensuring timelines and objectives are met.

What They're Looking For

Liberty is looking for a candidate with a robust background in business management and a proven ability to operate effectively within a large, intricate organisation. The ideal candidate will possess:

• A Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Commerce, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 5 to 7 years of experience in business management, preferably within the financial services sector.
• Demonstrated experience operating as a strategic business partner, capable of offering insightful advice and representing senior management effectively.
• Strong financial acumen, with practical experience in analysing budgets and financial data.
• Advanced capabilities in reporting and data analysis.
• A track record of successfully managing projects and coordinating complex executive activities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate information clearly and engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.

This role offers a chance to contribute to a leading Africa-focused financial services group known for its innovative approach and commitment to growth and client value.

In South Africa, a Business Manager role with this level of responsibility, particularly within the financial services sector, can typically command a competitive salary, often ranging from R600,000 to R1,000,000 per annum, depending on experience and the specific company's remuneration structure. Major financial institutions like Liberty, Standard Bank, and Absa are common employers for such positions. Career progression often involves moving into more senior management roles, such as Head of Operations, Strategic Planning Manager, or even broader leadership positions within a specific business unit or product line.

• Bachelor's degree in BA or Business Commerce or a related field.
• 5-7+ Years' Business Management experience in a large, complex organisation; financial services experience preferred.
• Proven ability to operate as a strategic business partner, providing insights and representing senior leaders.
• Strong financial acumen with experience analyzing budgets and financial information.
• Advanced reporting and analytical capability.
• Demonstrated success managing projects and coordinating executive activities.
• Behavioural competencies include articulating information and interacting with people.
• Technical competencies include financial acumen and project management.