Group Chief Strategy Officer - Retail/Real Estate/Pharmaceuticals/FMCG (12-20 yrs)

The Group Chief Strategy Officer (GCSO) owns the development and execution of the group's strategic vision, driving long-term growth and innovation across retail, wholesale, real estate, pharmaceuticals, and FMCG sectors. This role ensures alignment between high-level strategy and operational execution, fostering cross-functional collaboration and sustainable business ventures in DRC and beyond.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Strategic Execution & Monitoring:

- Collaborate with business unit heads to drive implementation of strategic plans.

- Develop execution roadmaps and detailed action plans for each business unit aligned with group's overall long-term objectives.

- Track and report on the progress of strategic initiatives, identifying risks, deviations and corrective actions as needed.

Market Intelligence & Competitive Analysis :

- Monitor competitive activities and macro-economic trends to anticipate economic shifts and changing consumer trends.

- Use insights to drive innovation, customer centricity and adjust strategies in different business units in existing and new markets.

Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) and Partnerships:

- Evaluate M&A opportunities, strategic partnerships, and joint ventures that can accelerate inorganic growth

- Help lead negotiations and due diligence efforts for potential acquisitions or alliances.

Operational Efficiency & Change Management:

- Drive operational excellence by monitoring relevant KPIs and identifying inefficiencies and implementing strategic changes to streamline processes.

- Act as a change agent to drive strategic execution.

Cross-functional Coordination:

- Serve as the central liaison and partner with other executives (CFO, COO, CMO and group level leadership) to ensure alignment across various business units.

- Lead strategic workshops and steering committees to foster a culture of innovation and forward-thinking.

Financial Oversight:

- Collaborate with finance teams to develop financial forecasts, ensuring that strategic initiatives are aligned with those strategic initiatives are aligned with budgetary estimates.

- Regularly evaluate the financial performance of strategic projects and make necessary adjustments.

Major KRA's:

1. Strategic Plan Implementation

2. Market Analysis & Growth

3. Operational Efficiency

4. M&A and Partnership Success

5. Financial Performance

6. Leadership & Team Alignment

7. Governance and Reporting

More Requirements:

- Proven ability to develop and execute corporate strategy in emerging markets.

- Strong experience with M&A, operational efficiency initiatives, and market analysis.

- Motivated and dynamic mindset with strong analytical skills.

- High level of business acumen and excellent problem-solving and decision making abilities.

- Strong leadership and cross-functional team management.

- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

- Knowledge of strategic frameworks and balanced scorecard.