Job Purpose:
The Senior Manager: Office of the CEO provides high-level strategic, operational, and advisory support to the CEO, ensuring organisational alignment, effective governance, and delivery of key initiatives. Acting as a trusted partner to the CEO, this role drives strategic planning, performance oversight, stakeholder engagement, and cross-divisional coordination to achieve ARC’s mission and growth objectives.
Key Performance Areas
Strategic Planning and Monitoring
* Collaborate with executive leadership to define and refine the organisation’s strategic direction.
* Analyse internal and external factors impacting the business landscape, identifying emerging opportunities and risks.
* Develop strategic plans, roadmaps, and frameworks to guide organisational growth and long-term success.
* Develop, implement and maintain policies for performance management that incorporate aspects of monitoring and evaluation.
* Ensure alignment of the ARC monitoring and evaluation objectives to that of various government policy frameworks and acceptable best practice standards/codes.
* Monitor and evaluate organisational performance, oversee performance reporting, and ensure alignment with strategic objectives.
* Lead and manage the strategy and planning team, providing guidance, support, and mentoring.
Market and Internal Performance Analysis
* Conduct comprehensive market, industry, customer, and competitor analyses to inform strategic decision-making.
* Evaluate organisational performance, identifying areas for improvement and optimisation.
* Recommend strategic initiatives to drive revenue growth and enhance operational efficiency.
* Develop and utilise key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress towards strategic outcomes.
Strategy Implementation and Leadership
* Support the CEO in implementing strategic plans and initiatives in line with the organisation’s mission and goals.
* Oversee the execution of activities outlined in the organisational strategic plan, ensuring effective implementation.
Executive Support
* Provide high-level support to the CEO in managing daily operations.
* Ensure seamless functioning of the Office of the CEO, facilitating organisational performance management and reporting.
Stakeholder Management
* Build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
* Collaborate with external research organisations to position the organisation as a leader in South Africa’s national agricultural research system.
* Provide administrative leadership for partnerships and collaborations with external stakeholders.
Communication and Reporting
* Act as a key point of contact for communication between the CEO and various stakeholders.
* Prepare reports, presentations, and correspondence on behalf of the CEO.
Financial Management
* Assist the CEO in financial planning, budgeting, and monitoring of financial performance.
* Ensure financial sustainability and efficiency through effective financial oversight.
Operational Oversight
* Work with divisional heads to ensure alignment with organisational outcomes.
* Monitor performance, identify areas for improvement, and implement operational strategies.
Reporting and Presentation
* Prepare and present reports, findings, and recommendations to senior leadership and key stakeholders.
* Develop performance dashboards and reports to track key metrics and inform decision-making.
Project Management
* Manage and oversee key projects and initiatives, ensuring timely delivery within budget and scope.
Strategic Support to the CEO
* Provide direct support to the CEO in achieving key organisational strategic objectives.
* Identify and drive continuous business improvement initiatives aligned with strategic goals.