Executive Head: International | Cape Town
Our client is seeking a visionary and results-driven Executive Head to lead their international business unit. This pivotal role involves managing a complex, structurally separate international investment offering and contributing to the broader organization's growth and business development strategies. The successful candidate will be responsible for the holistic management of the international business, including specific branches and structures that form part of the international investment offering. The primary goal is to ensure a profitable, relevant international presence that aligns with our clients' core values and culture while driving future growth and market relevance.
Key Responsibilities
- Formulate and communicate a clear vision and strategy for the international business unit.
- Strategically drive and position the international proposition for future relevance and competitive advantage.
- Plan business goals and targets in alignment with broader organizational strategies.
- Manage business planning, budgeting, and resourcing for client servicing, solutions, and administration teams.
- Oversee outsourced third-party administration services and relationships.
- Manage specific international branches and their local service provider relationships.
- Ensure achievement of annual sales, profit, and Value of New Business (VNB) targets.
- Oversee operational best practices, including risk management, compliance, and financial reporting.
- Manage relationships with international regulators, including the submission of required annual reports.
- Build and maintain mutually beneficial internal relationships with key stakeholders across the wider group.
- Foster long-term partnerships with internal business development teams to ensure efficient "go-to-market" strategies.
- Lead relationship-building with industry players to leverage networks for business opportunities.
- Lead and align senior management teams with the company vision and key performance indicators.
- Create and maintain an organizational culture consistent with company values.
- Ensure all staff have updated performance objectives, development plans, and training.
- Mentor staff and encourage open, constructive professional relationships.
- Build a media profile for the international business, positioning it as a market and thought leader.
- Provide high-quality technical support for investment solutions to intermediaries nationwide.
- Enhance the use of technology within intermediary and client channels.
- Explore alternative models and initiatives to increase the asset base and market share.
- Bachelor’s Degree: Required in Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field.
- Postgraduate: An MBA is considered an advantageous qualification.
- Senior Management: At least 5 to 10 years of experience at a senior leadership level.
- Specialized Knowledge: Comprehensive international investment knowledge and experience is a key requirement.
- Track Record: Proven ability to manage teams or divisions in high-performance environments that consistently meet targets.
- Strategy Implementation: Experience developing and implementing strategic priorities to improve profit margins and competitive standing.
- Core Competencies: Performance and results-driven, strategic thinker, and highly collaborative.
- Interpersonal Skills: Strong leadership, negotiation, and the ability to network effectively both internally and externally.
- Cognitive Skills: Innovative thinking, problem-solving ability, and a strong sense of initiative.
- Personal Attributes: High level of resilience, honesty, integrity, and a positive, enthusiastic attitude.
- Execution: Dependable with a strong sense of urgency and the ability to work under pressure.
