Strategy / Operations Associate at Cardinal Stone

Job Summary

• To develop and drive the implementation of appropriate strategies that will aid the actualization of all CardinalStone’s business plans in order to enhance its current and future performance, as well as competitive position in all areas of its business.

Responsibilities

Problem solving & Critical thinking: 

• Strong research, analytical, critical thinking and thought leadership skills and the ability to articulate opinions in a clear and concise manner
• Ability to think quantitatively and qualitatively, read widely and distil complex information o Ability to deal with ambiguity and bring structure to complex questions with limited guidance

Drive & Motivation

• Be a self-starter with strong drive, high ownership, an entrepreneurial spirit

Team Management

• Ability to self-direct/manage their own and others’ time and productivity in a high tempo manner
• Stakeholder/ Client Management 
•  Strong written & verbal communication skills and experience presenting quantitative analysis 
• Relationship intelligence/ Stakeholder manager skills to enable liaison with multiple stakeholders, from founders to investors and experts
• Strategy Articulation o A good understanding of 'blue-sky' potential and strategy articulation approach/methodologies o Ability to synthesize complex information into clear takeaways and recommendations

Requirements

Education    

• First degree in any finance-related field with a minimum of second class upeer degree
• An MBA or related masters is an added advantage

Experience    

• Minimum of 6 years experience. Ideally the candidate should have about 9 years relevant experience
• Strategy/Operations experience (Top strategy houses/ Big Four experience) o Working appreciation of  CCA’s focus sectors
• Proven evidence of leading/managing relatively complex projects
• Relevant industry experience with leading FMCG/ real sector companies with responsibility for budget delivery/ leading teams OR stints with operations team of reputable PE/Venture/Investment funds
• Strategy & Operations Experience
• Big Four, Ex-Mckinsey, Ex-Bain, Ex-BCG, Ex-Dahlberg, etc; OR
• Prior Ops experience in PE/Africa-focused investment funds

Industry Experience

• Commercial and/or operations-related role in leading Real sector businesses – FMCG, Agribusiness, Retail services, start-up, logistics/supply chain