Chief Operating Officer at Smart Partners

Background

• Our client is proud of the culture they have built, and they value the unique experiences and perspectives that each person brings to the organization. The organization is changing the way it engages its partners and clients intending to set a new standard in its products and service offerings, and proactively responding to the business environment to attain its set objectives.
• They are committed to fostering inclusive spaces where everyone can bring their authentic selves to work every day. This high visibility role offers an unparalleled opportunity to lead this unique brand, by leveraging your understanding of business strategy, customer engagement, and strategic up-selling.
• If you are talented, driven, creative, and eager to join a dynamic, globally connected team, this is an opportunity to join.

Job Objective

• To provide strategic business direction and ensure business growth, profitability, and effectiveness in business performance to maximize and sustain shareholder value.
• Additionally, the incumbent will drive and ensure quality of outputs, business sustainability, operational excellence, revenue growth, and client satisfaction in line with the organization’s strategic objectives.

Reporting Relationship

External Interface:

Reports to:

• The Board of Directors

Direct Reports:

• Unit Heads
• Clients
• Consultants
• Professional Institutions/Associations
• Government & Regulatory Agencies

Key Accountabilities / Responsibilities

• Cultivate and coordinate regular discussions with the visioner, the senior leadership and the Board to understand the organization’s business strategies and work collaboratively with the team to deliver on its objectives.
• Provide strategic direction and oversight to the team to drive the organization and various business units/operations toward profitable and sustainable growth.
• Lead products roadmap and build discussions based on clients’ needs with senior leadership, and proactively respond to the market.
• Actively engage with key stakeholders in legal and other specialized publishing programs to develop, drive, and implement the company's growth strategies.
• Coordinate the design, planning, and implementation of corporate training programs for the business affiliates and other external key stakeholders.
• Liaise with external training providers to compare pricing structure and service deliverables for the organization.
• Identify and close strategic up-selling opportunities by understanding its core clients’ needs and developing tactical approaches to meeting them.
• Lead the development and operationalizing of revenue and operating budgets and other financial systems to ensure the profitability of the company.
• Responsible for the approval of the company's product pricing and positioning.
• Regularly prepare and review the company performance reports with the visioner and the Board.
• Mentor and manage individuals in the organization.
• Contribute to the Organization’s culture of excellence.
• Create an enabling environment that empowers the team to develop the capability to achieve set goals and objectives and proactively respond to opportunities and challenges in the business environment.

Requirements
Educational Qualification:

• Minimum of Bachelor's Degree in Social or Management Sciences
• Advanced Degree in Marketing, Finance, or an MBA.

Professional Qualifications:

• Professional membership in a relevant body will be an added advantage.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience with at least 4 years at an executive or management level.
• Understanding of the book publishing or publication industry is very important.
• Experience as an online Publisher, ad network, ad exchange, ad server, SEM platform, DSP, or other online advertising role.
• Existing relationships with decision-makers at tier 1 law firms is a plus.

Skills:
Competencies:

• Strong communication skills with the ability to speak with C-level clients.
• Ability to establish longstanding & consultative client relationships.
• A master relationship builder and sales leader.
• Ability to partner effectively with clients and key stakeholders.
• Professionalism & Networking.

Results & Problem-solving orientation:

• Leadership & People Management
• Budgeting & Budgetary Control
• Relationship & Stakeholder Management
• Enterprise Risk Management
• Entrepreneurial Orientation & Creativity
• Change & Strategic Management
• Cost Management, Optimization & Control
• Emotional Intelligence.