Executive to The CEO

**Division**:
Office of the CEO

**Department**:
PMO

**Employment Type**:
Permanent

**Job Purpose**:
The Head of Strategy and Special Projects is responsible for the overall strategy setting and related project execution for the whole region. Including oversight of commercial operations and performance management.

The Head of Strategy and Special Projects is also responsible for on time and in full delivery of new product inventory by effectively prioritising and project managing external and internal launches. This is achieved through the seamless integration of functions across the products new product lifecycle from development to in-market commercialization, along with proactive risk mitigation measures for all regions within SAGA. Moreover, the Head is responsible for working with the various functions in developing appropriate Cipla Medpro South Africa, SSA & CGA business processes and managing all ad hoc Cipla Medpro South Africa, SSA & CGA product launch projects as they arise.

Further, as a Technical Advisor to the CEO, the role is responsible for arranging, setting agenda, tracking and chasing actions of the Operations Council for SAGA. Further, it will support on all ad-hoc technical challenges faced in the business as well as support in the development of the regions strategies and tactics.

**Accountabilities-1**:
**Strategy Development and Execution**:

- Develop and lead the overall strategic planning process for the organization.
- Utilize data-driven approaches to identify strategic opportunities and risks
- Work closely with the finance team to assess financial implications of strategic initiatives
- Collaborate with key stakeholders, including senior leadership, to ensure alignment between strategy and organizational goals
- Develop detailed action plans to execute the strategic initiatives.
- Monitor progress and adjust strategies as needed to achieve organizational goals.
- Define key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of strategic initiatives.
- Establish a system for regular performance reporting and analysis

**Accountabilities-2**:
**Technical Advisory**:

- With the approval of the CEO, set the Operations Council agendas, develop an action tracker and monitor to completion to ensure the region achieves its aspirations
- Critical agent for integration and changes in business projects related to technical functions, specifically new launches, SCM, Quality, Regulatory Affairs and Manufacturing
- Support CEO with technical-related Global MC projects
- Support CEO with SAGA Leadership team projects that are technical in nature

**Accountabilities-3**:
**Launch Readiness**:

- Supervise the development of detailed project plans for each product requiring launch for products within all SAGA portfolios as allocated (including SSA, CGA, Internally Developed Products, 3rd Party or licensed products)
- Develop and publish monthly dashboard on new launches portfolio for Governance sessions and Control Towers
- Prepare cross-functional planning files (e.g. Quarterly business case triggering, Artwork triggering etc)
- Problem solve cross-functional issues related to new launches as they arise
- Proactively mitigate risks and monitor project progress against identified risks by tracking delivery against plan, reviewing milestones and providing feedback and information to the execution team to ensure seamless execution
- Manage conflict and bring quick resolution to difficult problems through timely intervention and by facilitating and strengthening the interaction between Functional Heads
- Analyze Business Cases with Finance department to ensure revenue targets aligned to development (PSC) business cases to ensure new products provide the targeted return on investment
- Develop and execute new product budget

**Accountabilities-4 to 6**:
**New Product Supply Security**:

- Monitor performance of launched products for 24 months after launch to ensure sufficient inventory is held to avoid out-of-stocks
- Problem-solve cross-functional issues related to continued supply of existing products

**New Launches Continuous Improvement**:

- Identify new initiatives in collaboration with cross-functional teams
- Brainstorm, collate and manage all initiatives across the team (including prioritizing initiatives)
- Identify new systems and digital tools that can improve process efficiency (including potential automation of activities)
- Train cross-functional teams on project management tools

**Manage a team**:

- Recruit and develop team members
- Manage performance through setting clear goals
- Ensure team engagement
- Ensure all HR processes are implemented as required by the organisation

**Education Qualification**:

- B Pharm or relevant BSc degree
- Project Management Diploma is advantageous

**Relevant Work Experience**:

- 5 years scientific experience in pharmaceutical industry/ Biotech or experience in field of product development and / or project management

**Required Skil