Executive Associate at Discovery Limited

Job Purpose

The CEO of Discovery Health is looking to recruit an Executive Associate who will work closely with him and other members of the Executive Team. The Discovery Executive Associate programme runs over two years and is renowned for providing a unique opportunity for the best EE talent to enjoy accelerated growth and development through work with and exposure to Discovery’s best and most senior leaders.

Key Purpose

If you have an entrepreneurial mind-set, eager and appreciate calculated risks and can assume responsibility for bringing strategic projects to life, then the Health environment will liberate you to realise your full potential.

As an Executive Associate to the CEO of Discovery Health you will:

• Drive strategy development and manage the strategic planning cycle for Discovery Health;  
• Take ownership of projects that support the realisation of Discovery Health’s strategy;
• Enable and operationalise the strategic initiatives of the Health executive management team and wider group level leadership;
• Identify, negotiate and realise new business opportunities with insurers and partners;
• Provide high level support to the CEO in the execution of his responsibilities;
• Participate in strategic debate on an Executive Level.

Areas of responsibility may include but not limited to

• Strategic debate that informs the direction and deliverables of the division;
• Ownership and project management of strategic initiatives;
• Preparation of proposals for strategic partnerships, new business and new products for both external and internal distribution;
• Detailed research and analysis to provide substance to the ideas and direction of the executive team;
• Management of business reporting and compliance for the business to internal and external stakeholders
• Preparation of Health Board meeting submissions and attendance of Board as observer
• Compilation of presentations and speeches for delivery by the CEO to both internal and external audiences;
• Input into operational design and process efficiencies;

Personal Attributes and Skills

Discovery’s Executive Associates must be exceptional. They must demonstrate:

• Exceptional analytical, problem solving and research skills;
• Creative thinking and the ability to operationalise innovation;
• An ability to deal with complex issues as well as migrate between detail and high level requirements;
• The ability to influence and negotiate with impact across divisions and teams at all levels, and with external parties;
• A drive and commitment to exceed expectations;
• A reliability and dependability – can be counted on;
• A thorough understanding of business dynamics and strategic challenges;
• Sophisticated written and verbal communication skills for executive-level internal and external delivery;
• A passion for personal development and growth with a high learning potential;
• A commitment to excellence and;
• An ability to deal with ambiguity and continuous change.

Education and Experience

• Relevant degree/s, preferably at the Masters level or higher, with a strong analytical or business focus, and a proven record of academic excellence (Actuarial, Engineering, Mathematics, Finance etc.)
• Client centred – consulting experience with a top tier consulting firm such as McKinsey, Bain, and BCG etc
• Six to ten years business experience, preferably in a leadership role
• Extensive business and/or technical experience with a proven track record of innovation, entrepreneurship, delivery and performance.