Executive Business Manager: Shared Services at The Payments Association of South Africa (PASA)

Job Description
Job Purpose

• To play a crucial role in primarily supporting the Chief Financial Officer and the PASA Executive Committee (ExCo).
• To serve as a chief of staff, project manager, and executive business manager within this role.

Job Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Chief Financial Officer and ExCo team to implement and roll out strategic initiatives in alignment with the organisation’s goals and objectives.
• Lead and oversee complex projects from conception to completion, and ensure timely delivery, budget adherence, and achievement of desired outcomes.
• Effectively implement ExCo’s strategic and operational scorecards across the organisation by facilitating seamless coordination and communication among the various stakeholders.
• In conjunction with the Executive responsible for human capital, ensure a steady state regarding PASA human capital matters.
• Provide support to the Chief Financial Officer in the PASA transition to the new Payments Industry Board.
• Support in streamlining the shared services processes to enhance efficiency and productivity by identifying and addressing potential bottlenecks and obstacles.
• Serve as a central point of contact for internal stakeholders. Facilitate effective communication and collaboration among functions and teams.
• Provide support to the Chief Financial Officer and ExCo team, including preparing reports, and compiling presentations and briefings. Manage the Shared Services Executive’s schedule and priorities.
• Assist in decision-making processes by providing data-driven insights, conducting research, pulling reports, and presenting findings and recommendations.
• Mentor and guide junior staff members and foster a culture of continuous improvement and professional development. Liaise at all levels internally and externally.
• Coordination of meetings may include preparation of agendas, meeting minutes and meeting packs; circulation of communication/documentation to relevant stakeholders; correspondence to stakeholders; and tracking of action items and deliverables.
• Ensuring that all decisions at meetings are accurately and appropriately recorded in the minutes of the meeting and followed through with relevant managers/ stakeholders, as and when required.
• Responsibility for dealing with executive queries and requests from stakeholders.
• The ability to work independently and be the key point of contact for the shared-services executive.
• Developing, building, and maintaining strong relationships with the business to further enhance organisational business acumen.

Qualifications

• A relevant tertiary qualification is required.
• A completed Masters or a Masters in progress is advantageous.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in project management, business operations, or a similar role, with at least 5 years in a senior position.

The following experience is advantageous:

• Management Consulting or
• Payments industry or
• Chief Operations Officer’s office or
• Previously filled a Chief of Staff / Business Manager function or
• Advanced Project Management (with aspirations to transition to business management).

Knowledge

• Proficiency in MS Office applications, with advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint.

Skills and competencies

• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).
• Strong Project Management skills with a proven track record of successfully managing diverse projects ranging from large to small scale.
• Proficiency in project management tools and software.
• Senior stakeholder management.
• Strong planning, diligence, and excellent detail-oriented abilities.
• Excellent execution and leadership skills.
• Exceptional multitasking abilities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Innovative and adds value by bringing forward ideas and solutions.
• Utmost discretion.
• Proficient in relationship-building and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and to collaborate with others.
• Ability to build credibility and trust.
• Ability to work under pressure.