Corporate Planning Manager

PURPOSE

This role plays a pivotal part in driving the strategic agenda and operational excellence across the organization. This position is responsible for facilitating and managing the end-to-end business planning process, translating strategic objectives into actionable programs and projects, monitoring performance against established goals, and leading the organizational change efforts necessary for successful implementation and adoption.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Corporate Planning & Strategy

• Facilitate and manage the annual and cyclical corporate business planning process across the entire organization.
• Collaborate closely with ExCom, group heads and business unit heads to define strategic objectives, key performance indicators (KPIs), and long-term goals.
• Conduct internal and external environmental analysis (e.g., market trends, competitive landscape, SWOT analysis) to inform strategic direction.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive strategic plans, roadmaps, and business cases that align with the company's vision and growth objectives.
• Monitor, track, and report on the progress and achievement of strategic plans and objectives across the organization, identifying variances and proposing corrective actions.
• Prepare reports and presentations for senior management and key stakeholders on strategic performance and insights.

Program & Project Enablement

• Translate corporate strategic plans and initiatives into defined programs and projects for execution across subsidiaries and functional teams.
• Design, develop, implement, and maintain a simplified, practical project management methodology and toolkit specifically tailored for non-project managers within operational roles who are tasked with leading strategic initiatives.
• Provide guidance, coaching, and support to operational teams and project leads in applying the simplified project management processes, ensuring effective planning, execution, and monitoring of their projects.
• Establish project governance structures (e.g., reporting cadence, review mechanisms) to ensure projects are on track, within scope, and delivering intended outcomes.
• Identify interdependencies between projects and programs, proactively addressing potential conflicts or resource constraints.
• Oversee the portfolio of strategic programs and projects, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives.

Organizational Change Management

• Develop and implement comprehensive change management strategies and plans to maximize employee adoption and minimize resistance to changes introduced by strategic plans and programs.
• Conduct change impact assessments to identify how new processes, systems, structures, or initiatives will affect various stakeholder groups across the organization.
• Partner with Human Resources, Corporate Marketing, Training, and other relevant departments to develop integrated communication, training, and stakeholder engagement plans.
• Coach and support leaders and project managers/leads in their roles as change sponsors and agents, equipping them to effectively communicate and lead their teams through transitions.
• Identify, anticipate, and address potential resistance to change, developing mitigation strategies.
• Define and track change success metrics, regularly reporting on the progress and effectiveness of change initiatives.
• Foster a culture of adaptability and continuous improvement across the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in corporate planning, strategic initiatives, program/project management, or organizational change management roles, preferably within a holding company or a multi-subsidiary organization
• Proven experience in developing and implementing business plans and monitoring performance
• Demonstrated ability to establish and improve project management processes, especially in environments where formal project management training is limited
• Solid understanding and practical experience with change management methodologies (e.g., Prosci ADKAR) and tools
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., Asana, , Jira, Trello) and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)

COMPETENCY

• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills
• Proactive and results-oriented mindset, with the ability to anticipate challenges, identify opportunities, and drive initiatives forward
• Excellent communication (written and verbal), presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Possesses a strong sense of ownership and genuine commitment to organizational success