Chief Operating Officer

Through our client-facing brands Metropolitan and Momentum, with Multiply (wellness and rewards programme), and our other specialist brands, including Guardrisk and Eris Property Group, the group enables business and people from all walks of life to achieve their financial goals and life aspirations.

We help people grow their savings, protect what matters to them and invest for the future. We help companies and organisations care for and reward their employees and members. Through our own network of advisers or via independent brokers and utilising new platforms Momentum Metropolitan provides practical financial solutions for people, communities and businesses. Visit us at www.momentummetropolitan.co.za

Disclaimer As an applicant, please verify the legitimacy of this job advert on our company career page.

Role Purpose

Guide and oversee the implementation of a robust digital transformation and operations strategy and architecture (with inclusion of relevant Platforms, Business insights, Operations and Finance) that ensures effective streamlining of operations and service delivery within the larger Advice ecosystem in a manner that supports the strategic business delivery for Momentum Financial Planning (MFP) and Consult by Momentum.

Requirements

• A degree in Engineering as a requirement (preferable Industrial Engineering)
• A minimum of a B-degree with a post graduate qualification a definite advantage. Post Graduate Qualification in Commerce or Business Management
• MBA will be an advantage
• 10 Years’ experience in the financial services industry
• 5-8 years’ experience at executive operational management level
• Proven experience as Head Operations/COO or relevant role
• Deep understanding of business functions
• 5 to 10 years experience in digital transformation
  
  

Duties & Responsibilities

Oversee and guide the management and implementation of digital and operational processes to support business strategies within Momentum Advice (Internal Process):

• Support and assist CEO of Momentum Advice to formulate and implement business strategies
• Assist CEO of MFP and Consult on specified projects, participate and provide input to strategic projects.
• Develop operating strategies to support the business in accomplishing goals and objectives.
• Provide the strategic direction and oversight for the operations function in line with the business objectives.
• Partner with Business Insights function to enable effective reporting, analysis and insight regarding business performance and progress.
• Enable operational excellence within the adviser engagement function in ensuring the advisers experience optimal enablement and service delivery.
• Develop, establish, and direct execution of operating models to support overall business objectives.
• Drive business optimisation initiatives to ensure cost effective operating structures, maximum efficiency levels, reduction in waste in all respects and strengthening of operating systems.
• Guide the design and maintenance of operational activities in Consult and MFP in consultation with Heads of Operations, guide decision making and prioritisation and provide guidance on improvement of projects and initiatives.
• Lead and enable interface between Operations, IT, Finance, Workforce Operations and various other functions to ensure effective management of interdependencies and hand-over from projects into execution.
• Provide strategic direction to leverage technology enablers to optimise business performance and increase efficiencies
• Enable system functioning to enhance compliance with all legal, governance, policies, procedures, standards and sound business practice.
• Enable implementation of effective risk management.
• Fulfil leadership role as member of Advice Exco, through maintaining an understanding of issues affecting overall business effectiveness and collaborating towards setting strategic direction.
• Optimise strategies and pro-actively adapt processes and procedures to ensure optimal utilisation of resources to meet Service Level Agreement requirements.
• Plan, implement, manage and report on cost effectiveness and communicate or escalate any variables.
• Recommend and positively influence, direct and implement changes to optimise organizational processes, systems, policies and procedures.
  
  

Enable adviser experience within area of responsibility (Client and Adviser Operations Execution):

• Guide MFP and Consult to deliver on adviser and client experience through value propositions in terms of processes and procedures.
• Provide authoritative, expertise and advice to Exco and stakeholders on how to improve adviser and client experience and engagement.
• Build and maintain relationships with clients and advisers and internal and external stakeholders.
• Create partnerships with relevant stakeholders, MFP and Consult management, product houses, etc to understand and align business priorities and requirements.
• Oversee the development of service level agreements and standards across all touch points in order to ensure that all stakeholders receive clear and accurate information and are kept informed at all times.
• Drive efforts to improve service experience to all stakeholders (clients, sales management and advisers) and fair treatment within area of responsibility.
• Participate and contribute to a culture which builds rewarding relationships, facilitates feedback and provides exceptional client service.
• Provide direction and participation in growth activities in order to ensure support in respect of overall business goals and plans.
• Participate in the evaluation of market development strategies and the evaluation of potential acquisition targets, thereby optimising opportunity for client and earnings growth.
• Timeously communicate modification, objective achievement progress and critical success factors to impacted stakeholders
  
  

Effectively lead team:

• Establish productive, professional relationships with key stakeholders in the various networks.
• Create a positive work climate and culture to energise employees, minimise work disruption and maximise employee productivity.
• Demonstrate exemplary leadership behaviour in line with behavioural themes through personal involvement, commitment and dedication in support of organisational values.
• Drive a culture that guides and directs best practice, fostering an environment of continuous learning, improvement and cohesiveness.
• Identify own growth and development needs and schedule interventions to enable ongoing development, training and personal growth.
• Effectively drive performance excellence within the team in order to ensure business objectives are achieved by setting team goals and having regular dialogue to achieve balanced scorecard objectives.
• Encourage innovation, ensure integrity in communication, change agility and collaboration within the team.
  
  

Oversee the implementation of financial and corporate governance measures within area of accountability (Finance):

• Responsible for implementing effective financial internal controls within area of accountability and provide relevant management reporting on this
• Prepare and control the budget for area of accountability, including the authorisation of expenditures and implementation of financial regulations.
• Manage high risk and problematic financial issues in area of accountability and contribute to the development of policy.
• Identify opportunities to enhance cost effectiveness and increase operational efficiency.
• Manage financial and other company resources under your control with due respect.
• Plan, implement, manage and report on cost effectiveness and communicate or escalate any variables.
• Investigate reported wilful acts of non-compliance to organisation policy and practice and report on findings.
  
  

Competencies

Business Acumen: Understands how the business operates, what the key issues and risks are that drives business success; and how they impact on the commercial viability of potential ventures and the profitability of Momentum and Consult.

Collaboration: Prioritises the business interests of Momentum (while considering the independence of Consult) and invests in the success of the group by aligning effort across divisions.

Client/Stakeholder Commitment: Anticipates, meets and exceeds client’s needs by creating long lasting relationships that support the planner and client value proposition, supports their financial wellness and ensures client centricity.

Impact and Influence: Persuades, convinces, influences and inspires others, both within Momentum and externally to win support, loyalty and alignment to achieve the strategic objectives of the Advice ecosystem.

Drive for Results: Drive a sense of urgency, focus, accountability, agility and execution to deliver business results.

Self-Awareness and Insight: Manages self and relationships with others effectively and provides perspective in difficult situations.

Leads Change and Innovation: Actively influence stakeholders and leads change, does what is right for the business and drives continuous improvement through innovation.

Diversity and Inclusiveness: Is sensitive to individual and cultural similarities and differences and demonstrates humility and an openness to engage people from diverse backgrounds and cultures to the mutual benefit of all parties concerned.

Motivating and Inspiring Team : Creates and maintains an open, positive working environment by generating commitment, building trust, a shared sense of purpose, and empowerment in others

Growing Talent: Takes responsibility for own development; and actively mentors, coaches and develops talent in others. Builds leadership bench strength for MMI by providing