Strategy Lead: SME Projects

The Strategy Lead: SME Projects is responsible for the end-to-end management and strategic delivery of programmatic interventions to SMEs, ensuring sponsor client mandates are met and measurable SME business growth is achieved. The role leads the full programme lifecycle, from design and solutioning through to delivery, measurement and renewal, while bringing a strong strategic and product lens to how programmes are structured, evolved and positioned in the market.

The Strategy Lead: SME Projects owns client and stakeholder relationships, leads a programme delivery team, and acts as a trusted thought partner to sponsor clients on SME development strategy. The role requires regular on-the-ground presence in North West Province (mining communities) and other client regions, and draws on product strategy experience to improve continuously and innovate the Solutions Business Unit’s programme offering. The role contributes to the creation of annuity income opportunities and ensures outstanding quality SME Growth & Support (SGS) delivery.

Programme Solutioning & Design

• Lead the design and development of new programmes and solutions that address the specific needs of SMEs, including those in mining communities in North West Province
• Apply a product strategy lens to programme design, ensuring interventions are market-leading, relevant and continuously evolving
• Develop and update existing programmes for the purposes of renewals with existing clients
• Contribute to the development of products and programmes executed in the Programme Management cycle
• Provide inputs to programme sales proposals for new and existing clients
• Ensure the Solutions BU is positioned as a trusted subject matter expert on SME Growth and Support
• Understand and proactively manage key risks within the Solutions BU

Programme Delivery Management

• Manage the execution of programme engagements, including initiation, planning, governance, and risk and issue management
• Ensure effective and efficient correspondence with the delivery team for coordinated delivery
• Manage correspondence with the BDS and Operations functions to ensure smooth delivery of projects
• Set up all client and stakeholder engagements including scoping sessions, steering committees and reporting cycles
• Measure, record and report on progress of activities in relation to agreed schedules and plans
• Ensure effective quality assurance and overall integrity of programmes
• Monitor programme end dates to ensure timely renewal conversations are planned
• Capture and share good news stories with relevant stakeholders
• Ensure the Operations team is briefed on programme logistics requirements

Client & Stakeholder Relationship Management

• Own the end-to-end client relationship lifecycle with all allocated clients
• Act as the primary point of contact between clients, providers and SMEs
• Maintain open and effective communication with key stakeholders including programme funders, SMEs, and Edge Solutions management
• Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders to ensure their satisfaction and support
• Conduct research into all allocated clients to develop deep knowledge of their context, particularly in mining communities in North West Province
• Undertake regular travel to North West Province and other client regions to maintain on-the-ground stakeholder presence
• Keep key stakeholders updated on all matters pertaining to products, programmes and the function
• Contribute to the effective management of all stakeholder engagements, including scoping sessions and steering committees

Financial Management

• Drive and own the financial performance of the Products and Programmes function
• Compile the annual budget for the function and ensure timely approval
• Manage and track utilization of approved programme and product budgets
• Ensure effective management of costs and improve margins through operational efficiencies
• Provide monthly financial reporting on budget utilization to relevant stakeholders
• Contribute to the development of the BU’s annual budget, including revenue targets and expenditure limits
• Provide support to the management of all elements of P&L against budget

Measurement and Evaluation

• Track and report on programme performance to all relevant stakeholders
• Evaluate the impact of programmes on SMEs and their customers
• Ensure that data on SME programmes is collected and analysed in a timely and accurate manner
• Develop and implement key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure programme success
• Identify areas for improvement and make recommendations to improve programme performance
• Drive continuous analysis of existing products to establish their relevance and efficacy

Product, IP & Innovation

• Drive research and innovation within the Solutions BU to enable the development of the most up-to-date and relevant products
• Lead the development of world-class intellectual property such as boot-camps, workshops, digital tools and software aimed at enabling the growth of SMEs
• Continuously seek to build novel IP by leveraging available third-party products and developing original solutions
• Ensure processes are in place to drive continuous refinement and enhancement of products in alignment with client requirements
• Where possible, leverage technology to ensure Edge remains ahead of the market in SME growth and support
• Ensure the creation of annuity income opportunities for the Solutions Business Unit

Team Leadership & Management

• Ensure the team is resourced with skilled and competent individuals for current and future business needs
• Drive attraction, development and retention of talent within the programme delivery team
• Foster a high-performance culture and high engagement levels within the team, in line with Edge Growth values
• Ensure effective performance management aligned to the company’s performance management system
• Ensure all team members are equipped to develop and manage products and programmes consistently
• Implement talent management and succession planning processes aligned to the Solutions strategy