Strategy Manager

Job Purpose:

We are seeking a highly driven and analytical Strategy Manager to join the Executive Director’s Office. This pivotal role requires working closely with the CEO and CXOs to support cross-functional strategic initiatives, enhance productivity, and align organizational objectives through data-driven insights. The ideal candidate will serve as a strategic thought partner to senior leadership, offering support in strategic planning, financial management, project tracking, and communication facilitation.

1. Key Accountability

• Work directly with the Executive Director, acting as a liaison between the CEO, CXOs, and key stakeholders to ensure strategic alignment, decision-making, and timely execution.
• Conduct in-depth business analysis and strategic planning, including opportunity assessments and competitive benchmarking.
• Develop and manage monthly reports to evaluate pricing strategies and sensitivity, ensuring alignment with Balanced Scorecard (BSC) KPIs.
• Track and monitor key projects and initiatives across departments, identify roadblocks, and propose solutions to enhance execution and productivity.
• Provide management consulting services, including the creation of business cases, feasibility studies, and performance dashboards.
• Serve as Executive Assistant to the Executive Director, helping manage priorities, coordinate high-level meetings, and prepare executive-level presentations and documents.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to facilitate effective communication and strategic execution across business units.
• Support financial planning and resource allocation in alignment with the company’s long-term strategy.

Financial Monitoring & Support

• Assist in the preparation and review of budgets, expense forecasts, and financial reports related to the Executive Director’s office.
• Support financial planning by compiling data from departments, analysing trends, and highlighting variances.
• Coordinate with the finance team for the timely submission of utilization reports, invoices, and funding proposals.
• Assist in drafting funding proposals, grant applications, and donor reports.

Task and Workflow Management

• Manage and prioritize a broad range of administrative and operational tasks on behalf of the Executive Director.
• Create and maintain tracking systems for pending actions, delegated tasks, and key deliverables.
• Ensure timely follow-ups with stakeholders and monitor the closure of assignments across departments.
• Anticipate needs and proactively resolve issues to maintain workflow efficiency.

Executive Communication and Reporting

• Draft official communications, reports, and responses to internal and external stakeholders.
• Prepare meeting notes, board presentations, and briefing documents for high-level meetings.
• Act as a point of contact between the Executive Director and academic, administrative, and external entities.
• Handle confidential correspondence and maintain discretion in all communications.

Event and Meeting Coordination

• Organize high-level university meetings, including Board of Governors, Academic Council, and external stakeholder engagements.
• Prepare agendas, record minutes, and follow up on action items from meetings.
• Ensure end-to-end planning of events involving the Executive Director – from logistics to stakeholder coordination.
• Liaise with senior faculty, department heads, trustees, government bodies, and external collaborators.
• Facilitate smooth communication between the Executive Director and cross-functional teams.
• Manage the Executive Director’s calendar, appointments, and travel schedules with accuracy and foresight.
• Oversee travel arrangements, including bookings, reimbursements, and travel documentation.
• Maintain records, files, and digital archives related to strategic, financial, and operational affairs.

Person Specification:

Personal attributes and style

• A strong commitment to the organization and its vision, ambitions, and values
• A personal commitment to and record in effective and respectful partnership working across all staff groups;
• Sound judgement and the ability and courage to make difficult but informed decisions, including on challenging issues;
• Exceptional personal and public communication and relations

Minimum Qualification & Experience:

• MBA or equivalent from a Tier 1 B-School (IIMs, ISB, XLRI, FMS, SPJIMR, etc.) strongly preferred.
• 2–5 years of experience in strategy consulting, corporate strategy, business analysis, or executive office roles.
• Strong analytical, financial modeling, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) is a plus.

Strategic & Analytical Thinking

• Ability to understand institutional goals and align support functions accordingly.
• Strong research and analytical skills to contribute to reports, proposals, and strategic decisions.

Financial Acumen

• Understanding of budgeting, financial reporting, and variance analysis.
• Ability to liaise with finance departments, track expenditures, and assist in planning.

Organizational & Task Management

• Strong coordination skills to manage multiple priorities, track deadlines, and ensure timely execution.
• Experience with tools like Excel, Trello, Asana, or ERP systems for task tracking.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication in English (and local language, if required).
• Professional demeanor with the ability to handle confidential information and interface with senior stakeholders.

Technology Proficiency

• Advanced skills in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Tableau, Power bi, Data Analytics.
• Experience with digital tools for meetings, communication, and document management (Zoom, MS Teams, SharePoint, etc.).

What We Offer:

• High visibility role with direct access to top leadership.
• Opportunity to impact strategic decisions and drive business transformation.
• Dynamic and fast-growing work environment.
• Competitive compensation and benefits.