National Operations Manager

About Publicis Commerce: Informed by data, our passionate team strives to deliver Hero Moments for our clients’ brands in the final mile of the retail customer journey. We pride ourselves on being able to provide winning client solutions delivered across 7 core capability areas: Data & Consumer Insights; Shopper Marketing & Integrated RTM; Field Marketing; Events & Activations; Promotional, Risk, Reward & Loyalty and Retail POS Strategy.

Reporting to the field services director, the purpose of this position is to plan, implement, and execute operational delivery for all TCC campaigns (Long, Short & Tactical) on a national basis. The incumbent will establish, maintain, monitor, and enhance operational systems, infrastructure, and processes aligned with international best practices. As part of the Leadership team, this role will provide strategic operational input to relevant stakeholders and ensure the department meets the fiscal requirements of the business.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, direct, and oversee operational execution across the country.
• Deliver against the department's fiscal targets.
• Help the organization execute long-term & short-term plans & directives by implementing judgment, vision, management & leadership.

Technical Knowledge:

• Reading & understanding of Financial Income & Loss Statements.
• Driving operational execution via the use of Business Management Systems.
• Proficiency in MS Office, especially:
• MS Excel – Pivot Tables, VLookup, etc.
• MS Project – Gantt Charts, etc.
• MS PowerPoint

Theoretical Knowledge:

• Key understanding of implementing operational processes and driving national execution.
• Financial acumen – margin management, profit & loss.
• Understanding of efficient people management.
• Understanding of organizational behaviour principles.

Previous Work Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years of operational work experience in Cellular, FMCG, or Trade Marketing with at least 5 years in a management role, preferably in a national capacity.

Behavioral Competencies:

• High-level communication with excellent written & verbal skills.
• High-level analytical and problem-solving skills with a solution focus.
• High-level consultation, coaching & relationship management skills.
• Ability to multitask, work well under pressure, and meet tough deadlines.
• Acute attention to detail.
• Logical & lateral thinking.

Key performance areas

• Leadership:
  • Anticipate business needs and proactively take actions to achieve business goals.
  • Exchange information and ideas clearly, concisely, and openly. Listen when others are communicating and demonstrate receptivity to ideas presented.
  • Support the Director of Operations and the leadership teams in planning & directing their respective operational affairs.
• Operational Excellence & Execution:
  • Define and implement resources/processes to promote a world-class operational team.
  • Measure the effectiveness and efficiency of operational processes and find ways to continually improve.
  • Ensure that work is produced and executed on time, on brief, and on budget.
  • Optimize internal and external resource allocation and utilisation.
• Stakeholder Management:
  • Build solid relationships with commercial partners and ensure involvement/input on all client pitches & submissions.
  • Regularly engage with Shared Services departments to drive 360° reviews of matrix-managed personnel.
• Reporting:
  • Produce client operational/debrief reports.
• Finance:
  • Implement financial tracking to ensure all operational delivery meets or exceeds the company’s fiscal targets within the business discipline.
• Talent Management:
  • Attract, retain, and grow the best operational talent in the category.
  • Support knowledge transfer, knowledge sharing, and upskilling through relevant & appropriate learning/teaching channels.
  • Build a high-performing team by managing performance against defined standards.
  • Apply and review remuneration and reward to ensure talent retention.
  • Develop a talent pipeline/succession plan in consultation with HR.
  • Promote a positive, results-oriented work environment by building partnerships, modeling teamwork, and communicating to the team in an open, balanced, and objective manner.
  • Drive a learning environment by developing and driving a culture of mentoring and coaching.
  • Define training and developmental needs that enable staff to achieve their potential and support the business’s objectives.
  • Address and manage areas of conflict within the team through effective consultation with HR.