CHIEF OPERATIONAL OFFICER, FINANCIAL CLUSTER

JOB PROFILE

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER - JOSPONG FINANCIAL SERVICES CLUSTER 

Role Purpose

Provide strategic and operational leadership to drive the growth, profitability, operational excellence and long-term sustainability of the Financial Services Cluster, ensuring effective coordination and performance of the Cluster's subsidiaries and the attainment of its strategic and financial objectives.

Reports To

Advisory Board Chairman, with a dotted-line reporting relationship to the Apex Chief Operating Officer

Direct Reports

Subsidiary Heads, Cluster Functional Heads

Grade

Executive II

Location

Accra

Internal Relationships

• Executive Chairman

• Advisory Board Members

• Apex & Jospong Group Executives

• Cluster Functional Heads

• Heads of Subsidiaries/Departments

• All Cluster Staff

External Relationships

• Regulatory Authorities and Government Agencies
• Banks and Other Financial Institutions
• Investment and Fund Management Partners
• Institutional Investors
• Development Finance Institutions
• Foreign Business Delegates and Partners
• Professional and Industry Bodies
• External Auditors and Consultants
• Strategic Business Partners and Clients

KEY RESULT AREAS

• Strategic Leadership
• Operational Excellence
• Financial Performance & Management
• Business Development & Growth
• Investment & Capital Management
• Risk Management & Regulatory Compliance
• Stakeholder Relations & Management
• Team Leadership & Development

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute the long-term strategy of the Financial Services Cluster in alignment with the Group's overall strategic direction and business objectives.

• Provide strategic direction and oversight to subsidiaries and functional units within the Cluster to ensure alignment, integration and achievement of agreed objectives.

• Identify emerging opportunities within the financial services sector and position the Cluster to take advantage of new markets, products, partnerships and investment opportunities.

• Drive organisational transformation, innovation and continuous improvement across the Cluster to enhance competitiveness and long-term value creation.

Operational Excellence

• Provide oversight of the day-to-day operations of the Cluster and ensure effective coordination across subsidiaries and functional areas.

• Establish and monitor appropriate operational standards, policies, systems and performance measures across the Cluster.

• Drive process optimisation, cost efficiency and effective resource utilisation to improve productivity and service delivery.

• Monitor the operational and financial performance of subsidiaries against approved business plans, budgets and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and ensure timely corrective action where required.

Financial Performance & Management

• Provide oversight of the Cluster's financial strategy to ensure sustainable profitability, liquidity and long-term financial performance.

• Lead the development and monitoring of annual budgets, financial forecasts and business plans across the Cluster.

• Review financial performance and ensure that subsidiaries achieve agreed revenue, profitability, cost and cash flow targets.

• Drive cost optimisation and efficient allocation of financial resources across the Cluster.

• Ensure appropriate financial controls, reporting mechanisms and governance systems are maintained across all subsidiaries.

• Work with relevant Group functions to ensure sound treasury, cash flow and capital management practices.

Business Development & Growth

• Identify and pursue new business, market and revenue opportunities for the Financial Services Cluster.

• Lead the development and expansion of financial products, services and business lines that support the Cluster's growth strategy.

• Build strategic relationships with financial institutions, institutional investors, development partners, government agencies and other relevant stakeholders.

• Evaluate potential partnerships, joint ventures and other strategic opportunities that support the growth of the Cluster.

• Position and represent the Cluster effectively within the financial services industry to enhance its visibility, credibility and market presence.

Investment & Capital Management

• Provide strategic oversight of investment activities and ensure investment decisions are aligned with the Cluster's risk appetite, financial objectives and Group strategy.

• Review major investment proposals, business cases and capital requirements and make appropriate recommendations to the Advisory Board and relevant approving authorities.

• Drive effective capital allocation across subsidiaries to maximise returns and support sustainable growth.

• Monitor the performance of significant investments and ensure appropriate measures are implemented to address underperformance.

• Support capital-raising initiatives and engagement with potential investors, lenders and financial partners where required.

Risk Management & Regulatory Compliance

• Provide oversight of enterprise-wide risk management across the Financial Services Cluster.

• Ensure the identification, assessment, monitoring and mitigation of financial, operational, credit, market, liquidity, regulatory and reputational risks.

• Ensure all subsidiaries operate in compliance with applicable financial services laws, regulatory requirements, internal policies and approved governance standards.

• Work closely with Risk, Compliance, Legal, Internal Audit and other relevant functions to strengthen the Cluster's control environment.

• Ensure appropriate business continuity and crisis management arrangements are maintained across the Cluster.

• Monitor changes in the financial services regulatory and economic environment and ensure the Cluster responds appropriately to emerging risks and requirements.

Stakeholder Relations & Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including the Advisory Board, Group executives, subsidiary heads, regulators, financial institutions, investors and strategic partners.

• Maintain constructive engagement with relevant regulatory authorities and ensure appropriate management of regulatory relationships.

• Represent the Financial Services Cluster at high-level meetings, negotiations, industry engagements and other relevant forums.

• Communicate the Cluster's strategy, performance and key initiatives to relevant stakeholders and ensure alignment with the Group's objectives.

• Manage and resolve significant stakeholder concerns and issues affecting the operations or reputation of the Cluster.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, coach and develop a high-performing leadership team across the Financial Services Cluster.

• Establish a culture of performance, accountability, collaboration, integrity and continuous improvement.

• Ensure subsidiary and functional leaders have clearly defined objectives and are held accountable for agreed performance outcomes.

• Support succession planning and leadership development to strengthen the Cluster's long-term management capability.

• Promote collaboration and knowledge sharing across subsidiaries to maximise Group-wide capabilities and opportunities.

JOB SPECIFICATION

Education

• Master's degree in finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, Banking, Investment Management or a related discipline.

• A relevant professional qualification or membership of a recognised professional body such as CFA, ACCA, ICA, CIMA, CPA or an equivalent professional body will be an advantage.

Experience

• At least fifteen (15) years of progressive experience in financial services, banking, investment, insurance, asset management, corporate finance or a related sector, with significant experience in a senior executive or leadership role.

• Demonstrated experience in managing complex businesses, subsidiaries or multiple business units within a financial services environment.

• Proven track record of delivering sustainable business growth, profitability and operational improvement.

• Strong experience in financial management, investment analysis, business development, risk management and corporate governance.

• Experience engaging with Boards, regulators, financial institutions, investors and other senior-level stakeholders.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

• Strong strategic leadership and business management capability.

• Excellent understanding of the financial services industry and its operating environment.

• Strong commercial and financial acumen with the ability to interpret complex financial information and make sound business decisions.

• Strong knowledge of financial management, budgeting, forecasting, investment analysis and capital allocation.

• Good understanding of financial markets, investment products and financial services business models.

• Strong understanding of enterprise risk management, regulatory compliance, governance and internal controls.

• Ability to identify and develop new business and investment opportunities.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.

• High level of integrity, professionalism and ethical standards.

• Ability to operate effectively within a regulated and rapidly changing business environment.

• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building capability.

• Excellent negotiation, networking and conflict management skills.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, including the ability to engage effectively with Boards, regulators, investors and senior executives.

• Strong people management capability, including team building, performance management, coaching and succession development.

• Ability to drive organisational change and operational improvement across multiple subsidiaries and business units.

• Strong understanding of corporate strategy, strategic planning, budgeting, business analysis and performance management.

• Excellent leadership, managerial, coaching, mentoring and interpersonal skills.