Head of Strategic Planning & New Business Development

Unga Holdings Ltd., is amongst the leading Human and Animal Nutrition Companies in Kenya and has been in operation for over 100 years. Unga Holdings Ltd. operates as a strategic alliance between the Unga Group (listed on the Nairobi Stock Exchange) and US-based multinational, Seaboard Corporation, whose diversified business has operations in North America, Central & South America, the Caribbean, Sub-Saharan Africa, South-East Asia, and Australia.

Today, Unga Holdings Ltd. is headquartered in Nairobi and has an annual turnover of over Kshs 15 billion in East Africa. It is the holding company for four operating companies - Unga Limited (human nutrition), Unga Farm Care (EA) Limited (animal nutrition and health), Unga Millers Uganda Limited (human and animal nutrition) and Bullpak Limited (paper packaging).

To achieve its future objectives, Unga Holdings Ltd. is in the process of transforming the business to a company that is continuously aligned to changing market and consumer needs, as well as to achieving its mission of “Pioneering Access to Good Nutrition for a Healthier Society.” By leveraging on its high loyalty base for its products, Unga Holdings Ltd. believes in creating a growth platform on the back of consistent quality and efficiencies in the entire business process. The group has embarked on a journey of Continual Improvement, with the Kaizen methodology guiding continuous improvement in productivity and quality, based on a participatory process involving the entire workforce.

Unga Holdings Ltd. is looking to recruit a dynamic and passionate Head of Strategic Planning and New Business Development, who will work closely with the Board to drive the development and implementation of the Group’s future business strategy.

The Mandate

The Head of Strategic Planning and New Business Development will be responsible for driving the development and implementation of future business strategy, to achieve the Group’s revenue and profitability goals, while maintaining and enhancing its leading industry position.

Reporting to the Group Managing Director, she/he will be responsible for identifying, evaluating, developing, and managing new strategic initiatives and business opportunities within the EAC.

Key Responsibilities

• Defining and developing the long-term strategic goals for Business Development, in line with Unga Holdings Ltd.’s overall strategic context.
• Directing action towards achievement of the group’s goals, as well as monitoring and reporting on key performance indicators for strategic and business plans.
• Identifying and analyzing the strategic issues, challenges and choices for Unga Holdings Ltd. as a whole, as well as each business unit individually.
• Providing high-level strategic, planning, and policy advice, as well as presenting clear recommendations, to the Group Managing Director and Board on all matters affecting future business operations.
• Identifying, analyzing and monitoring new revenue-generation opportunities that promote and enhance the Group’s mission and vision.
• Providing overall project management for ongoing revenue-generation initiatives, including leading cross-functional teams responsible for delivery.
• Conducting ongoing strategic analysis of key competitors with regular updates to the Board.
• Conducting due diligence when evaluating and managing mergers and acquisitions, ensuring full integration into existing business upon completion.
• Leading the annual strategic planning process to assess key market and industry trends, including developing strategic capital plans and long range financial forecasts.
• Managing and growing relationships with key clients, suppliers and partners.

Desired Skills and Experience

Unga Holdings Limited is an equal opportunity employer, and a diverse set of candidates is being sought for formal consideration.

The Ideal Candidate will have the following experience and background:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related discipline
• A Master’s degree in Business Administration, concentration on Finance or Strategy, will be an added advantage.
• At least 12 - 15 years of commercial experience; international work experience will be an added advantage.
• Experience working within a multinational environment in a strategy and/or new business development role.
• Knowledge of or experience working in human food, pharmaceutical and/or agricultural-related industries preferred.
• Excellent business acumen and financial management skills; proven experience with detailed financial modeling.
• A results-oriented, self-starter, with strong interpersonal communication, analytical, organisational and problem solving skills.
• Excellent negotiation and presentation skills; proven ability to interact and work with senior management and Board level executives.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a proactively diverse and inclusive organization.
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment.  
• Proven ability to cope with conflict, stress and crisis situations

The Ideal Candidate will be a leader who demonstrates the following personal traits:

• Proactive, strategic thinker with the drive to make a significant contribution at a strategic level.
• Innovative and dynamic with the ability and initiative to ‘think-out-of-the-box’.
• Ability to identify external threats and opportunities and adapt strategies to changing conditions.
• Results driven and thrives in a high performance environment with a strong focus on local accountability.
• Highly analytical individual with excellent decision-making skills.
• Dynamic self-starter with the ability to work independently and apply sound judgment to solve complex business problems.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to influence key stakeholders.
• Strong drive and commercial awareness.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Apply on company website