Business Planning & Strategy Assistant Manager

Job Description:

1. Business Strategy & Growth

• Support the development and execution of business strategies aligned with the company's growth objectives.
• Translate corporate direction into executable business initiatives.
• Identify new business opportunities, market trends and commercial improvement initiatives.
• Conduct strategic analysis and present recommendations to management.
• Participate in annual business planning and long-term growth initiatives.

2. Commercial & Business Analysis

• Analyse sales, customer, product and profitability performance to identify trends, risks and opportunities.
• Develop dashboards and management reports to support executive decision-making.
• Monitor KPIs and recommend actions to improve business performance.
• Evaluate commercial initiatives through financial and operational analysis.

3. Business Transformation & Process Improvement

• Drive business transformation and continuous improvement initiatives across departments.
• Challenge existing processes and recommend innovative solutions that improve efficiency and business performance.
• Identify automation and digitalisation opportunities.
• Lead or participate in cross-functional projects.

4. Commercial Operations & Product Management

• Support the commercial management of assigned product portfolios.
• Monitor product performance and recommend actions to improve sales and profitability.
• Work closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders to optimise product availability and competitiveness.
• Support pricing reviews and commercial initiatives.

5. Business Operations & Inventory Planning

• Monitor inventory performance and demand trends.
• Recommend inventory optimisation initiatives.
• Review slow-moving inventory and propose corrective actions.
• Support replenishment planning through business analysis.

6. Stakeholder Management

• Partner with Sales, Customer Service, Logistics, Finance and suppliers to drive business initiatives.
• Influence stakeholders through data-driven recommendations.
• Coordinate cross-functional projects to ensure timely implementation.

Requirements

• Degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain, Economics, Finance or related disciplines.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in Business Planning, Corporate Planning, Commercial Strategy, Business Development, Commercial Excellence, Management Consulting, Business Transformation or related functions.
• Experience within a B2B, manufacturing, industrial or engineering environment will be an advantage.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to understand business drivers and translate analysis into actionable recommendations.
• Proven ability to influence stakeholders and drive cross-functional initiatives.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a structured approach to decision-making.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills are essential. Experience with Power BI, Tableau or other BI tools is advantageous.
• Strong communication and presentation skills with confidence in presenting business recommendations to management.
• Self-driven, intellectually curious and comfortable working independently in a dynamic environment.

Success Profile

The ideal candidate:

✔ Demonstrates strong strategic and commercial thinking.

✔ Challenges conventional practices and continuously seeks better ways of working.

✔ Uses data and business insights to influence decisions.

✔ Thinks beyond day-to-day operations and focuses on long-term business growth.

✔ Works effectively across multiple functions and builds strong stakeholder relationships.

✔ Takes ownership, demonstrates initiative and drives projects independently.

✔ Has the potential to grow into broader business leadership responsibilities.