Growth Programmes Lead

The Growth Programmes Lead (Director) will drive and coordinate value creation activities across the Growth function including (a) our EiQ value creation initiative (b) our Advisory ESG initiative as well as (c) relevant regional growth plans, sector growth plans and country growth plans during their inception and handover to the business for delivery. The role will be expected to both identify, build and oversee initial delivery of the growth agenda, working directly for the Chief Growth Officer and collaborating with business development, marketing, commercial, advisory, I.T. and other relevant leaders across LRQA.

Key Responsibilities:

The Growth Programmes Lead role is designed for a high-performer with proven experience in high-growth, international business environments and / or organisations working through transformation. They should be comfortable navigating and managing ambiguity and bring structure to decision making. The candidate should also understand the connectedness between online and offline service ecosystems and be familiar with ongoing organisational change and transformation. Key responsibilities include …

• Work with the CGO and key stakeholders to identify high level strategic opportunities and build these into growth initiative business briefs with business case insight / metrics to support decision making.
• Shape and structure a wider growth agenda by working with the CGO and key stakeholders within business units (e.g. EiQ and Advisory), regions, sectors, and countries and across delivery and functional teams.
• Proactively evaluate and engage on how data / insights from growth initiatives inform the continued evolution of our EiQ platform and value proposition for clients.
• Once business cases are approved, create a light project structure, and provide full project oversight (maintaining project artefacts, weekly / monthly status updates etc.) for each growth initiative. Includes for both organic growth initiatives and potentially for M&A integration.
• Coordinate and oversee key stakeholder / business progress to ensure active growth initiatives are fully implemented on-time and effectively. Note: May include direct engagement and leadership of initiatives prior to them transitioning into the core business.[1]
• Works actively with delivery stakeholders to identify and resolve any dependencies and resolve / escalate blockers. Includes the resolution and clarification of roles, responsibilities and alignment into the business.
• Liaise with marketing, business development leads, internal comms, strategic account management and functional areas on growth initiatives and ensure coordination between countries and regions.
• Align with Finance, Human Resources, I.T. and other business stakeholders to review the business briefs / business cases and status and to proactively manage risks / opportunities. Note: Will ensure appropriate financial oversight of business briefs and growth plans, and reports on progress to the CGO as well as the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and Board.
• Escalates as appropriate to the CGO and Chief Commercial Officer where decisions need to be made.

Technical / Professional Qualifications / Requirements:

• Proven experience of business growth programmes, acquired through experience managing markets / projects / programmes focussed on growth, or through marketing and sales experience
• Distinctive blend of business, financial and communication skills, this is a highly visible position with substantial impact and that will require direct engagement with senior leaders
• Knowledge of project management methodology and experience with major program management approaches
• Proficiency with project planning and reporting tools and understanding of project management practices
• Exceptional verbal and written and presentation communication skills; expertise in setting and managing stakeholder expectations. Strong PowerPoint and Excel skills.
• Effective influencing and negotiating skills in an environment in which this role may not directly control resources.
• Create a controlled environment for project delivery, proactively managing and engaging with the project sponsor and board ensuring that there are ‘no surprises’ during a project’s lifespan.
• Able to successfully manage projects able to demonstrate comprehensive understanding of the relevant specialist requirements, knowledge, and application
• Adaptable and well organised with a practical minded approach and the ability to work to tight deadlines
• Is exceptionally well organised with high attention to detail. Is data-driven, analytical, and evidenced based in their thinking and decision making.
• Flexibility and able to multitask in fast moving and rapidly growing environment
• Ability to build relationships with a broad set of stakeholders across all levels within the organisation
• Appetite/curiosity for exploration and learning to continuously develop professionally and personally

Keywords

business growthproject managementcommunication skillsstakeholder managementfinancial oversightproject deliveryrelationship buildinganalytical thinkingdecision makingleadership