Associate, Group Strategy

As an innovative and fast-growing insurance Group, Athora recognises the need to systematically execute on its strategy. This means ensuring that key strategic processes are in place and linked in a closed-loop system going from: strategic planning, communication and mobilisation around the strategy, priorities & target setting, and business steering (via monitoring and performance management). Moreover, it is key for the company to ensure that the high level of change activities move forward in a coherent manner, holding all key strategic projects together under the oversight of the CEO office. The remit of the Group Strategy & Direction associate facilitates the execution and monitoring of the strategic agenda across the group, through an effective cross-fertilisation of ideas across the organisation and a short feedback loop to the Executive Team. In addition, it supports the continuous development of the company strategy and equity story, the enhancement of financial disclosures and articulation of value creation, as well as the proactive management of the relationships with both current and prospective investors

The Associate, Group Strategy & Direction is responsible for facilitating high-profile, high-complexity projects to deliver strategic insights and recommendations, as well as ensuring execution of the Group’s strategic agenda - working closely with senior management - as well as supporting investor activities (e.g. capital raising) as required.

The role requires regular engagement with senior management across the Group, including the Group Executive Team and Local Executive Teams, Finance Functions, and key external stakeholders. Furthermore, the role requires managing the analysis and outputs of other colleagues and teams on an ongoing basis, driving value by enabling high-quality Board and Executive decision-making on key strategic topics, with significant impacts on Athora’s customers, shareholders and the wider organisation. The role will require an individual that balanced strong technical, analytical, communication and project management skills.

You will report into the Senior Director, Group Strategy, however you will also work directly with other members of the team. No two days are the same, you would be involved in a very wide array of topics covering all these dimensions, with significant senior exposure.

Key Responsibilities & Contribution Areas

Strategy Execution, Planning & Performance Analysis:

- Co-ordinate the inputs and preparing of monthly updates on the strategic agenda
- Facilitate Business Units in preparing and maintaining their respective dashboards on a regular basis
- Ensure regular coordination across Strategy, Human Resources and Communication
- Coordinate the organisation and content of management and INED events

Management Actions & Strategic Projects
- Hold together (and as needed oversee directly / coordinate) strategic projects, key management actions and reviews across the group. Ensuring that the delivery is consistent with the strategy and objectives, timelines are met, coordination is maintained and the CEO Office & MEC are promptly informed
- Engagement with various stakeholders to track progress and improve co-ordination of key projects
- Support / drive implementation
- Gather inputs and prepare regular management updates and briefs
- Lead the preparation of Board and Executive Committee meetings

Strategy Development
- Support the production and maintenance of strategic materials
- Support the development of forward-thinking analyses for the Executive Committee
- Conduct an ongoing market watch of key new or competitive movements

Investor Relations
- Support the preparation / review of business plans
- Work alongside Group Finance to support the production of financial and strategic update
- Facilitate preparation for Shareholder Offsites, updates and an Annual Investor Day
- Support the preparation of materials for conferences and other external presentations
- Support the management of investor relationships and regular flow of questions

Personal Capabilities Required
- Strong analytical skills, structured and methodical approach
- Good time management and the ability to work flexibly to meet the needs of the business
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal with the ability to win commitment from others
- Ability to work on own initiative with a highly flexible attitude, whilst maintaining a high degree of confidentiality
- Strong business writing and presentational skills, with a strong attention to detail
- Self-motivated - takes an enthusiastic approach and is able to work under own initiative without need for close supervision to achieve results

Functional or Technical Knowledge and Skill Required

We are looking for a bright, driven individual who will meet the following requirements:

- Previous experience in insurance, banking or consulting
- Strong analytical skills and drive to succeed and impress; willingness