GROUP CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Lets Write Africa's Story Together!

Old Mutual is a firm believer in the African opportunity and our diverse talent reflects this.

Job Description

An opportunity has arisen for an experienced and dynamic business leader. The individual will be accountable for providing overall leadership and developing a sustainable, efficient and strategic direction for the company’s operations. The incumbent will be accountable for achieving results through comprehensive business management over the medium to long-term. He/she will lead the business to deliver on its aspirations and help to navigate the ever-changing environment.

The incumbent will report directly to the Group Chief Executive Officer.

Key Purpose of the Role

The role is responsible for providing direction to various critical, strategic and operational functions within Old Mutual Malawi. The responsibilities will encompass general operations, ICT, procurement and vendor management, security risk management, Innovation, project management, environmental health and safety (EHS) and facilities management for all subsidiary companies of Old Mutual Malawi, including Old Mutual Life Assurance Company, Old Mutual Pension Services Company, Old Mutual Investments Group, Old Mutual Unit trusts Company, MPICO, Mthunzi Funeral Services Company and Old Mutual Finance.

The role has the following deliverables:

Operations

• Risk, compliance and controls: Ensure robust operational risk management, internal controls, and regulatory compliance frameworks across operations; coordinate with Risk, Compliance, Internal Audit and regulators as needed.
• Process and efficiency: coordinate across the group internal operations, identify bottlenecks, and implement process improvements, automation, and technology enhancements to improve turnaround times, cost‑to‑income, and error rates.
• Procurement and Vendor Management optimizes cost and ensures quality service delivery 
• Ensuring Environmental Health and Safety as well as Security across the group follow best practice and group guidelines 
• Project Management- oversee robust project management in order to achieve group objectives and strategies. 

IT Service Delivery Management

• Provide vision, direction and leadership to IT resources and structures.
• Manage across areas and technologies, to integrate and deliver a business service.
• Support strategic goals of business by providing cost-effective business solutions.
• Proactively develop principles, disciplines and the procedures required to govern the relationships and issues in the provision of IT business services.
• Manage overall budgets, staff structures and operational environment.
• Responsible for planning and alignment with corporate activities.
• Manage the Senior IT Management teams.
• Manage work that differs from that done by the Senior IT Manager in terms of scope, complexity, accountability and budget.

Digital, Data and Analytics:

• Lead the development, post implementation management and e-commerce efforts for all data assets of the company.
• Develop and implement a data analytics strategy to transform operational data into actionable insights. This may involve identifying key metrics, establishing data collection procedures, and utilizing data visualization tools.
• Develop strategies to optimise data quality and governance.
• Utilize data analysis to identify trends in operational performance, customer behavior, and market fluctuations.
• Generate regular reports (monthly, quarterly, annual) that provide a clear picture of operational efficiency, cost drivers, and potential areas for optimization.
• Partner with business unit leaders to translate data insights into strategic decision-making.
• Collaborate across teams to communicate digital product strategies with internal stakeholders and adjust priorities according to feedback.

Stakeholder Management

Act as a key liaison for Malawi to:

• Engage with stakeholders across the market, Malawi Business Units as well as other stakeholders outside Malawi.
• Working with internal and external stakeholders to deliver the Malawi total value offering.

Procurement and Vendor Management:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive procurement strategy that prioritizes best value for money, considering quality, cost, and risk factors.
• Lead the vendor selection process, conducting due diligence assessments, issuing requests for proposals (RFPs), and negotiating contracts with shortlisted suppliers.
• Manage relationships with key vendors, ensuring on-time delivery and cost-effectiveness.
• Implement a vendor performance management system to track vendor performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Manage the adherence to service level agreements (SLAs) for all suppliers and vendors for the business.

Security Risk Management:

• Conduct comprehensive risk assessments to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities across all operational areas.
• Develop and implement robust security protocols to safeguard company assets, information systems, and customer data. This may include access controls, data encryption, and disaster recovery plans.
• Manage the implementation and ongoing adherence to relevant regulations.
• Lead security awareness training programs to educate employees on best practices for protecting themselves, company assets and customers.

Project Management:

• Develop a project management methodology for planning, executing, and monitoring multiple projects concurrently.
• Lead the development of detailed project plans, outlining timelines, budgets, resource allocation, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Manage project teams effectively, assigning tasks, monitoring progress, and ensuring adherence to project deliverables.
• Proactively identify and mitigate potential risks associated with ongoing projects and implement corrective actions.
• Utilize project management software to track progress, report on key metrics, and ensure transparency with stakeholders.
• Ensure the continuation of product life cycle processes across the various business verticals and adjust accordingly.

Environmental Health & Safety (EHS):

• Develop and implement a comprehensive EHS program that prioritizes the safety and well-being of employees, minimizes environmental impact, and complies with all relevant regulations.
• Conduct regular EHS audits to identify potential hazards and ensure adherence to safety protocols.
• Partner with facilities management to ensure the proper maintenance and safe operation of buildings and equipment.
• Develop and implement emergency response procedures for fire, natural disasters, and other unforeseen events.
• Foster a culture of safety awareness within the organization by promoting safe work practices and employee participation in safety initiatives.

Facilities Management:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive facilities management plan to optimize space utilization, ensure efficient operations, and maintain a positive work environment.
• Oversee the maintenance and upkeep of Old Mutual Malawi's motor vehicles and facilities, including office buildings and branches. This may involve budgeting for maintenance activities, scheduling repairs, and managing vendor contracts for services (e.g., cleaning, security).
• Manage lease agreements for office space, negotiate with vendors for utilities and building services, and oversee renovations or space reconfiguration projects. Implement space management strategies to ensure efficient utilization of office real estate, considering future growth needs

People Management

• Build, mentor and manage a team while nurturing a customer-driven culture.
• Ensure continuous support and development of skills and competencies in conjunction with Human capital.

The following are key requirements for the role:

A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and a relevant postgraduate qualification. Minimum 10 years of experience in a similar operational / business management role within a financial services organisation. Experience at a senior management position is a must. Strong understanding of procurement principles, vendor management best practices, and negotiation techniques. Be comfortable with leading ICT, data analytics methodologies and experience in utilising data visualisation tools to generate business insights. Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or a similar project management qualification is an added advantage. Knowledge of recognised Environmental Health and Safety management framework, such as ISO 14001 or OHSAS 18001 (or equivalent Malawian standards). Experience in facilities management, including budgeting, maintenance oversight, and vendor management for facilities services. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship management skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a proactive and results-oriented approach. Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

Skills

Action Planning, Agile Project Management, Change Management, Data Compilation, Executing Plans, Legal Practices, Occupational Safety and Health, Oral Communications, Policies & Procedures, Professional Presentation, Project Delivery Management, Safety Management, Servant Leadership

Competencies

Builds Effective Teams

Communicates Effectively

Customer Focus

Directs Work

Drives Engagement

Drives Vision and Purpose

Ensures Accountability

Financial Acumen

Education

Bachelors Degree (B): Business Management And Information Technology (Required)

Closing Date

11 March 2026 , 23:59

The Old Mutual Story!