Special Project Manager

Job Description – Expert, Special Projects

Function: Strategy and Transformation

1. Role Purpose

The Expert – Special Projects plays a critical role within the Strategy and Transformation function, leading high-impact, strategic initiatives that are central to the organization’s value creation agenda. These initiatives form a core and sustained part of the Strategy and Transformation function’s mandate and require strong ownership, intellectual leadership, and the ability to translate complex business challenges into practical, high-value outcomes.

Reporting to the Group Director – Strategy & Transformation, this role offers the opportunity to work directly on Board- and leadership-sponsored initiatives, shaping key decisions and driving measurable impact across the organization. The incumbent is expected to independently structure and solve complex problems, develop robust analytical insights, and lead cross-functional execution to deliver sustainable business results.

Operating within a fast-paced, high-performance environment, the role provides exposure to a collaborative and results-driven team focused on driving growth, transformation, and enterprise-wide success. It is suited for experienced professionals who thrive in dynamic environments, bring strong commercial acumen, and are motivated to deliver tangible impact and long-term value.

2. Key Accountabilities

Special Projects Delivery

Lead assigned special projects from concept to completion, including problem definition, scoping, planning, execution, and closure
Translate high-level leadership directives into structured initiatives with clear workplans, milestones, and measurable outcomes
Define project approach, methodologies, and success metrics to ensure practical and implementable solutions

Types of Projects Managed

Initiatives focused on unlocking step-change value across the business—including revenue growth, market expansion, profitability uplift, and structural cost transformation—through rigorous analysis, zero-based problem solving, and decisive performance interventions and Board/leadership-driven strategic deep-dives.

Analysis & Value Creation

Conduct detailed quantitative and qualitative analyses to identify opportunities for revenue growth, cost optimization, and performance improvement
Perform financial analysis, including P&L impact assessment, cost-benefit analysis, and business case development
Translate complex data into clear, actionable insights and value-driven recommendations

Implementation

Drive end-to-end implementation of initiatives, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to defined objectives
Track progress, risks, and issues, and proactively resolve challenges to maintain delivery momentum
Ensure recommendations are implemented with clear ownership, measurable outcomes, and sustainability

Stakeholder Management

Engage closely with cross-functional stakeholders to gather inputs, validate assumptions, and align on solutions
Influence and challenge stakeholders through fact-based analysis and structured communication
Coordinate across functions to ensure successful execution and sustained adoption of outcomes

Reporting & Executive Communication

Prepare high-quality executive presentations, business cases, and structured reports for senior leadership
Present findings, recommendations, and progress updates to leadership forums
Develop dashboards, trackers, and performance reports using tools such as Power BI and Excel

Continuous Improvement

Contribute to the development of tools, methodologies, and best practices for managing special projects
Capture lessons learned and institutionalize successful approaches across the Transformation function

3. Skills Required

Technical & Professional Skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving capability, with ability to structure complex and ambiguous problems
Solid financial analysis skills, including business case development, P&L understanding, and value tracking
Proven experience in project management and delivery of cross-functional initiatives
Advanced proficiency in:
Excel (financial modelling, data analysis)
Power BI (dashboarding, data visualization)
PowerPoint (executive-level presentations)

Experience Requirements

Approximately 10 years of relevant experience in strategy, transformation, consulting, or project-driven roles
Preferred background in top-tier or reputable consulting firms , or equivalent experience in transformation / strategy functions within large organizations
Demonstrated experience in handling ambiguous, high-impact, leadership-driven initiatives

Behavioural & Leadership Skills

Ability to operate independently in fast-paced, high-demand environments with multiple priorities
Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills across seniority levels
Excellent communication skills—clear, structured, and concise
High ownership, accountability, and results orientation
Strong interpersonal skills with a collaborative working style

Core Competencies