The Head of Planning Services is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the strategic and operational planning functions of the organization. This role is crucial for ensuring that organizational goals are translated into actionable plans, monitored effectively, and aligned across all functional units. The Head of Planning Services will lead a team, drive process improvements, foster cross-functional collaboration, and ensure timely and accurate reporting to support informed decision-making and achieve overall business objectives.
Department: Planning
Reports To: General Manager, Corporate Planning CEO
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Planning Leadership:
Lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of the organization’s strategic and operational plans, ensuring alignment with the overall vision and mission.
Facilitate strategic discussions, workshops, and goal-setting sessions with senior leadership and department heads.
Translate strategic objectives into measurable tactical and operational plans for all departments.
Continuously monitor the internal and external environment for potential contingencies, proposing strategic adjustments and revisions to plans as needed.
Operational Planning & Alignment:
Drive the integration of planning efforts with major operational functional units (e.g., Manufacturing, Marketing, Logistics) to ensure seamless execution and shared objectives.
Ensure that planning activities are pragmatic and directly support day-to-day operations, moving beyond a purely research-focused approach.
Develop and standardize planning methodologies, tools, and best practices across the organization.
Performance Management & Reporting:
Establish and maintain a robust reporting system to effectively track, analyze, and evaluate the implementation of strategic and operational plans.
Lead the compilation and consolidation of performance reports from various work units, conducting thorough variance analysis to identify trends, areas for improvement, and risks.
Prepare and present regular and ad-hoc performance reports and insightful analysis to senior management and stakeholders.
Ensure reporting formats and procedures are well-communicated, understood, and adhered to by all relevant parties.
Team Leadership & Development:
Build, mentor, and empower a high-performing Planning Services team.
Oversee recruitment, on boarding, training, performance management, and professional development for team members.
Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and proactively within the department.
Address human resource constraints by optimizing workflows, prioritizing tasks, and advocating for necessary staffing adjustments or technology solutions.
Communication & Collaboration:
Act as a catalyst for cross-functional collaboration, fostering strong working relationships with all departments to ensure seamless integration of planning and monitoring activities.
Ensure timely, clear, and formal communication from the Planning Services department to relevant stakeholders.
Develop and implement effective feedback mechanisms on planning and reporting outcomes.
Risk Management & Follow-up:
Lead the identification, assessment, and mitigation of risks associated with strategic and operational plans.
Strengthen the department’s role in controlling and following up on plan execution, ensuring extensive engagement and proactive intervention where necessary.
Implement robust follow-up procedures to ensure commitments are met and deviations are addressed promptly.
Budget & Resource Management:
Collaborate closely with the Finance department in the preparation of the company’s budget, providing critical input and ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
Manage the department’s budget and resources efficiently.
About You
Qualifications:
MA/Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, Economics, Finance, Industrial Engineering, or a related field. A Master’s degree (
Minimum of 5/6+ years of progressive experience in planning, strategic management, business analysis, or a related senior management role, with at least 2+ years in a leadership/head position.
Proven track record of successfully developing, implementing, and monitoring strategic and operational plans in a complex organizational environment.
Strong understanding of organizational dynamics and cross-functional dependencies.
Special Skill Requirements:
Strategic thinking and planning skills
Good understanding of the Ethiopian electric business environment
Strong analytical and forecasting skills
Financial acumen and business intelligence
Risk management and mitigation expertise
Excellent communication and presentation skills
Strong stakeholder management and negotiation skills
Leadership and influencing, project management and execution skills
Knowledge of innovation and future trends
Ethical conduct and integrity
Established network of contacts within Ethiopian government agencies, regulatory bodies, and key industries
ACCA, CFA accreditation recommended