Business Manager to COO

Job Description

Job Summary

The Business Manager to the COO will provide strategic, operational, and administrative support to the Chief Operating Officer, enabling effective execution of organizational priorities. The role acts as a trusted advisor and coordination point between the COO, executive leadership, and business units, ensuring alignment, performance tracking, and timely delivery of strategic initiatives. This position is ideal for a high-performing professional with strong business acumen and exposure to senior leadership environments.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Strategic Support & Coordination:

• Partner with the COO to execute the Bank’s strategic agenda and transformation programmes. 
• Track deliverables across business units, ensuring timely follow-up, risk identification, and resolution of blockers. 
• Provide structured briefings, talking points, and high-quality presentations for Board, Exco, and regulator engagements.
• Deputize for the COO in internal and external meetings as required. 

Business & Performance Management:

• Develop frameworks and dashboards to monitor execution of COO priorities. 
• Drive cross-functional alignment, ensuring initiatives are delivered to scope, quality, and budget.
• Prepare performance reviews, financial and operational analysis, and executive reports. 

Process & Efficiency Enablement: 

• Coordinate COO Office operations including meeting preparation, follow-up, and tracking of action points.
• Streamline workflows and optimize use of technology, including adoption of AI, automation, and digital productivity tools. 

Stakeholder Engagement & Influence:

• Serve as a key liaison between the COO and business units, enabling clear communication and alignment. 
• Influence outcomes across teams without direct authority by applying strong interpersonal and empathy skills.
• Build trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders (Board members, regulators, auditors, strategic partners). 

Educational Qualifications, Experience, & Skills Required

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Economics, Finance, or related field (MBA or equivalent postgraduate degree strongly preferred).
• Formal training in strategy, consulting, and finance essential. 
• Certification in project management desirable (e.g., PMP, Prince2, or equivalent). 
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in the banking industry, with a blend of line and project/strategy roles. 
• Prior experience in management consulting, corporate strategy, or transformation functions is essential.
• Demonstrated track record of influencing senior stakeholders and managing cross-functional initiatives. 

Core Skills & Competencies

• Strategic thinking, analytical ability, and strong problem-solving skills. 
• Exceptional oral and written communication, with ability to prepare crisp executive outputs. 
• High emotional intelligence, empathy, and influencing without authority. 
• Strong understanding of technology, systems, architecture and associated trends. 
• Strong organizational and execution focus with attention to detail. 
• Adept at leveraging digital tools, AI, and data to drive efficiency. 
• Deep understanding of banking operations, regulatory context, and market trends. 
• Expertise in Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel at an advanced level. 
• Exposure to AI, data analytics, and prompt engineering strongly preferred.