Business Planning & Strategy Assistant Manager

Job Description: 1. Business Strategy & Growth Support the development and execution of business strategies aligned with the company's growth objectives. Translate corporate direction into executable business initiatives. Identify new business opportunities, market trends and commercial improvement initiatives. Conduct strategic analysis and present recommendations to management. Participate in annual business planning and long-term growth initiatives. 2. Commercial & Business Analysis Analyse sales, customer, product and profitability performance to identify trends, risks and opportunities. Develop dashboards and management reports to support executive decision-making. Monitor KPIs and recommend actions to improve business performance. Evaluate commercial initiatives through financial and operational analysis. 3. Business Transformation & Process Improvement Drive business transformation and continuous improvement initiatives across departments. Challenge existing processes and recommend innovative solutions that improve efficiency and business performance. Identify automation and digitalisation opportunities. Lead or participate in cross-functional projects. 4. Commercial Operations & Product Management Support the commercial management of assigned product portfolios. Monitor product performance and recommend actions to improve sales and profitability. Work closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders to optimise product availability and competitiveness. Support pricing reviews and commercial initiatives. 5. Business Operations & Inventory Planning Monitor inventory performance and demand trends. Recommend inventory optimisation initiatives. Review slow-moving inventory and propose corrective actions. Support replenishment planning through business analysis. 6. Stakeholder Management Partner with Sales, Customer Service, Logistics, Finance and suppliers to drive business initiatives. Influence stakeholders through data-driven recommendations. Coordinate cross-functional projects to ensure timely implementation. Requirements Degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain, Economics, Finance or related disciplines. Minimum 5 years' experience in Business Planning, Corporate Planning, Commercial Strategy, Business Development, Commercial Excellence, Management Consulting, Business Transformation or related functions. Experience within a B2B, manufacturing, industrial or engineering environment will be an advantage. Strong commercial acumen with the ability to understand business drivers and translate analysis into actionable recommendations. Proven ability to influence stakeholders and drive cross-functional initiatives. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a structured approach to decision-making. Advanced Microsoft Excel skills are essential. Experience with Power BI, Tableau or other BI tools is advantageous. Strong communication and presentation skills with confidence in presenting business recommendations to management. Self-driven, intellectually curious and comfortable working independently in a dynamic environment. Success Profile The ideal candidate: ✔ Demonstrates strong strategic and commercial thinking. ✔ Challenges conventional practices and continuously seeks better ways of working. ✔ Uses data and business insights to influence decisions. ✔ Thinks beyond day-to-day operations and focuses on long-term business growth. ✔ Works effectively across multiple functions and builds strong stakeholder relationships. ✔ Takes ownership, demonstrates initiative and drives projects independently. ✔ Has the potential to grow into broader business leadership responsibilities.