Head of Strategy at VFD Group Plc

VFD Group is an alternative financial service holding company that creates value by working within Nigeria's informal financial sector to create innovative products and solutions that are accessible to the everyday Nigerian.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Head of Strategy

Location: Lagos

Job Summary

• The Head of Strategy will be a key member of the executive team, responsible for shaping and driving the strategic direction of VFD Group.
• This role requires a visionary leader with a strong track record in corporate strategy, investment management, and business transformation, particularly within the Nigerian context.
• The Head of Strategy will work closely with the Executive Committee, the Board, and the Transaction, Investment Management & Strategy (TIMS) team to formulate and execute strategies that enhance portfolio performance, drive growth, and create sustainable shareholder value.
• A critical aspect of this role will be to provide strategic leadership and hands-on support to underperforming portfolio companies, guiding them through turn-around and growth phases.

Key Responsibilities

• Corporate Strategy Formulation & Execution: Lead the annual strategic planning process, from formulation and development to execution and monitoring, ensuring alignment with the Group’s vision, mission, and long-term objectives.
• Portfolio Strategy & Performance: In collaboration with the TIMS team, continuously evaluate the performance of the Group’s investment portfolio, identify areas for improvement, and develop strategies to optimize returns and mitigate risks.
• Strategic Support for Underperforming Companies: Provide direct, hands-on strategic support to underperforming portfolio companies. This includes conducting deep-dive analyses, developing and implementing turnaround strategies, and working closely with the management of these companies to drive performance improvement.
• New Investment & Divestment Strategy: Provide strategic input into the evaluation of new investment opportunities and potential divestments, ensuring alignment with the Group’s overall strategic objectives and portfolio construction goals.
• Market Intelligence & Thought Leadership: Stay abreast of industry trends, competitive landscape, and macroeconomic factors affecting the Group’s portfolio companies. Provide thought leadership and strategic insights to the Executive Committee and the Board. Curate & prepare thought leadership content suitable for external circulation including to prospective investors, institutional stakeholders and regulators.
• Stakeholder Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, portfolio company leadership, and external partners.
• Team Leadership & Development: Lead and mentor the Strategy team, fostering a culture of high performance, collaboration, and continuous learning.

Requirements
Qualifications & Experience:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or a related field. An MBA or other relevant postgraduate qualification is highly desirable.
• A minimum of 10-15 years of experience in a senior strategic role, preferably within a holding company, private equity firm, or management consulting firm in Nigeria.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful corporate and business-level strategies.
• Strong experience in investment analysis, portfolio management, and business turn-around situations.
• Deep understanding of the Nigerian business environment, including regulatory and market dynamics.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and financial modeling skills.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build consensus at all levels of the organization.
• Strong leadership skills with a demonstrated ability to build and lead high-performing teams.

Key Attributes:

• Strategic Thinker: Ability to see the big picture and develop long-term strategies while also being able to dive into the details and drive execution.
• Results-Oriented: A strong bias for action and a relentless focus on achieving measurable results.
• Collaborative: A team player who can work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Resilient: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and challenging environment.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: A proactive and innovative mindset with a passion for building businesses.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.