Head - Strategy and Planning

Scope & AuthorityLead the formulation, refreshing, and execution of corporate strategy in alignment with shareholder and Axiata Group objectivesOwn the enterprise-wide annual business planning and rolling forecast processesEstablish strategic planning, performance management, and governance frameworks across the organizationProvide strategic insights, recommendations, and decision support to the CEO, Executive Committee, and BoardChallenge assumptions, evaluate strategic options, and influence investment and resource allocation decisionsLead cross-functional strategic initiatives, transformation programs, and special projectsRepresent the company in Group-level strategy, planning, and performance forumsKey ResponsibilitiesStrategy FormulationLead the development of the organizations long-term corporate strategy, aligned with shareholder objectives and Axiata Group strategic prioritiesConduct strategic analysis including market trends, competitive landscape, industry disruptions, and internal capabilities to inform strategic choicesFacilitate strategic discussions with the SLT and Board, providing fact-based insights, scenarios, and strategic optionsDefine strategic themes, priorities, and initiatives that support growth, profitability, and transformationEnsure strategic coherence across business units, functions, and investmentsStrategic PlanningLead the annual and long-range business planning process, translating strategy into integrated financial and operational plansDrive alignment between strategic objectives, budgets, forecasts, and capital allocationWork closely with Finance to ensure consistency between strategy, financial planning, and performance targetsEstablish planning assumptions, guardrails, and performance benchmarks to ensure disciplined and realistic plans.Support business units and functional leaders in developing strategic initiatives, business cases, and investment proposalsBusiness Planning & Financial ModellingLead the annual business planning cycle and rolling forecasts across all business unitsReview and challenge assumptions underlying business plans to ensure robustness and achievabilityOversee development of financial models, feasibility studies, and investment appraisalsSupport strategic partnerships, M&A, and expansion initiatives from a planning and valuation perspectiveStrategic Execution MonitoringDesign and oversee the enterprise performance management framework, including KPIs, scorecards, and strategic dashboardsMonitor strategy execution progress, identifying risks, gaps, and corrective actions required to achieve strategic outcomesTrack delivery of strategic initiatives and transformation programs, ensuring benefits realization and value creationEmbed a performance-driven culture focused on outcomes, execution discipline, and continuous improvementPerformance ManagementMonitor organizational performance against strategic objectives and business plansDrive performance reviews with senior leadership, identifying gaps, risks, and corrective actionsProvide consolidated performance insights and recommendations to ExCo and BoardStakeholder & Board EngagementAct as a trusted advisor to the CEO and senior leadership on strategic mattersEngage with Axiata Group stakeholders on strategy, planning, and performance reportingLead preparation of Board papers, dashboards, and strategic updatesCommunicate strategy clearly across the organization to build alignment and ownershipPerson SpecificationsBachelors degree in business, Economics, Finance, Engineering, or a related disciplineMasters degree (MBA / MSc) is strongly preferredProfessional qualifications (CIMA, CFA, ACCA or equivalent) are an advantageMinimum 10–12 years of progressive experience in strategy, corporate planning, consulting, or performance managementPrior experience in large corporates, conglomerates, telecoms, or strategy consulting is highly desirableProven exposure to Board-level engagement and executive decision supportStrong understanding of corporate strategy frameworks, business planning, and performance management.Solid commercial and financial acumen, including valuation and investment analysisUnderstanding of market dynamics, competition, and regulatory environmentsFamiliarity with enterprise performance tools, dashboards, and analyticsExceptional strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skillsStrong financial modeling and business case development capabilityExcellent communication, storytelling, and executive presentation skillsHigh-impact stakeholder management and influencing skillsAbility to manage complexity, ambiguity, and competing prioritiesAbility to translate vision into actionable strategies and execution plansAbility to challenge senior leaders constructively and influence outcomesAbility to lead cross-functional teams without direct authorityAbility to balance strategic thinking with operational executionHigh integrity, credibility, and professional maturityProactive, results-driven, and future-oriented mindsetResilient and adaptable in a fast-paced, evolving environmentStrong ownership, accountability, and attention to quality