Principal Strategic Planning

Job title

Principal Strategic Planning

Grade

Stream

GCEO Office

Function

Corporate Strategy

Location

Oman 

Budget control

*OPEX and/or CAPEX and/or Revenue amount as relevant*

Reporting to

Head of Strategy & Strategic Planning

Direct reports

0

Job purpose

Lead and direct the identification of OQ  internal and external strategic issues and opportunities to develop and achieve Group’s short and long-term growth and profitability targets, through; (1)  Oversees Strategy development and implementation process, including the analysis of its internal financial information, as well as, the external economic conditions, (2) Formalizes the Business Corporate Strategies for OQ Group, and (3) Oversees the Strategic Planning end-to-end cycle;  in order to advise key stakeholders on strategies and measures to improve performance and works closely with finance in the business planning cycle.

The position will act in accordance with the Group’s Mission, Vision, Values & Strategies, as well as, policies, guidelines and international standards, supported by an IT Technology platform, HSE standards, Omani’s government & other legal justifications, and best international practices in consonance with national objectives.

Main tasks and responsibilities

• Building and networking with Assets and Functions and importance of having healthy connection with Key internal stakeholders.
• Management of interfaces between Strategy and Assets Establish the short and long-term Strategy for OQ and translate it into business plans with objectives for further measurement of success and support the achievement of the OQ’s strategic objectives
• Capture relevant input required for the Financial Planning Models including scenario planning.
• Develop the annual business plan for the achievement of the Group’s vision
• Support the development of Business strategies and plans to maximize value for the Group
• Lead / execute the complex analysis of external economic conditions and assess (business & financial) impact on OQ Group operations (e.g., inflation, interest rates, exchange rates, etc.) to adjust business plans and ensure the Group stays current with and ahead of the market and competition
• Lead the development of integrated financial models & forecasting to analyze data, project and evaluate the potential returns and risks for capital expenditure investment and any other special projects / initiatives with material financial impact, and formulate recommendations for decisions. The financial models must include:
  • Relevant areas for an Energy company vertically integrated corporate Energy sector (Upstream, downstream, chemical, commercial, Alternative Energies)
  • Accurate / updated complex financial models to evaluate OQ Group financial plans
• Identify opportunities for improving the value delivery of Strategy & Planning through innovation and use of technology (digitization)
• Advise the ELT and/or the Board and other key stakeholders to contribute to strategic financial planning discussions
• Lead the creation and implementing consolidated strategic planning processes at OQ by designing strategic plans, providing improvement & recommendations and aligning with finance on the financial plans.
• Lead the gathering of critical information that includes the description and analysis of the environment, financial requirements, people requirements and marketing plan (if applicable), to determine the future strategy for growth, financial needs, and ways to attract investors and lenders.
• Incorporate strategies, tactics in the business plans, to provide results to the forefront.
• Work closely with finance control team and other cross functional teams to produce suite of documents, including annual business plan, forecast, budget commentary, reforecasts, key business lines and corporate KPIs.
• Provide insights associated with key variance / trends arising from reports, forecasts and plans
• Works effectively with managers in areas of responsibility to ensure that department objectives, performance metrics, quality measures, and budget targets are achieved

Key interactions

Internal: OQ SAOC Streams & OQ Assets

External: Staffing specialized Contractors, Vendors & Suppliers / Ministries | Financial Institutions (such as banks) | Lenders | Investors

Notable Working Conditions. Office environment, intensive computer screen use, sporadic visits to operation site.

Education requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with financial background (Finance, Economics, or relevant areas) - required
• Postgraduate / Finance degree (required)

Language requirements 

English – fluent (required) | Arabic – fluent (preferred)

Background and experience

Competencies and skills

• A minimum of 10-12 years of relevant post degree qualification experience
• Strong Strategic Financial Planning & Strategy development & implementation background and experience.
• Relevant experience leading a similar senior role in a corporate environment for the Energy sector
• Strong experience developing financial model forecasting,
• Strong experience developing complex financial models to evaluate financial plans
• Strategist background. 

Soft

• Leadership and people management skills
• Demonstrated strategic orientation
• Advanced business and financial analytical skills
• Ability to influence internal and external stakeholders
• Demonstrated leadership to develop high performing teams
• Capable of inspiring and leading change
• Strong analytical and communication skills, including verbal and written skills
• Highly organized and ability to work independently and manage teams
• Experience and ability to lead a team 
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Detail oriented and self-motivated

Technical:

• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Ability to handle and clearly communicate complex financial information
• Ability to conduct financial and business negotiation

 Authorization

Line manager

Date:

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