Business Unit: Discovery Health
Function: Strategy
Date: 17 Jun 2025
Discovery – Health
Divisional Manager: Special Projects
About Discovery
Discovery’s core purpose is to make people healthier and to enhance and protect their lives. We seek out and invest in exceptional individuals who understand and support our core purpose, and whose own values align with those of Discovery. Our fast-paced and dynamic environment enables smart, self-driven people to be their best. As global thought leaders, Discovery is passionate about innovating to not only achieve financial success, but to ignite positive and meaningful change within our society.
About Special Projects
This position is within the Special Projects team, working to analyse important business issues, shape solutions, and improve performance across Discovery Health business units. Special Projects supports Discovery Health to conceptualise, pilot and implement new products, businesses and services.
Key Purpose
The Divisional Manager – Special Projects plays a central role in leading and delivering strategic, high-impact projects across Discovery Health. Reporting to the Head of Special Projects, this individual will oversee multidisciplinary problem-solving efforts, guide team members and / or relevant stakeholders through complex analytical work, and ensure the practical implementation of recommendations. The role combines elements of consulting, strategy execution, and stakeholder engagement to improve performance across business units.
Areas of responsibility may include but are not limited to
1. Project Leadership & Delivery
- Scope, plan, and manage strategic and operational projects across business units.
- Act as project owner for multiple concurrent initiatives, ensuring timely delivery and quality outcomes with minimal support.
- Guide team members and / or relevant stakeholders to structure and solve complex problems, applying appropriate analytical frameworks.
- Ensure alignment between project deliverables and business objectives.
2. Analytical Rigor & Solution Development
- Guarantee the reliability and integrity of team analyses, drawing robust conclusions from data.
- Direct the design and implementation of analytical models, data collection plans, and insight generation strategies.
- Identify and utilise both conventional and unconventional data sources to enhance project findings.
- Drive the development of pragmatic, implementable solutions aligned to Discovery Health’s goals.
3. Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
- Oversee the development of high-quality written outputs (e.g., reports, presentations, memos), ensuring clarity, relevance, and accuracy.
- Present findings to senior stakeholders with clarity and gravitas, adapting content and style to diverse audiences.
- Lead broader communication strategies where required, beyond traditional presentations.
- Build and sustain strong relationships with executives and senior stakeholders, positioning Special Projects as a trusted advisor.
4. Team Development & Collaboration
- Provide day-to-day leadership and mentorship to project teams, offering timely and constructive feedback.
- Empower team members while creating a collaborative and high-performance team culture.
- Invest time in capability building across the team; act as a mentor and role model.
- Collaborate effectively with project sponsors and cross-functional teams to ensure successful delivery and implementation.
5. Quality Assurance & Risk Management
- Conduct rigorous quality assurance across project processes and deliverables.
- Monitor project risks and apply structured risk mitigation strategies.
- Ensure the practicality, relevance, and feasibility of all project recommendations.
- Intervene where needed to redirect efforts and optimise outcomes.
Education and Experience
- Outstanding academic qualifications (engineering, STEM, actuarial, science, finance)
- 4-year analytical degree
- Related professional experience
- 3-5 years of management consulting experience is essential
- Advanced proficiency in MS Word, MS Excel and MS Powerpoint
- Strong track record of professional performance
EMPLOYMENT EQUITY
The Company’s approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process. As an Equal Opportunities employer, we actively encourage and welcome people with various disabilities to apply.
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