Tata Communications - AVP - Business Planning/Strategy & Contract Management

Assistant Vice President – Business Planning

Key Objective/Purpose of the role:

Tata Communications is a leading global communications and enterprise IT service provider that owns and operates the world’s most advanced subsea cable network, delivering first class infrastructure, enterprise solutions and partnerships to carriers and businesses worldwide. Tata Communications’ network is truly global, extending from developed markets to the world’s fastest growing emerging economies.The $2.75 billion company is the flagship with its roots in the emerging markets headquartered in Mumbai and Singapore, it has offices in more than 80 cities across 33 countries.Reporting to the Head of Global Enterprise Solutions the Assistant Vice President -Business planning is responsible for driving financial performance for Enterprise segments (Enterprise Core(GES), Next Gen & Media and Entertainment). Owner of business insight reporting for the Enterprise segments. Drive Annual Planning for Enterprise Sales and support workings around SPP (Strategic Planning Process). Lead and execute development of Sales Incentive Plan for the whole company, Drive Sales Incentive Plan tracking and calculation for GES & Carrier Sales. Periodic reporting of GES performance and outlooks of future performance.Managing a team of 15+ across all geos this role will drive financial performance for $750m of Revenue which generates around $100m of EBITDA. The incumbent is required to manage a cost base of around $650m with objective of maximizing revenue & optimizing cost.

Major Activities

- Sales Incentive Plan Management (SIP): Develop SIP plan document aligned with business strategy; Seek inputs and approval of CEO and President of the business lines for the SIP; Share the finalized SIP with all business lines; Oversee break down of targets and collation of individual SIP agreements by the team for entire GES; On a quarterly basis guide team on analyzing sales data to generate management revenue; Approve SIP payouts and share data with HR for payment; Receive escalated SIP queries and drive their resolution; Identify opportunities for process improvement (speed, efficiency and accuracy, etc). An
important part of this role is Sales Governance to ensure optimal working practices exist which fosters uncompromised global teaming in sales. Driving Automation, Efficiency and accuracy of the SIP calculation process & Revenue performance of GES business

- Annual Operating Plan development(AOP) (Long Term - 3Yr and Annual): Collate and analyze GES performance trends; Share observations and insights at the strategy session with senior GES stakeholders; Collate inputs provided in the strategy session; Collaborate with strategy team and other key stakeholders in analyzing the inputs and developing supporting business scenarios; Develop 3 year AOP based on finalized strategy; Launch the annual AOP process, define the methodology to be used, limiting factors to be considered; Seek inputs from the relevant stakeholders; Over the quarter conduct weekly reviews with
stakeholders to iteratively finalize targets by customer, budgets, etc; Finalize the AOP with requisite approvals; Share finalized AOP with relevant stakeholders for percolating to their teams. Ensuring Forecast Accuracy & Driving Revenue performance & EBITA of GES

- Reporting: Collate, analyze and share monthly financial performance insights with the Enterprise business leadership; Analyze various cost centres, manpower deployment; Share observations on deviations and recommendations on aspects that could be done in a different manner to improve profitability or cash flows; Along with Finance team share forecasts for the remainder of the year based on actual performance. Ensure Quality of insights shared & Timeliness and accuracy of reports

- Team Development: Regularly review team structure and assess talent requirements; Participate in the recruitment and selection process; Conduct goal setting and performance review for the team; Drive team development, engagement and reward initiatives; Coach and mentor team members as required and ensure resolution of any people issues.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

- Qualified accountant/MBA Finance with a minimum 7 years of experience having held roles in a global organization

- Experience in Global telecom industry, Financial, Background in reporting and planning, designing and executing globally Sales Incentive Plans

Requisite Skills

- Experience of driving and managing global teams

- Significant expertise in the telecoms sector with a good knowledge of business planning

- Excellent communicator in terms of updating key stake holders on COE led programs in a professional and timely manner

- Change management skills – this is a transformational role, not managing steady state

- Excellent Analytical Skills

Functional

- Leadership skills across the matrix

- World class geo/segment Business planning skills

Behavioral

- High influencing skills

- Good communicator

- Ability to manage a matrix of resources virtually – developing an overall plan and delegating key elements

- Team player

- Excellent conflict resolution Skills