In today’s dynamic business landscape, the CoS is becoming increasingly popular within organisations as a link between the C-suite and broader teams while spearheading strategic initiatives. TSRecruitment has observed a notable rise in the need for the “CoS” role, indicating a significant shift in leadership dynamics across various sectors. Other titles for this role include Executive Associate, Business Manager, and Strategic Associate.
This article, part of our series “Exploring Opportunities Beyond Management Consulting—Insights from SA’s Talent Acquisition Experts,” sheds light on the evolving landscape of strategy and management consulting talent across industries. TS Recruitment has noticed a marked increase in inquiries from management consultants seeking career guidance and placements in corporate or non-traditional roles. This trend underscores the growing interest among professionals in exploring paths beyond conventional consulting, with the strategic CoS role emerging as an attractive and impactful career avenue.
Strategic Leadership and Collaborative Partnership
While all CoS collaborate closely with senior executives, a strategic CoS transcends traditional duties by serving as a strategic partner within the C-suite. This entails deep engagement with the chief strategy officer (CSO) and CEO, providing key performance indicators (KPIs) aligned with the organisation’s strategic goals.
In companies across different sectors, the strategic CoS plays a vital role in interpreting and conveying complex data to executives, ensuring that strategic initiatives, such as organisational transformation, are based on actionable insights. By actively participating in key decision-making processes, these professionals help ensure that strategic plans are viable and effectively executed throughout the organisation.
Effective Communication and Engagement
A fundamental responsibility of the strategic CoS is to uphold the integrity of strategic initiatives as they are communicated throughout the organisation. Clear and consistent communication is particularly crucial in environments characterised by diversity and complexity. The strategic CoS ensures that strategic plans are comprehensible and embraced by all organisational levels.
Furthermore, they often serve as the primary conveyors of these initiatives to key stakeholders, including boards of directors and financial sponsors such as private equity investors. This requires translating intricate strategies into clear, actionable messages tailored to different audiences, fostering alignment and support across the board.
Flexibility and Adaptability in Varied Roles
The role of the strategic COS can vary significantly depending on organisational needs and individual backgrounds. This flexibility holds value in environments where unique challenges and opportunities abound, such as in South Africa. A strategic COS may hold titles such as Vice President of Strategy, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, or Vice President of Transformation, reflecting the specific focus areas within their organisations.
Their responsibilities may also differ based on their experiences. While an MBA is often a prerequisite, individuals with substantial corporate strategy experience prior to pursuing an MBA can also excel in this role, although with slightly different responsibilities.
A Pathway to Senior Leadership
The strategic CoS role is increasingly viewed as a pathway to senior positions, such as Chief Strategy Officer (CSO). This role is highly esteemed as it prepares individuals to eventually assume P&L responsibilities and ascend to top leadership positions within their organisations.
In Conclusion
The role of the CoS is evolving to address the strategic imperatives of modern organisations. There is a growing demand for strategic CoS who execute and contribute to shaping key strategic initiatives. This evolution underscores the strategic CoS as a vital asset in driving organisational success and preparing for future leadership roles.
The demand for your skills remains robust for Management Consultants seeking new opportunities. Please contact us to explore the exciting roles that are available.