SUMMARY:
PRINCIPAL | CITIES - CBD, Western Cape
Competitive Package on Offer based on Qualification and y
POSITION INFO:
PRINCIPAL | CITIES - CBD, Western Cape
Competitive Package on Offer based on Qualification and years of relevant experience!
GLOBAL CONSULTING FIRM is currently growing their team of dynamic consulting professionals.
The Principal will support the Organisation's Cities practice based in Cape Town and will be a key part of the Cities leadership team. This is critical in steering the practice's commercial performance and strategic direction. The candidate will be expected to drive the commercial and strategic initiatives of the practice, demonstrating adeptness in leading large teams and managing high-value client engagements. The ideal candidate will bring a proven track record of managing substantial consulting operations and will be instrumental in mentoring senior managers and guiding large teams across complex multi-disciplinary projects.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Drive the commercial strategy and commercial reporting for the Cities practice, identifying and capitalizing on new business opportunities to ensure sustained growth and profitability through strong delivery.
- Manage the practice's operations, including financial oversight, project management, and resource allocation to maximize efficiency and effectiveness. Lead complex client engagements, delivering innovative solutions that reinforce our reputation as industry leaders.
- Foster long-term client relationships that result in repeat business and expanded contracts.
- Provide strategic direction to the team in support of advancing a culture of high performance and continuous improvement in delivery of work for clients.
- Actively mentor junior and senior staff, enhancing their professional skills and preparing them to take on leadership roles within the organization's delivery of work.
- Utilize extensive knowledge in urban planning and development to serve as an authority within the company, advising on best practices and innovative approaches.
- Maintain and expand a robust network of industry contacts, enhancing the Company's visibility and influence in the urban development sector.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
Required
- A Master's degree in Town and Regional Planning, Finance, Law, Economics, Real Estate, Architecture, Business Leadership or related fields.
- Minimum of +10 years in leadership roles within renowned global management consultancies, specializing in urban development and strategic planning.
- Demonstrated success in managing a large, dynamic consultancy practice, including significant achievements in client portfolio growth, strategic decision-making, and operational excellence.
- Extensive experience overseeing multi-disciplinary teams on large-scale, high-impact projects, with proven capabilities in delivering projects on time, within budget, and above client expectations.
- Strong background in financial management of large projects in the built environment sector, including budgeting, financial forecasting, and profit and loss management.
Preferred
- Proven experience working in Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and/or the Middle East, with a deep understanding of the regional dynamics that affect business and urban development.
- Proficiency in multiple languages relevant to our operational regions (e.g., Arabic, French, Portuguese, Swahili) is advantageous.
Key skills:
This role calls for several specific skills and characteristics, including:
- Exceptional leadership and managerial skills, capable of managing both high-level strategic initiatives and day-to-day operational tasks.
- Robust commercial acumen, with a track record of successful business development and commercial management in consulting.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of motivating and leading diverse teams and managing stakeholder relationships.
- Demonstrated resilience and adaptability in a high-pressure and fast-paced environment. Experienced in managing change and leading transformation in large organizations.
- Ability to articulate and implement a clear vision for the Cities practice, aligning with the Company's overall strategic objectives. Capable of making high-stakes decisions and adapting strategy to changing market conditions.
- Exceptional skills in identifying and pursuing new business opportunities, negotiating high-value contracts, and securing strategic partnerships. Adept at recognizing and capitalizing on market trends to facilitate growth.
- Superior client management skills, with a focus on building and sustaining long-term strategic relationships. Recognized for ability to manage and satisfy stakeholder expectations in complex and politically sensitive environments.
- Commitment to the professional development of staff at all levels, with a track record of mentoring high-potential individuals to leadership roles within the consultancy.
- Strong analytical abilities with a pragmatic approach to problem-solving. Capable of dissecting complex issues and crafting effec
