Senior Director, Strategy & Planning

The McGraw-Hill Companies is one of the world's leading providers of information services and publishers of educational, business and professional information

Senior Director, Strategy & Planning  The McGraw-Hill Companies, a leading global information provider with offices in 33 countries around the world, has an excellent opportunity for a Senior Director, Strategy & Planning, Corporate Planning Office. Reporting to the Senior Vice President of Strategy & Planning, this position is responsible for supporting and evaluating segment performance through collaborative efforts with segment management.  Once the strategic plans have been defined, the successful candidate is responsible for evaluating segment performance against operating targets, incorporating segment knowledge into the overall strategic plan of the corporations, identifying new business areas, evaluating segment operating performance, supporting segment initiatives and leading corporate/multi-segment initiatives.  Responsibilities Primary responsibilities include supporting the development of the corporate strategic plan, provide guidance to segment and set performance expectations, measure and evaluate performance, and support the implementation of new corporate and segment initiatives.Develop corporate strategic planSupport SR. VP in developing the corporate strategy and setting global prioritieso  Perform short-term and long-term portfolio analysis of business units o  Work with corporate finance to develop capital allocation and investment hurdles o  Support identification and development of  4th leg and cross-segment opportunitiesIncorporate segment specific knowledge into corporate plan and identify gaps between corporate plans and segment potential Team with peers across segments to ensure strategy alignment and to highlight cross segment opportunitiesSupport development of segment strategic planProvide guidance and expectations for segment strategic planning process Conduct market/competitive analysis and work with segments to form shared views of the marketplace Participate in development of the segment strategic plan and verify consistency with corporate strategy and objectives Develop strategic plans for non-performing business units Vet segment strategy prior to Executive review Perform ad hoc analysis and projects at segment requestIdentify new opportunities for business unit growthAssess whether business units are, or have plans for, achieving full potential valueExplore new markets and potential growth platformsServe as a catalyst to identify and develop new business opportunities in adjacent marketsIdentify and analyze the fit and strategic value of potential acquisitionsPerform market segment analysis to provide insight as to customer and market needsMeasure and evaluate segment performanceDetermine industry growth rates and growth potential for the segment Ensure linkage of strategic plan with MRP by working with finance Work with segments/finance to develop financial and non-financial metrics that link segment performance against strategic direction and initiatives Set segment targets -  both financial and non-financial with multi year outlook Monitor segment performance against target metrics and report quarterly Work with segments to identify root cause of non-performance, to suggest remedial action and to execute turnaround effortsSupport implementation of new corporate and segment initiativesHelp translate corporate initiatives into actions to take place at the segment/BU level Take lead roles in driving corporate initiatives into segments and across the organization Provide analysis and resources to support segment initiatives (e.g. quantify initiative potential and value captured)The McGraw-Hill Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse workforce. M/F/D/V.



Knowledge and Experience

Candidate must possess the following:

 Bachelor's degree (MBA strongly preferred) Minimum of ten years of business experience with a background in either private equity, management consulting, or strategic planning (preferably in an industry aligned with one of MH's business segments) Proven track record of developing and implementing business strategies and assessing business performance in a corporate environment Ability to frame options related to business issues and independently develop details and analysis Strong verbal and written communication skills — equally effective in formal and informal settings with senior managers at conveying key information and defending positions Excellent analytical skills with an ability to synthesize qualitative and quantitative information effectively Demonstrated ability to structure and direct sophisticated business and strategic analysis Team player with strong interpersonal and organizational skills Strong project management skills and the ability to drive projects to completion in a complex, deadline driven environment

 

Problem Solving and Leadership

Successful candidate must have the ability: To build consensus and gain senior management buy-in for potential opportunities To think strategically and be able to develop strategy that translates into actionable initiatives To effectively operate in a matrix environment