Research and Development Analyst with experience within the Information Technology space required for leading Group to conduct best practice research to promote industry knowledge development and dissemination, generate "Industry and Customer Intelligence" towards business growth and transformation, and to facilitate the end-to-end process, from, inception to the final merger / acquisition / disposal of a commercial entity.
Contribute towards business growth by initiating transformation projects based on industry research, and ensure follow through on benefit realisation measurement:
Research market conditions and developments;
Identify specific market and customer needs and requirements, gaining an understanding of the financial and commercial state of companies;
Liaise with internal stakeholders on best practices services and solutions, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats;
Define the R&D agenda and key priorities, and facilitate the required approval process;
Take accountability of business case development from planning, authorisation, change management revision and benefit management;
Ensure the viability of the project and business case throughout the duration of the project, as well as the management of the business benefits;
Ensure that there is no negative customer, customer service or operational impact,
Take the lead in project initiation, planning, and coordinating the required resources (internal and external) to be involved;
Complete the Business Implementation Plan;
Recommend a transition plan for moving from the As-Is to the To-Be environment;
Monitor and manage inter/intra departmental or cross-functional dependencies;
Monitor project budget and recoveries;
Assess business risk, identify mitigating actions, and monitor on-going management of potential business risk;
Deliver the project on time and within budget and scope;
Manage the involvement from the business community in all research and development initiatives;
Contribute to the post implementation benefit realisation evaluation and reporting; and
Determine and report on the return of investment achieved.
Provide input towards the required operational capacity to successfully execute on strategy;
Understand current and new product and service interrelationships, and the impact thereof on current and future business, financial and operating model, processes, systems and applications across the various Bytes MS functions;
Research best fit alternatives, and develop different scenarios based on it’s application within the Bytes MS context;
Present research findings for management decision making;
Recommend future capacity to be proactively put in place to support execution of the business strategies;
Recommend allocation of CAPEX for developing new / additional capacity whether it be systems, people or additional infrastructure; and
Influence new and existing business processes, in conjunction with business partners by business modelling of the As-Is and To-Be.
Contribute towards business growth through coordinating Mergers/ Acquisitions/ Disposals:
Drive the development and sustainability of business acquisition profile, contribute to legal structure facilitation, project documentation, business valuation, financing etc.
Devise merger / acquisition and / or disposal strategies, identifying sectors and groupings of companies that might be viable business targets for clients;
Develop the business acquisition model and governance process;
Assist in evaluating and selection merger and acquisition opportunities in the marketplace;
Define, execute and maintain the opportunity due diligence process;
Manage the implementation of a merger and acquisition proposition;
Facilitate the end-to-end procurement and/or consolidation, from inception to the final merger / acquisition / disposal of a commercial entity;
Ensure that all the regulatory and corporate governance aspects of a transaction have been considered; and
Manage interfaces to external parties involved.
Qualifications and Experience required:
Relevant degree at NQF level 7 (BComm Finance/ Business Science/Risk Management/Law, CFA, BSc Engineering or equivalent)
Project Management qualification or experience
At least 10 years experience in Research and Analysis environment of which at least 5 years in an ICT environment
7 years’ experience in merger and acquisition management
Proven track record implementing six sigma (green or black belt)
Experience in Revenue Portfolio Management

Knowledge
In-depth knowledge of Strategy and Business Design
Sound knowledge of risk analysis and due diligence techniques
Extensive knowledge of M&A tactics and mechanisms, including how business finance and deals are structured
Knowledge of relevant Research Designs and Methodologies in the Built environment
Sound understanding of the principles of research, development and the formalisation, documentation and implementation of the agreed policy.
A full understanding of the commercial value chain
Well-rounded commercial and economic awareness and understanding
Computer literacy: MS Office - full package (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)