Business Manager, Regional PMO

What Matters to Us:  

Over thirty years ago, in Toronto, Canada, Founder Ron Pirie championed the belief that businesses work better together when they commit to actively listening and responding to each other’s feedback. Ron’s original idea to have retailers rate and rank their suppliers was first conceptualized in 1988. Not long after, fast-moving consumer goods suppliers and retailers throughout North America began to recognize that strong and measurable relationships lie at the heart of improved business performance. From humble beginnings and a staunch and universal belief that stronger collaboration leads to better business results in any market and any industry, our relationship benchmarking capabilities have become the gold standard for measuring business-to-business engagement in over 40+ countries. 

Who We Need 

We are seeking an ambitious and highly organised Business Manager or Project Manager to support our European and South African markets. Reporting to the SVP, Europe & South Africa, the Business Manager – Regional PMO role will support a diverse team of market leaders across the region and join our UK country team in making a contribution to the success of our research business locally and regionally. While the business manager will spend most of their time working internally within our organisation to develop and execute projects and support our organisation, the confidence to communicate with clients externally would also be of value. This role requires learning a lot about our business and clients at a very fast pace.  

Position Overview 

This role will involve a mixture of regional and local responsibilities. 

Regional Support:

• Develop and maintain Regional information resources, including Sharepoint site, Regional news and insight. 

• Maintain and coordinate reports on Regional business performance, working with global commercial and finance team 

• Coordinate regular Regional meeting agenda, external attendees, and follow up action points.  Coordinates Regional inputs into Global product and service developments 

• With support of HR business partner, coordinate Regional recruitment, on-boarding / induction plans, and People development (PDPs / Employee survey etc) 

• Help organize Regional Connect meetings 

• Supports development of selected Global accounts in the Region 

• Project management role - coordinating Regional business development projects and research programme developments 

• Develops Regional insight for retailers and suppliers by working with global and local insight sources and colleagues in Advantage 

Local Support:

• Supports the UK & Ireland managing director in coordinating local office management and HR activities 

• Supports UK & Ire team with financial management and administration of contracts (Docusign / PO chasing / local AR tracking).  Supports MD with administration of ‘Gold’ Supplier and Retailer accounts retained in his responsibility. 

• Supports MD and Client Service team with real-time updates to global finance sales tracker 

• Develops and supports Client CRM database to help develop and maintain better client contact and network information for Supplier and Retailer marketing and service, and prospect business development 

• Supports the function of the local leadership team in the UK & Ireland  

• Helps coordinate client presentation meetings and calendar in peak reporting season 

• Coordinates Advantage representation at Industry events and Associations where MD or client service team might represent Advantage. 

Qualifications 

The successful candidate will be highly organised and have some or all of the following experience and capabilities: 

• Graduate with 3-5 yrs Commercial experience at a Supplier, Retailer, or Agency 

• Organised and numerate, with Project Management skills and PMO experience is desirable 

• Experience working with teams globally or regionally 

• Understands strategic business development and product development processes 

• Self-starter who can be trusted to handle confidential information 

• Experience managing executive events and meetings 

• Proficient in BI tools, MS Office software, Advanced Excel user 

• Fluency in the English language – written and spoken 

• A 2nd European language would be desirable but not essential 

• Role model for Advantage culture and values 

Location

This is a primarily remote role. However, the successful candidate should be located in the United Kingdom and comfortable commuting to the our UK office in Yeovil approximately twice per month for team meetings, events, etc.

Why Should You Work for Us? 

The Advantage Group offers an excellent work-life balance, including the following: 

• Excellent work-life balance: flexible hours, hybrid working and generous vacation policy 

• Opportunities for growth and professional development 

• A paid day off on your birthday 

• One volunteer day off per year 

• Strong corporate culture: monthly company-wide gatherings for global community-building 

• Competitive compensation