Head of Performance & Optimisation (Contract)
We are looking for an experienced Head of Performance & Optimisation to lead the reporting and analytics capability supporting our client across Africa. This role has been created to address a critical gap in the current reporting function by introducing a senior leader who can coordinate regional analytics teams, improve reporting quality, and transform data into actionable commercial insights. The successful candidate will oversee performance reporting across the entire digital ecosystem, including organic social, paid media, CRM, influencer marketing and owned digital platforms, ensuring that reporting moves beyond descriptive metrics to deliver strategic recommendations that improve business performance. Acting as the operational lead for the analytics function, this individual will become the face of performance reporting for both internal stakeholders and the client, while enabling senior leadership to focus on broader strategic initiatives.
About this position
Key Duties & Responsibilities:
Performance Leadership
- Lead the regional performance and optimisation function across multiple African markets.
- Manage and coach a team of approximately six analysts located across South Africa, Ghana and Egypt.
- Act as the operational lead and second-in-command for the reporting capability.
- Ensure reporting is delivered consistently, accurately and to a high strategic standard.
- Represent the analytics function during internal and client performance meetings.
Performance & Reporting Strategy
- Transform reporting from descriptive dashboards into actionable business insights.
- Standardise reporting methodologies across multiple workstreams and platforms.
- Develop scalable reporting frameworks and best-practice playbooks.
- Lead monthly and quarterly performance reviews with senior stakeholders.
- Drive continuous optimisation across campaigns through data-led recommendations.
Digital Ecosystem Analysis
Oversee reporting across:
- Organic Social Media
- Paid Media
- CRM
- Influencer Marketing
- Owned Digital Platforms
- Social Listening
- Website Performance
Connect performance across channels to broader business objectives including customer engagement, brand health and commercial outcomes.
Operational Improvement
The successful candidate will initially focus on strengthening existing reporting operations by establishing consistent processes, improving reporting quality and ensuring delivery excellence.
As the contract progresses, the focus will shift towards:
- Reporting automation
- Advanced analytics
- Predictive insights
- Proactive optimisation opportunities
- Continuous improvement initiatives
Stakeholder Management
- Partner directly with senior client stakeholders.
- Translate complex data into clear commercial recommendations.
- Build strong relationships across strategy, creative, media and client service teams.
Technical Requirements:
- Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, Business, Analytics, Statistics, Data Science or related field.
- Minimum 7 years' experience in digital analytics, social analytics, performance marketing or digital strategy.
- Previous experience leading analytics or reporting teams.
- Strong agency experience is highly preferred.
- Candidates from consulting firms (e.g. Kantar, PwC or similar) with relevant digital analytics leadership experience will also be considered.
- Demonstrated experience working within complex, cross-functional digital marketing environments.