Telecom Group Position Description Position title Country Manager Telecom Cook Islands Ltd Position number: TBA Business unit: Telecom Cook Islands Ltd Location: Rarotonga Cook Islands Reports to (role): Board of Directors Telecom Cook Islands Limited Main purpose: To lead the business of Telecom Cook Islands Limited. Dimensions: Staff managed: Direct 7 Indirect 110 Company Background / TELECOM COOK ISLANDS Culture Telecom Cook Islands Limited is a joint venture company incorporated in the Cook Islands and owned 60% by Bluesky s Cook Islands subsidiary, Teleraro Ltd and 40% by the Cook Islands Government. Telecom is the sole provider of telecommunications and postal services in the Cook Islands. Telecom employs 117 staff in Marketing & Sales, Finance, Mobile, Internet, Operations, Network Services, Information Systems, Administration and Postal. Services provided include local, national and international fixed and mobile telecommunications and broadband Internet access. All occupied islands have telephone services including Internet broadband access and mobile services. Rarotonga and Aitutaki have GSM mobile service and support international roaming. Telecom has a number of key strengths: A substantial market position Telecom is currently the incumbent telecommunications operator in the Cook Islands. It has 7,600 PSTN access lines, and 11,000 cellular customers, 2,400 broadband Internet customers from a population base of about 14,000. The business is well established, recognized and respected in the Cook Islands, in the South Pacific and in regional organisations such as PITA (Pacific Islands Telecommunications Association).
Quality network & workforce Telecom has built a modern telecommunications network offering a full range of telecommunications services to the people and businesses in the Cook Islands. It has built up an experienced and skilled workforce and developed sound operational process and systems. International connectivity and connectivity to the Outer Islands is primarily via satellite from Rarotonga. Challenges include ongoing maintenance (particularly given the difficult weather conditions and isolation of a number of facilities) and transformation to new technologies on a cost effective basis. 97% of the workforce are Cook Islanders. Significant business opportunities Telecom is successfully expanding its service base with the development of 3G, fast internet (O3b) and Wi-Fi hotspots. These and the focus on tourism, improving processes and productivity, lowering costs and enhancing customer service represent ongoing opportunities to grow the business. An infrastructure development and replacement programme is in place to enable more services, better customer care, and the expansion of service delivery to all islands. THE COOK ISLANDS The Cook Islands is comprised of 15 islands in the South Pacific spread over 2.2 million square kilometres. The combined land area is approximately 240 sq km. The population estimate for the 2011 Census is 19500. The resident population is estimated to be closer to 14,500. About 80,000 Cook Islanders live in New Zealand or Australia and many are regular travelers back to the Islands. There are two main groups of islands. A southern group of nine islands are mainly of volcanic origin and the location of the majority of the population. The main island and location of the capital, Avarua, is Rarotonga. The northern group is made up of six coral atolls. Some distances from Rarotonga to the other islands are: In Southern group; Aitutaki Mangaia Mauke Palmerston 225km 177km 241km 434km In Northern Group; Tongareva (Penrhyn) 1185km Pukapuka 1150km
The Cook Islands was formally annexed by New Zealand on October 7, 1900. The Cook Islands remained under New Zealand administration until 1965, although a Legislative council was elected in 1946 as a tentative mover towards self governance. Elections held in 1965 resulted in the first Cook Islands Government being formed. The islands became self-governing in free association with New Zealand a special relationship that is recognized by New Zealand in the form of annual aid and the automatic right Cook Islanders have to New Zealand citizenship/ passports Parliament comprises 24 elected representatives as well as a House of Ariki or hereditary chiefs who provide consultation and advice. The Members of Parliament represent districts and entire islands. The system is based on the Westminster model and elections are held every four years, the last being held November 2010. The Head of State is Queen Elizabeth II in her capacity as Queen of New Zealand. LEADERSHIP CHARACTERISTICS AND EXPERIENCE The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate the following competencies: Transformational Leadership - leads forward and across (visionary, sees the business end to end from the customer back) rather than up and down (hierarchical command and control). Must excel against Bluesky's and Telecom's leadership competency dimensions: Leads Self, Leads Others, Leads the Business. Stakeholder and Relationship Management - possess a natural ability to build and sustain rapport and effective relationships with a full range of stakeholders including customers, employees, ministers, shareholders etc. Is emotionally mature and rational in all aspects of communication and reflects Telecom's straight up, straight talking values. Change Catalyst - experienced and able to drive and manage transformational change effectively across a range of dimensions e.g. societal, cultural, organisational, people, systems, processes, etc. Strategic Thinking, Planning and Execution - a breadth of vision and an ability to think systemically anticipating situations and recognizing and seizing opportunities to create value. Able to articulate an inspiring and compelling vision and direction for the Company. Commercial Acumen - financially and commercially astute and savvy. Able to understand the economic dynamics of transforming a telecommunications company. At the same time a strong focus on the bottom line. Partnering - demonstrated ability to build strategic commercial partnerships evidencing the commercial acumen to negotiate complex agreements/alliances
with potential business partners for mutual benefit. CHARACTER, VALUES, STYLE Key Stakeholder Relationships Innovation Management - just as certain industries (notably Pharmaceuticals) have always been known to live or die by how well or badly they manage innovation, this will be more and more critical for telephone companies as traditional sources of revenue and profit are eroded by technological, competitive and regulatory developments. Experience and insight in the management of innovation are therefore critical. Professional Will Drives and achieves superb results, a straight up, straight forward leader. Demonstrates an unwavering resolve to do whatever must be done to produce the best long-term results, no matter how difficult. Sets the standard of building an enduring great company; will settle for nothing less. Personality / Style Demonstrates a compelling modesty, shunning public adulation; never boastful. Acts with quiet, calm determination; relies principally on inspired standards, not charisma, to motivate. Channels ambition into the company, not the self; sets up successors for even greater success in the next generation. Looks out the window, not in the mirror, to apportion credit for the success of the company - to other people, external factors, and good luck. Internal Management Team and staff Linkages: Key Result Areas (KRAs): External Government - particularly the Minister of Telecommunications who happens to be the Prime Minister, Chief of Staff for the Prime Minister's Office, Deputy Prime Minister. Key Customers (top 10 customers of Telecom Cook Islands) Financial EBITDF (earnings before interest, tax, Depreciation, FX) i.e. Trading results Outstanding Debt (Debtor day and outstanding debt) Staff Staff Turnover Engagement scores Operational CPE and Line Faults Cellular & Internet Revenue Traffic Minutes APRU s
Customer Number of Complaints Customer Satisfaction Benchmarks of affordability Key Responsibilities Leadership and Strategic Direction Lead the development and implementation of annual and long-term corporate plans for Telecom/Bluesky. Lead the development of Telecom's/Bluesky s commercial policy and strategy for relevant services. Develop excellent working relationships with Cook Islands Government and relevant Ministers. Lead the development of key people processes including the development of the employment value proposition, corporate behaviours, values and culture of Telecom. Embed a strong Customer First focus across the whole organisation Set and communicate high standards of performance and behavior. Planning, Budgeting and Reporting Preparation of the annual Budget and Business Plan. Preparation of the annual Statement of Corporate Intent. Comprehensive monthly Reports to the Board of Directors. Interaction with relevant Bluesky Group executives in respect of reporting, forecasting and capital allocation for investment (note as a subsidiary of Bluesky, Telecom's capex allocations must be approved by Bluesky). Ensure a high quality of service is provided to Telecom customers. Operate Telecom on sound and profitable basis. Manage all staff issues including training of all staff in their respective fields. Relationship with Bluesky Group Teams Collaborate with Bluesky Group executive teams to develop and implement plans and processes to support growth objectives of the Bluesky Group and achieve Company Vision and Mission. Operational and Financial Outcomes Operational ASR s, GOS, Circuit Availability, Faults performance. Financial EBIT, Calling Revenues, Cellular revenue, SMS revenue, Wi-Fi revenue, Internet revenues, APRU s. Projects Monitor all Board proved projects and operational activities to ensure completion inside budget and within the stated time. Marketing Rebranding to Bluesky Execute new promotions of Telecom Bluesky services and products. Regular press releases and pro-active management of media. Development and management of a sponsorship program Promotion of the Company
Government Relations and Regulation Maintain good relationships with all areas of Government. In particular the Minister for Telecommunications, the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister. Other Ministers and MPs. Government Officials in particular the Chief of Staff of the Prime Minister. Relationship with Customers Regular (six monthly) visits to all key customers. Usually this is the top 10 or top 20 customers and an account plan maintained for each of these customers. Be available and accessible to all customers that have a particular problem with Telecom's services and arbitrate as necessary with any disputes to avoid major dispute and/or litigation where possible. Board Reporting Monthly Board reports required and lead Board discussions on behalf of Management. Reports can be written by the appropriate manager but need to be vetted by the CEO before presentation to the Board. Reports to include CEO's Report and financial, marketing and engineering papers. Relationship with other Stakeholders Excellent and productive relationships with shareholders (Bluesky Group and Cook Islands Government) and Key suppliers. Team Participation Take accountability for team deliverables. Demonstrate an ownership culture and provide empowerment to own and resolve issues. Contribute to articulating an integrated business plan with clear team goals and demonstrates buy in to delivering the plan and goals identified. Collaborate with all business and corporate groups to value add, problem solve and address any variations in expectations, deliverables or accountabilities. Articulate opportunities for stakeholders to assist in continual improvement of services. Coach team members on specialist skill areas and engender commitment. Participate as an integral part of the team to ensure the team meet or exceed agreed KRA's. Communicate ideas, thoughts and information to team members and across the organisation. Seek feedback on information. Act as an information conduit. Always offer constructive criticism and seek solutions to problems and issues. Team Management Develop and maintain a high performing team, engendering pride and loyalty. Identify and enhance specialist skills required to meet the teams accountabilities, support the ongoing development of those skills to ensure high performance to industry best practice. Identify skill shortfalls and/or deficiencies and implement mitigation until permanent resolution can be implemented. Develop cross skilling within team and across the Company to manage risks and provide career enhancement opportunities. Support mentoring and personnel development. Through best practice management create an "employer of choice" environment which will attract Industry specialists and talent to Telecom Cook Islands. Financial Management Ensure overall financial resources are utilised effectively in a manner that enhances shareholder value while balancing the necessary risks. Demonstrate value by identifying efficiencies in systems and processes and eliminating waste. Deliver business results on time and to target. Effective and continual delivery of revised financial targets and forecasts within Telecom's dynamic performance management framework. Utilisation of specialist resources to assist with delivery of financial management and performance management requirements. Monitor and report monthly forecast to actual trends.
Compile statistical analysis to assist with the accuracy of future planning requirements. Compliance Requirements Business Ensure a sound understanding of, demonstrate commitment to comply with all Compliance legislation a Telecom and Bluesky policy relevant to your role and all activities undertaken in that role. Health and Safety Undertake all work in a safe manner and follow all company and workplace Health and safety procedures. Identify new hazards and advise manager or workplace HS representative/coordinator within 24 hours of identification. Accurately report incidents and accidents to manager or workplace Has representative/co-ordinator as soon as possible. Selection Criteria Functional: Relevant tertiary qualifications in business, finance, engineering, computer science or other related discipline MBA preferred Must be a current or former operational executive (Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Technical Officer, President, Senior VP, GM, etc) Minimum of 10 years of telecommunications industry experience Proven ability to build, manage and lead a successful team Proven ability to work with Boards of Directors and shareholders Excellent commercial and finance experience at a senior level Understanding of governance frameworks, their purposes and best practice requirements. Ability to determine policy and compliance requirements/needs across group, assist in development, co-ordination and monitoring to a best practice standard Knowledge Knowledge of mobile, wireless internet services and information technologies including practical experience with deployment, optimisation and operation of medium to large size networks Significant experience in regulated industries and implications of regulation Understanding of telecommunications technologies Excellent understanding of the interplay between a private company and public sector Confident in business environments Skills Exceptional leadership and management skills with a focus on securing strategic relationships with employees, customers, government officials, vendors and industry partners
Outstanding communication, presentation and interpersonal skills Strategic thinker and communicator Policy analysis Commercial and sound judgment Negotiation skills Excellent written and verbal communication Proven ability to influence Ability to balance competing interests Ability to lead and to act as a team member Governance Computer skills Problem solver