Capability Manager @DARWIN

We are seeking a talented individual to join our Darwin team at Mercer. This role will be based in Cluj, Romania and has a requirement of working at least 3 days a week in the office.  

The Darwin In Life Change team is responsible for implementing Darwin™ to our clients, as well as managing any changes to the clients’ requirements whilst using the platform and its services. The In Life Change team is comprised of several roles (PM, Consultant, Configurator, QA, Quality Assurance Governance), all utilizing Darwin products as tool for delivering solutions to clients. 

The Capability Manager position is a key member of the In Life Change Team, reporting to the Operations Manager. This role involves close collaboration with fellow Capability Managers, as well as engaging with other stakeholders, including Squad Leads, Global In Life Change Delivery Leader, Process and Governance Manager. The focus will be on overseeing people development and performance, driving process improvement, implementing best practices and ensuring delivery processes are in place. 

As a Capability Manager, you will play a key role in leading and developing a high-performing team across multiple locations. You will oversee all aspects of workforce management, enhance employee engagement, promote a positive workplace culture and support the professional growth and development of team members. 

We will count on you to: 

• Create an End-to-End Employee Development Experience: Develop and manage comprehensive employee development programs, encompassing recruitment, onboarding, growth support, and performance evaluations. 

• Cultivate an Employee-Oriented Culture: Foster a workplace culture focused on employee retention, continuous development, and high performance. 

• Implement Development Plans: Utilize a structured performance management and development process to provide employees with clear frameworks for understanding their goals and progress. 

• Communicate Performance Expectations: Clearly define specific performance expectations and provide concrete examples of behaviours or tasks requiring improvement. 

• Address Performance Issues Proactively: Tackle poor performance proactively and establish clear, trackable performance improvement plans when necessary. 

• Provide Regular Performance Feedback: Conduct regular meetings with employees and their colleagues to deliver effective performance feedback. 

• Encourage Employee Recognition: Promote employee recognition through reward schemes and other methods, in collaboration with the People Team as needed. 

• Uphold Confidentiality Standards: Ensure the protection of sensitive employee information and company data by adhering to confidentiality protocols and promoting a culture of trust and discretion within the organization. 

• Align Objectives with Organizational Goals: Ensure that employee objectives are both aligned with organizational goals and motivating for the individuals. 

• Provide Oversight and Direction: Guide team members in accordance with company policies and procedures. 

• Monitor Performance Metrics: Track individual and team performance against OKRs using internal tools. 

• Support Best Practice Initiatives: Collaborate with Squad Leads and other teams/departments to develop and uphold best practices within the organization. 

• Provide Skillset Insights: Work with operational leaders to provide clear information about the skillsets of team members, facilitating informed decision-making for both employees and clients. 

• Facilitate Effective Communication: Assist senior management in disseminating company information through team meetings, one-on-one meetings, emails, and regular interpersonal communication. 

What you need to have:  

• Proven Leadership Experience: A minimum of 3 years’ experience in a people management role. 

• Team Engagement: Ability to drive engagement within the team. 

• Solution Oriented: Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to address employee issues and conflicts with diplomacy and professionalism. 

• Collaborative Flexibility: Flexible in working and collaborating with cross-functional leadership teams. 

• Team and Individual Work: Comfortable working as part of a team as well as independently on individual deliverables. 

• Resilience: Demonstrated resilience in the face of challenges. 

• Effective Communication: Articulate with strong verbal and written communication skills. Capable of clearly and concisely communicating goals, tasks, and other organizational needs to the team. Able to deliver both positive and challenging messages with compassion and empathy. 

• Development-Oriented: A desire to develop independent and focused individuals who are committed to improving themselves and their practices. 

What Makes You Stand Out: 

• Proven Leadership Experience: A minimum of 2-3 years of experience in a people management role, demonstrating the ability to lead teams, mentor junior staff, and influence stakeholders. 

• Experience in managing cross-functional teams or projects. 

Why join our team: 

• An opportunity to work in a fast-growing, innovative company with lots of room for progression and career growth.  

• A fail-friendly environment that encourages learning and initiative. 

• A yearly budget and the opportunity to build your flexible benefits package (up to 20% of your annual salary).  

• 30+ days off (25 legal days off, 1 extra day off on your birthday, public holiday replacement days, extra buy/sell from your benefits budget).  

• Performance Bonus scheme.  

• Matching charity contributions, charity days off, and the Pay it Forward charity challenge.  

• Core benefits - Pension, Life and Medical Insurance, Meal Vouchers, Travel Insurance.