Role Responsibilities Strategy & Stakeholder Management: Assist the leader in Evangelizing and positioning Bengaluru & Beyond cities, specifically the cluster, as emerging destinations for key IT/ITES, CoE, Startups, ESDM, and thrust areas. To build strong relationships with the clusters industry anchors and work with them to strengthen and execute plans to grow the digital economy in the cluster. To identify and create plug-and-play facilities for attracting businesses to relocate or co-locate in partnership with the cluster-specific Industry anchors. To create a significant growth pipeline for an identified cluster, partner with existing Bengaluru & Beyond cluster leads and committee members to attract corporates (International Companies, Indian multinationals, Startups/MSMEs. Conduct regular research & surveys of the existing demand data of Talent from local companies to be made available within the cluster. Implement a pull strategy to retain and grow cluster-specific talent. Build outreach programs to reach corporates, investors, accelerators and startups. Forge partnerships to promote and brand “Bengaluru & Beyond” and its activities across the cluster. Be the “Go-to” person for all Beyond Bengaluru initiatives in the cluster and clearly articulate the government-specific incentives for innovation, growth, and development in the respective clusters. Map all the stakeholders of the cluster from Govt. Administration to corporates. Work with all stakeholders to strengthen the startup and entrepreneurship ecosystem in the cluster. Work on the cluster vision document and plan activities for execution and achievement. Operational Responsibilities: Promote all “Bengaluru & Beyond” market-facing programs - develop campaigns in line with the “Incredible India” campaign. Engage in encouraging & motivating industries to set base across all “Bengaluru & Beyond” clusters by partnering with GCC Service providers, Co-working/Managed Space Developers, Real Estate Developers, Infrastructure Companies (Internet, Telecom, etc.), Training and upskilling Organizations, and Industry Body Associations Organise events across clusters in collaboration with educational & research institutions to bridge the corporate/academic gap. Execute the fundraising events for “Bengaluru & Beyond”. Partner with the vertical leads of KDEM to design and execute the vertical-level strategies at the cluster level. Drive timely quantitative data analysis and qualitative feedback to measure the program's differential Impact, utilising the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning frameworks. Drive policy awareness and registration of various companies on the KITS platform to avail themselves of the policy benefits. Develop a directory of the cluster's IT/ITeS, GCCs, investors, Incubator centres, accelerators, education institutions, ESDM companies, and talent and infrastructure. Provide integrated intelligence from results and customer feedback. Build and maintain a database to track progress and growth. Other Skills, Experiences, & Qualifications: Excellent communication and interaction skills; ability to build and grow relationships. Well-networked and played a senior executive or leadership role. Worked in the Investment promotion area. Experience in handling Government Relations and stakeholder management of corporates & senior management and investors. Understand the Policies and Regulations in this ecosystem. Ability to raise funds. Background or exposure to marketing & community partnership Strong network with multiple stakeholders in India's investment promotion ecosystem, especially in the cluster ecosystem. Resourceful and able to operate in a fast-changing environment. Demonstrated ability to lead and work effectively in a team environment. Comfortable with multitasking and handling a variety of responsibilities. Ability to make sound decisions based on evidence. Passion to succeed and go-getter. Demonstrated high standards of ethics and integrity. Proficiency in the Kannada language is preferred.

Position Summary:The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) will oversee and manage the company's overall business operations, including Finance, Accounts, Administration, Legal, Procurement, and CSR functions. The role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and operational expertise to drive efficiency, compliance, and business growth. The CAO will align business operations with the organisation's vision, mission, and strategic goals.As KDEM is a Section 8 not-for-profit organisation, the CAO must ensure compliance with all applicable regulations governing such entities, optimise resource allocation for maximum impact, and lead initiatives that support the organisation's mission.Role Responsibilities:1. Strategy & LeadershipDevelop and implement operational strategies to optimise the company's performance and growth.Align all operational functions with the organisation's long-term vision and business objectives.Lead change management and process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.Drive financial and operational excellence by ensuring optimal resource utilisation and cost management.2. Finance & AccountsFinancial Planning and Analysis:Develop and oversee financial strategies, budgets, and forecasts.Conduct financial analysis and risk assessment to support informed decision-making.Ensure financial compliance with regulatory and statutory requirements specific to Section 8 companies.Maintain financial control and accountability.Oversee the preparation of utilisation certificates and financial reports.Financial Reporting:Prepare and present financial statements, reports, and metrics to senior management and stakeholders.Maintain accurate accounting records and ledgers.Implement robust internal controls to safeguard organisational assets and prevent fraud.Cash Flow Management:Manage cash flow and liquidity to meet operational requirements.Optimise financial instruments to mitigate risks related to interest rates and foreign exchange fluctuations.3. Operations & AdministrationOversee and streamline overall office administration.Collaborate with HR for policy implementation, payroll processing, and benefits administration.Manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders.Co-own and oversee all organisational events and initiatives.Execute and monitor government projects assigned to the organisation.4. Legal & ComplianceEnsure full compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and corporate policies specific to Section 8 companies.Manage legal matters and contracts related to administrative and financial functions.Coordinate with the Company Secretary to ensure regulatory compliance.5. Board Meetings & GovernanceWork closely with board members to collate and present KDEM progress to board members and other stakeholders.Organise, lead, and present weekly team meetings, monthly department review meetings, and quarterly board meetings.Handle MCA-related tasks, including board member changes and other governance matters.6. Internal & External AuditsLead internal audits to ensure compliance with internal policies and procedures.Oversee external audits, including financial and quality audits, to ensure transparency and accountability.Ensure statutory and income tax compliance through periodic audits and reviews.7. Stakeholder ManagementBuild and maintain strong relationships with government department leaders, industry leaders, and board members.Engage with key stakeholders to align organisational objectives with industry and government expectations.Represent the organisation in high-level discussions, partnerships, and collaborative initiatives.Drive stakeholder engagement strategies to strengthen partnerships and foster long-term collaborations.8. Procurement & Vendor ManagementVendor & Service Provider Management:Identify and evaluate potential suppliers.Negotiate contracts and agreements with vendors to secure favourable terms.Maintain long-term relationships with key suppliers.Procurement Process:Develop and implement procurement policies and procedures.Streamline procurement for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.Ensure timely delivery of goods and services.Manage tender processes, including RFPs, e-tenders, and evaluations.Inventory Control & Cost Management:Monitor inventory levels and optimise stock to meet demand while minimising costs.Implement inventory tracking systems for accuracy and efficiency.Conducted cost-benefit analysis for procurement decisions and identified savings opportunities.9. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)Lead the CSR strategy and initiatives aligned with organisational goals.Review CSR proposals for feasibility and alignment with company objectives.Draft CSR proposals to secure funding and drive impact-oriented initiatives.Manage relationships with CSR stakeholders, including NGOs, government bodies, and corporate partners.Oversee the execution and impact assessment of CSR programs.10. Other ResponsibilitiesFoster collaboration across all departments and locations.Build and maintain strong internal and external stakeholder relationships.Lead crisis management efforts and ensure business continuity.Create a positive and productive work environment.Qualification, Experience & Other SkillsEducational Qualification:Mandatory: Chartered Accountant (CA)Desirable: Additional qualifications such as MBA (Finance) or CFA or CSExperience:Minimum of 15 years of experience in financial management, operations, or a leadership role.Key Skills:Strategic leadership and business acumenFinancial planning, compliance, and risk managementStrong understanding of legal and regulatory frameworks, particularly for Section 8 companiesProcess improvement and change managementProcurement and vendor management expertiseCorporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy and implementationExcellent communication and stakeholder management skillsAbility to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment