Chief Executive Officer

Profile Personnel; East London; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 750 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading development finance institution in East London seeks an experienced CEO to drive commercial revitalization and strategic transformation. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in finance and governance, with proven leadership at an executive level. Responsibilities include developing turnaround strategies, ensuring financial sustainability, and fostering economic development. The role requires a master's qualification in Commerce or Development Finance and over 10 years of relevant experience.

Qualifications

• 10 years of working experience at an Executive level.
• More than 10 years of experience in financial/development finance/government/parastatal environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a commercial turnaround strategy.
• Redesign business models across company units.
• Optimize underperforming assets for revenue generation.
• Drive cost-efficiency while maintaining development impact.
• Secure new capital sources for strategic projects.

Skills

Financial acumen

Strategic leadership

Governance and compliance

Risk management

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Masters’ qualification in Commerce/ Development Finance

MBA/ MBL

Job description

Role Overview

The CEO will drive the commercial revitalization and strategic transformation of the company. This includes:

• Leading the organization toward sustained profitability and enhanced commercial viability, strengthening governance and operational efficiency.
• Unlocking revenue streams across the Corporation’s assets.
• Positioning the company as a competitive and impactful development finance institution.
• The CEO is accountable to the Board for financial performance, organizational sustainability, and the execution of a commercially viable development mandate.

Requirements

• A Masters’ qualification in Commerce/ Development Finance. MBA/ MBL will be an added advantage.
• 10 years of working experience at an Executive level.
• More than 10 years of working experience in financial/ development finance/ government/ parastatal environment.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial Strategy & Turnaround Leadership

• Develop and implement a commercial turnaround strategy to restore financial viability and drive profitability.
• Redesign business models across the company units (Enterprise Finance, Property, Trade & Investment, Equity Portfolio) to ensure sustainable revenue generation.
• Optimize underperforming assets, including maximizing rental yields, improving loan book performance, and unlocking value from strategic investments.
• Drive cost‑efficiency measures without compromising development impact.
• Introduce innovative funding solutions, partnerships, and revenue streams.
• Oversee infrastructure program management, drive business development efforts, and promote economic growth through small business development, investment promotion, and trade facilitation.

Financial Sustainability & Revenue Growth

• Strengthen budgeting, forecasting, cost control and cash flow management.
• Improve collection rates, asset utilization, and return on investment across the property and finance portfolios.
• Secure new capital sources for lending, property development, and strategic projects.
• Build commercially sound partnerships with private sector investors, financiers, DFIs, and funding agencies.

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Performance

• Lead the execution of a refreshed the company strategy with strong commercial focus.
• Provide visionary leadership to rebuild organizational culture, improve performance, and enhance internal efficiencies.
• Strengthen internal controls, ICT systems, programme quality, and risk management.
• Drive accountability through performance contracts, KPIs, and consequence management.

Governance, Risk & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with PFMA, Companies Act, Treasury Regulations and King IV.
• Restore credibility through improved audit outcomes and disciplined financial reporting.
• Provide robust Board reporting and strengthen the organisation’s governance framework.

High-Impact Economic Development Delivery

• Drive commercially viable development programmes that stimulate entrepreneurship, job creation, investment inflows and industrial development.
• Position the company as the investment gateway for the Eastern Cape.
• Ensure development impact is achieved without compromising financial sustainability.