Chief Executive Officer

Abantu Staffing Solutions; East London; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 750 000; Full time

Job summary

A provincial economic development agency is seeking a commercially astute CEO to drive strategic transformation and financial sustainability. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in leading profitable organizations, with strong expertise in governance, financial management, and commercial strategies. The CEO will be responsible for executing a turnaround strategy, enhancing operational efficiency, and ensuring development impact across the Eastern Cape.

Qualifications

• Proven turnaround track record in similar roles.
• Experience in driving organizational growth and profitability.
• Strong knowledge of governance and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the execution of a commercial turnaround strategy.
• Enhance governance and operational efficiency.
• Strengthen internal controls and risk management.

Skills

Visionary leadership

Financial management

Commercial strategy

Governance compliance

Job description

Overview

This organization is the provincial economic development and investment agency tasked with driving inclusive, accelerated and sustainable economic growth. The entity manages a diverse portfolio that includes enterprise finance, investment promotion, industrial parks, commercial properties, equities, and the provincial development fund environment.

The organization is seeking a commercially astute, visionary, and results-driven CEO with a proven turnaround track record to reposition the organization for financial sustainability, profitability, and high development impact.

Position Overview

The CEO will drive the commercial revitalization and strategic transformation of the organization. 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 organisation 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.

Responsibilities

Commercial Strategy & Turnaround Leadership

• Develop and implement a commercial turnaround strategy to restore financial viability and drive profitability.
• Redesign business models across the organisation’s 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 and 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 organisation 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 organisation as the investment gateway for the Eastern Cape.
• Ensure development impact is achieved without compromising financial sustainability.