Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Fempower; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 750 000; Full time

Job summary

A national institution in South Africa is seeking a transformative Chief Executive Officer to lead complex turnaround efforts. This critical role demands expertise in governance, financial stewardship, and stakeholder engagement. The ideal candidate will possess a PhD or dual Master's degrees and at least 15 years of management experience, with a strong focus on driving digital innovation. Join this prestigious organization on a mission to advance education access and socio-economic transformation in the country.

Qualifications

• 15 years management experience with 10 years at executive level.
• Proven track record of rescuing and transforming complex organizations.
• Political acumen to engage with government and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead a comprehensive turnaround program.
• Restore public trust through governance and ethical leadership.
• Drive digital transformation initiatives.

Skills

Turnaround leadership

Governance and compliance

Digital transformation

Financial acumen

Stakeholder engagement

Education

PhD or dual Master's degrees in Finance or Public Administration

Job description

Overview

Are you a proven Turnaround Specialist ready to shape South Africa’s future?

A national institution, responsible for one of the largest public funding portfolios in the country, is seeking an influential and visionary Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead through a period of bold reform and renewal. This is not a maintenance role, it is a defining turnaround mandate that demands authority, credibility, and the courage to inspire confidence at the highest levels of society.

The Opportunity : As CEO, you will :

• Lead a comprehensive turnaround programme, stabilizing operations and embedding a culture of accountability, performance, and service excellence.
• Restore public trust through uncompromising governance, transparency, and ethical leadership.
• Drive digital transformation, building technology-enabled, future-fit systems.
• Mobilize new funding streams through partnerships, donor engagement, and Treasury collaboration.
• Influence and align government, regulators, academia, unions, and civil society at the highest levels.
• Position the institution as a trusted enabler of higher education access and youth employability.

The Ideal Candidate

We are searching for a charismatic, respected turnaround leader who brings:

• A proven track record of rescuing and transforming complex organisations under scrutiny.
• The political acumen and gravitas to command confidence from Cabinet, Parliament, and national stakeholders.
• Deep expertise in governance, compliance, and institutional accountability.
• Strong business and financial acumen, with proven stewardship of multi‑billion‑rand budgets.
• A history of delivering digital innovation and performance‑driven cultures.
• The influence, authority, and national visibility to unite diverse stakeholders behind a bold reform agenda.

Minimum Qualifications

A PhD or dual Master’s degrees (NQF 9/10 minimum) in Finance, Public Administration, or a related field, coupled with 15 years’ management experience (10 at executive level).

Why This Role Matters

This is more than a leadership appointment, it is a national mission. The successful candidate will not only lead a critical institutional turnaround but also leave a lasting legacy by ensuring equitable access to education, strengthening youth employability, and advancing South Africa’s socio‑economic transformation.