Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Fempower Personnel; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 2 000 000 - 3 000 000; Full time

Job summary

A national institution in South Africa seeks a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead a bold turnaround initiative. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record in managing complex organizations and expertise in governance and public administration. This role involves significant stakeholder engagement and responsibilities in financial stewardship. The position offers a unique opportunity to impact education access and youth employability across the nation.

Qualifications

• 15 years’ management experience, with at least 10 at executive level.
• Proven track record of rescuing complex organisations.
• Ability to inspire confidence among high-level stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead a comprehensive turnaround programme with accountability.
• Restore public trust through governance and ethical leadership.
• Drive digital transformation to modernise systems.
• Engage with government and civil society for alignment.

Skills

Turnaround management

Governance and compliance

Financial acumen

Digital innovation

Stakeholder engagement

Education

PhD or dual Master’s degrees in Finance, Public Administration, or related field

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.

Should you not hear back from us within 7–14 working days after the advert closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.