Chief Executive Officer

University of Fort Hare; East London; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 750 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution is seeking a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for a 5-year contract based in East London, Eastern Cape. The ideal candidate will have a Masters’ qualification in Commerce or Development Finance, along with over 10 years of executive-level experience in financial or development finance. Key responsibilities include developing commercial strategies, enhancing financial sustainability, and ensuring compliance. Interested candidates should submit their CV and salary requirements via email.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement commercial turnaround strategy.
• Strengthen cost control and improve cash flow.
• Lead refreshed strategy with commercial focus.
• Ensure compliance and improve audit outcomes.
• Drive development programmes for economic impact.

Skills

Commercial strategy development

Financial sustainability

Leadership

Compliance and governance

Education

Masters’ qualification in Commerce or Development Finance

Job description

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – East London

Contract: 5-year, Contractor – 2026-01-14 to 2026-02-13.

We are seeking a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for a 5-year contract based in East London, Eastern Cape.

Eligibility Criteria

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

Key Responsibilities

• Commercial strategy and turnaround leadership – develop and implement commercial turnaround strategy; redesign business models; optimize assets; drive cost efficiency; introduce funding solutions, partnerships and revenue streams; oversee infrastructure program.
• Financial sustainability and revenue growth – strengthen cost control and cash flow; improve collection rates, asset utilization and investment return; secure new capital sources; build commercially sound partnerships.
• Strategic leadership and organizational performance – lead refreshed strategy with commercial focus; provide visionary leadership; strengthen internal controls, ICT systems, programme quality and risk management; drive accountability.
• Governance, risk and compliance – ensure full compliance; restore credibility through improved audit outcomes; provide robust Board reporting.
• High impact economic and development delivery – drive development programmes; position the company as an investment gateway; ensure development impact is achieved.

Salary

Market related.

Application Process

Please email a detailed CV, supporting documentation and salary requirements to [e-mail] with “CEO in the subject line.

If you have not received a response within 7 working days, please consider your application unsuccessful.