Chief Executive Officer (CEO - Wits Health Consortium)

AJ Personnel; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 750,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare institution is seeking to appoint a CEO to provide visionary leadership and operational oversight. The successful candidate must have over 10 years of management experience and proven capabilities in strategic planning and financial management. The role involves ensuring compliance with regulations and fostering innovation while aligning with the university's broader goals. This position is based in Johannesburg and offers a five-year fixed term contract.

Qualifications

• 10+ years management and operational experience, including 5 years leading an executive team.
• Proven track record in strategic planning, financial management, and stakeholder engagement.
• Understanding of the South African and global health funding and research landscape.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary and ethical leadership to ensure WHC remains respected globally.
• Drive excellence in governance, financial sustainability, and stakeholder engagement.
• Oversee financial planning and ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks.

Skills

Integrity and Accountability

Resilience and Emotional Intelligence

Professionalism and Objectivity

Commercial Acumen

Relationship Management

Negotiation and Influence

People Orientation

Practical Execution

Education

Relevant Post-Graduate Business / Financial / Commerce Degree or Diploma

Masters Degree in Business Administration or Leadership

Job description

Reports to

• Board of Directors

Employment Type

• Five-year Fixed Term Contract, renewable for a further term (5 years) based on performance and alignment with strategic objectives

Salary

• Market related CTC package

Main purpose of the job

• The CEO of WHC will provide visionary and ethical leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight to ensure WHC continues to be a globally respected entity
• The CEO will be responsible for driving excellence in governance, financial sustainability, stakeholder engagement, and innovation, while aligning WHCs mission with the broader goals of the University of the Witwatersrand

Location: Parktown

Key Performance Areas

• Develop and execute WHCs strategic plan in alignment with University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) innovation and research priorities
• Strengthen collaboration between WHC and FHS schools and departments
• Support divisions with innovation and growth into new markets and partnerships
• Foster a culture of entrepreneurial capacity, excellence, innovation, and ethical leadership across all WHC divisions
• Oversee the Shared Services Centre and ensure efficient, effective delivery of administrative, Grants, Financial, Legal, and HR support to over 100 research entities
• Ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks, funder / donor requirements, and familiarity with and alignment to university policies
• Oversee financial planning, budgeting, and reporting for WHC and its subsidiaries
• Ensure responsible management of sponsor and donor funds, exceeding USD 150 million annually
• Work closely with the WHC Board and oversee the effective management of administrative matters related to WHC committees and Board subcommittees, ensuring governance processes are streamlined and compliant

Required minimum education and training

• Relevant Post-Graduate Business / Financial / Commerce Degree or Diploma, and / or Professional Degree
• A Masters Degree in Business Administration or Leadership will be advantageous

Required minimum work experience

• 10+ years management and operational experience including a minimum of 5 years leading an executive team
• Proven track record in strategic planning, financial management, and stakeholder engagement
• Understanding of the South African and global health funding and research landscape
• Experience in a grant / donor funded or non-profit environment
• Understanding of an academic environment, collaborating effectively with leading scientists and researchers

Required leadership competencies

• Integrity and Accountability : Demonstrates a strong ethical compass, transparency, and responsible leadership in all decision-making processes
• Resilience and Emotional Intelligence : Leads with empathy and composure, particularly in high-pressure or complex environments
• Professionalism and Objectivity : Upholds integrity, objectivity, and professional competence, with a commitment to due care and ethical standards
• Commercial Acumen : Applies sound commercial judgement and maintains a strong focus on business performance and strategic outcomes
• Relationship Management : Builds and maintains effective working relationships, with strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills
• Negotiation and Influence : Demonstrates effective negotiation skills and the ability to influence outcomes constructively and strategically. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage academic, technical, and non-technical audiences
• People Orientation : Values and supports team collaboration, development, and well-being, fostering a positive and inclusive work environment
• Practical Execution : Adopts a hands-on approach to problem-solving and implementation, ensuring operational efficiency and accountability

TO APPLY

• Only if you meet the minimum job requirements and experience as mentioned above, you may submit a detailed updated CV PLUS A COPY OF YOUR ID PLEASE (Compulsary)
• Apply Online and complete your registration via our website to enable and protect you as a candidate, and to accept the new POPIA terms and conditions
• However, you may remove your profile from AJ PERSONNEL when you are no longer in the job market
• Please take note that the applicants who do not adhere to the above criteria will not be considered for the respective position
• Wits Health Consortium will only respond to shortlisted candidates
• Candidates who have not been contacted within two weeks of the closing date can consider their applications to be unsuccessful
• Closing date : 30 October 2025
• Note : No CV will be accepted after the closing date

Employment Equity preference

• WHC, in accordance with its Employment Equity goals and plan, will give preference to suitable applicants from designated groups as defined in the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 and subsequent amendments thereto