Chief Strategy Officer (CSO)

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 2,400,000 - 4,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive health benefits

Retirement fund

Generous leave

Executive coaching

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a distinguished Chief Strategy Officer to join the executive leadership team in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA. The role requires an advanced degree and 15+ years in strategic planning, corporate development, or investment banking, with a proven track record of shaping corporate strategy in complex environments.

A strong leadership presence and deep market insight are essential. The CSO will drive long-term strategic vision, oversee planning across units, and manage

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (MBA or PhD) from a top-tier business school.

Responsibilities

• Develop, articulate, and implement the company's long-term strategy.
• Identify and evaluate growth opportunities, markets, and potential mergers/acquisitions.
• Conduct rigorous market and competitive analysis to inform strategic decisions.
• Collaborate with the CEO and executive team to set strategic priorities and goals.
• Oversee strategic planning across business units and functions.
• Develop KPIs to track strategic execution and success.
• Foster innovation and identify trends relevant to the company's future.
• Manage relationships with external stakeholders, investors, and partners.
• Lead strategic projects ensuring effective implementation and alignment.
• Communicate strategic direction to internal and external audiences.

Education

MBA/PhD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading established enterprise in the (Industry, e.g., maritime, hospitality, logistics) sector, is seeking a distinguished Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) to join its executive leadership team in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA. This paramount role is responsible for formulating and driving the long-term strategic vision and direction of the company. The ideal candidate will possess an exceptional track record in strategic planning, market analysis, and corporate development, with a profound understanding of market trends and competitive landscapes. This is a high-impact position requiring visionary leadership to guide the organization through evolving market dynamics and ensure sustained competitive advantage. The role requires physical presence in our Durban headquarters to facilitate close collaboration with the executive board and key stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, articulate, and implement the company's comprehensive long-term strategy.
• Identify and evaluate new growth opportunities, markets, and potential mergers/acquisitions.
• Conduct rigorous market and competitive analysis to inform strategic decisions.
• Collaborate with the CEO and executive team to set strategic priorities and goals.
• Oversee strategic planning processes across all business units and functions.
• Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) to track strategic execution and success.
• Foster innovation and identify emerging trends relevant to the company's future.
• Manage relationships with key external stakeholders, investors, and partners.
• Lead strategic projects and initiatives, ensuring effective implementation and alignment.
• Communicate the company's strategic direction to internal and external audiences.

Requirements

• Advanced degree (e.g., MBA, PhD) from a top-tier business school.
• Minimum of 15+ years of experience in strategic planning, corporate development, or investment banking, with significant leadership responsibilities.
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful corporate strategies in complex environments.
• Exceptional analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated experience in market analysis, competitive intelligence, and M&A.
• Outstanding leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence at the highest levels.
• Deep understanding of the Durban and KwaZulu-Natal business landscape is advantageous.
• Experience working with diverse stakeholder groups.
• Ability to think globally and act decisively.
• Unquestionable integrity and professional reputation.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive executive compensation package, including a base salary of R per annum, along with significant long-term incentives, performance bonuses, and potential equity participation. Comprehensive executive health benefits, a retirement fund, generous leave, and executive coaching are also provided. This is a critical leadership role based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA, offering the opportunity to shape the future of a major industry player.