Director of Strategic Initiatives

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with bonus

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Generous leave and holidays

Executive development programs

Cape Town office facilities

Retirement savings with company match

Life and disability insurance

Wellness programs and gym subsidies

Dynamic collaborative culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Director of Strategic Initiatives in Cape Town, Western Cape. You will identify, develop, and drive strategic projects, translating vision into actionable plans and delivering measurable impact.

You’ll work closely with senior leadership to manage multi-faceted, high-impact initiatives in a hybrid work environment. The ideal candidate has an MBA, 10+ years in strategy or management consulting, and a proven ability to lead cross-functional teams while navigating

Qualifications

• MBA, Finance, or related master’s required.
• Minimum 10 years in strategy, business development, or management consulting.
• Proven ability to conceptualize, plan, and execute complex initiatives.
• Strong financial modeling and market analysis skills.
• Hybrid work environment experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Identify and prioritize new strategic opportunities aligned with goals.
• Develop business cases, project plans, and roadmaps for approved initiatives.
• Lead cross-functional teams to deliver initiatives on time and within budget.
• Perform market research, competitive analysis, and feasibility studies.
• Track KPIs and report progress to senior management.
• Facilitate strategy planning sessions with leadership and stakeholders.
• Manage relationships with external partners and consultants involved in initiatives.
• Identify and mitigate risks; develop contingency plans as needed.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Financial modeling

Market analysis

Communication

Education

MBA (Master’s in Business Administration)

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dynamic and results-oriented Director of Strategic Initiatives to join their executive team in **Cape Town, Western Cape, ZA**. This pivotal role is responsible for identifying, developing, and driving key strategic projects that will propel the company forward. You will work closely with senior leadership to translate the company's vision into actionable plans, ensuring successful execution and measurable impact. The ideal candidate is a forward-thinking leader with a deep understanding of market trends, a passion for innovation, and a proven ability to manage complex, multi-faceted projects from inception to completion. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future direction of a leading organization within the vibrant **Cape Town** business landscape, contributing significantly to its long-term growth and competitive advantage. The role requires a blend of strategic thinking, hands‑on project management, and exceptional stakeholder engagement skills. We are looking for a strategic partner who can navigate ambiguity and drive transformative change within the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, and prioritize new business opportunities and strategic initiatives aligned with the company's overall goals.
• Develop detailed business cases, project plans, and roadmaps for approved strategic initiatives.
• Lead cross‑functional teams to execute strategic projects, ensuring timely delivery, within scope and budget.
• Conduct market research, competitive analysis, and feasibility studies to inform strategic decision‑making.
• Monitor industry trends, technological advancements, and regulatory changes to identify potential opportunities or threats.
• Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for strategic initiatives, reporting progress and outcomes to senior management.
• Facilitate strategic planning sessions and workshops with executive leadership and key stakeholders.
• Manage relationships with external partners, consultants, and stakeholders involved in strategic projects.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with strategic initiatives, developing contingency plans as needed.
• Drive a culture of innovation and continuous improvement throughout the organization.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA), Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in strategy, business development, or management consulting.
• Proven track record of successfully conceptualizing, planning, and executing complex strategic initiatives.
• Strong understanding of financial modeling, market analysis, and project management principles.
• Exceptional analytical, problem‑solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience working in a hybrid work environment, balancing on‑site collaboration with remote autonomy.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.
• Proficiency in strategy development frameworks and project management tools.
• Experience in the technology or financial services sector is a plus.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance‑based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous annual leave and public holiday allocation.
• Opportunities for professional development and executive training.
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art office facilities in **Cape Town**.
• Contribution towards commuting costs for hybrid work.
• Retirement savings plan with company matching.
• Life insurance and disability benefits.
• Employee wellness programs and gym membership subsidies.
• A dynamic and collaborative work culture within a growing organization.