Executive: Productivity, Efficiency and Innovation

Absa Group; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 900 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial institution in South Africa seeks an Executive for Productivity Efficiency and Innovation. This strategic role will report to the COO, focusing on driving operational excellence, cost management, and enhancing productivity. The ideal candidate will possess a postgraduate degree and demonstrate effective leadership and communication skills. This position involves engaging with various stakeholders to implement initiatives that promote business scalability and innovation.

Qualifications

• A postgraduate degree in Business, Commerce, or Management is required.
• Proven track record in cost efficiency and operational improvement.
• Experience in leading cross-functional projects and initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Act as a strategic partner to the COO, ensuring execution of business priorities.
• Lead special projects and manage cross-functional initiatives.
• Drive innovation to enhance operational processes and customer experience.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Effective communication

Leadership

Cost management

Change management

Education

Postgraduate Degrees in Business, Commerce or Management

Job description

Job Summary

The Executive: Productivity Efficiency and Innovation is a value generating role reporting into the Chief Operations Officer (COO). The portfolio for this role is focused on efficiency, cost optimisation, productivity, performance and innovation. The job will be central in driving operational excellence, leading cost management initiatives and improving productivity and efficiency across the business. The incumbent will also play a key role in stakeholder engagement, representing the COO in various forums. The role will require a strategic thinker, an effective communicator and a proactive leader who can drive execution while navigating complex business dynamics.

Job Description

Key Accountabilities

Strategic Execution and Operational Efficiency

• Act as a strategic partner to the Chief Operating Officer, ensuring seamless execution of business priorities.
• Lead special projects and strategic initiatives as assigned by the COO.
• Oversee and manage cross-functional projects, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with company objectives.
• Lead initiatives to improve productivity, cost efficiency and process optimisation.
• Monitor key performance metrics, identify trends and recommend corrective actions to enhance business performance.
• Oversee cross functional projects to streamline operations and enhance service delivery.
• Drive innovation initiatives to enhance operational processes, customer experience and business scalability.
• Identify and implement new technologies, automation and digital solutions to improve business outcomes in partnership with the CIO office.

Financial and Cost Management

• Develop and implement cost-saving initiatives while ensuring operational sustainability.
• Analyse financial and operational data to provide insights that support decision-making.
• Support budgeting, forecasting and cost control effort to align with strategic objectives.
• Work closely with finance team and COO executive team to ensure financial discipline and effective resource allocation.

Leadership and Cross—Functional Collaboration

• Act as an extension of the COO’s leadership team, ensuring alignment across functions.
• Facilitate collaboration between different business units, resolving bottlenecks and driving execution.
• Engage with senior executives across the bank to ensure the successful delivery of key priorities.
• Partner with product and business verticals to provide expert advice and thought leadership to help to create a commercial uplift and increase in efficiencies.

Education

Postgraduate Degrees and Professional Qualifications: Business, Commerce and Management Studies

Absa Bank Limited is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. In compliance with the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards achievement of equitable demographic representation of our workforce profile and add to the diversity of the Bank.

Absa Bank Limited reserves the right not to make an appointment to the post as advertised.