General Manager Strategy

Mindworx; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 900 000 - 1 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial institution in South Africa is searching for a General Manager – Strategy to lead and implement the bank's long-term strategies. The role demands a strong strategic thinker with over 10 years of experience in strategy development, particularly within the financial services sector. You will work closely with stakeholders, driving performance, and ensuring alignment with national objectives and financial inclusion mandates. This is a full-time position that promises significant responsibilities and impact within the organization.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience in strategy development and execution.
• Proven track record in leading strategic projects and advising executive leadership.
• Experience in working with or within state-owned enterprises or regulated environments is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and periodic review of the bank’s corporate strategy.
• Drive the execution of the strategy across the business.
• Lead environmental scanning and strategic research.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Consulting facilitation

Project management

Change management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, Economics, Engineering or related field

Relevant Post‑Graduate qualification (e.g. MBA / MBL)

Job description

Overview

Our client in the banking industry is looking for a General Manager – Strategy to serve as a trusted strategic advisor to the Executive Committee and act as an internal consultant to shape, align and drive the strategic direction of the bank. The role is responsible for leading the development, implementation and monitoring of the bank’s long‑term strategy in alignment with national development objectives, financial inclusion mandates and the transformation of the bank into a fully‑fledged sustainable digital‑first state bank.

Job Responsibilities

Strategic Planning and Advisory

• Lead the development and periodic review of the bank’s corporate strategy, annual business/performance plans and transformation roadmap.
• Act as an internal consultant across business units advising on strategic alignment, performance optimisation and innovation.
• Facilitate strategic planning sessions with Exco and Board Committees including scenario planning and strategy refreshes.
• Translate strategic intent into actionable and measurable plans and initiatives.

Execution Oversight and Performance Monitoring

• Drive the execution of the strategy across the business through full integration with the Project Management Office (PMO) in alignment with the Corporate Plan and Annual Performance Plan.
• Work with business units to cascade strategic priorities and ensure alignment in operational plans and KPIs.
• Monitor implementation progress of key strategic initiatives, identifying risks and recommending course corrections.
• Lead the development and reporting of performance dashboards for executive and board use.

Research, Policy and Environmental Scanning

• Lead environmental scanning and strategic research on market trends, policy changes, competitor activity and socioeconomic shifts.
• Develop strategic insights and policy recommendations that support the bank’s public development finance and financial inclusion role.

Stakeholder Engagement and Alignment

• Support the CEO and Exco in engagements with shareholders and stakeholders (e.g. National Treasury, DCDT, Parliament), regulators (e.g. Prudential Authority) and key partners.
• Prepare strategic content for presentations, submissions and oversight reports to government and parliamentary bodies.

Special Projects and Thought Leadership

• Drive and/or support high‑priority strategic projects including market entry partnerships, product expansion and digital transformation.
• Provide thought leadership on topics such as financial inclusion, digital banking models, ESG strategy and public sector innovation.

Team Management

• Lead, motivate, guide and manage the team to create an enabling environment to achieve strategic objectives through a culture of performance excellence that promotes teamwork, collaboration, professional development and growth.
• Manage performance of direct reports, ensuring agreement of annual goals, measuring performance against agreed goals and dealing with non‑performance accordingly.
• Talent management of direct reports, including career development/pathing for all staff and succession planning for key positions.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, Economics, Engineering or related field.
• Relevant Post‑Graduate qualification in business administration / strategic management (NQF Level 9) e.g. MBA / MBL.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in strategy development and execution, preferably in financial services or banking.
• Proven track record in leading strategic projects and advising executive leadership.
• Experience in working with or within state‑owned enterprises or regulated environments is highly advantageous.

Knowledge and Understanding of

• Change Management Methodologies.
• Organisational development management techniques and good business practices.
• Financial Management.
• Value Chain Management.
• Risk and Compliance management.
• King IV etc.
• Relevant statutes, rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of PFMA and Treasury Regulations.
• Banks Act.
• Postbank Act.
• Companies Act.

Skills and Attributes

• Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills.
• Excellent consulting facilitation and communication skills.
• Ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders.
• Deep understanding of the South African financial services landscape and policy environment.
• Project management and change management expertise.
• High level of integrity, discretion and emotional intelligence.
• Excellent leadership communication and interpersonal skills.
• Mission‑driven and committed to public service.
• Comfortable navigating complexity and ambiguity.
• Collaborative and team‑oriented.
• Results‑driven with a focus on impact.

Employment Details

Employment Type: Full‑Time
Experience Required: 10+ years
Vacancy: 1