Head : Business Data Insights And Enablement

Absa Bank; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading local bank is seeking a senior leader to integrate and lead two high‑performing data teams in Johannesburg. This role focuses on data-driven decision-making and customer-centric innovation, requiring expertise in data analytics and leadership skills. The ideal candidate will have 5-7 years of experience in the banking sector, along with a relevant degree and strong abilities in SQL, Python, and data governance.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience in data analytics roles.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams.
• Experience with structured, scalable data solutions.

Responsibilities

• Transition teams into insight-driven analytics hubs.
• Develop advanced modeling capabilities to unlock insights.
• Lead, manage, and mentor specialist teams.
• Champion high standards of data integrity and compliance.
• Automate reporting and streamline data processes.

Skills

Leadership

Data Analytics

SQL

Python

Data Governance

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Data Science or related field

Postgraduate qualification in Data Analytics

Tools

Power BI

Tableau

SAS

Job description

Overview

Absa Bank Limited is a leading local bank with strong regional and international expertise. We are an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer focused on inclusive growth across our Personal and Private Banking segments.

Job Summary

We are seeking a senior leader to integrate and lead two high‑performing data teams focused on two key headline product portfolios within the Personal and Private Banking cluster business. The role is central to enabling strategic, data‑driven decision‑making and customer‑centric innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Insight Leadership & Capability Building: Transition reporting‑focused teams into insight‑driven analytics hubs.
• Develop and embed advanced modelling and analytics capabilities to unlock deeper customer and product insights.
• Team Leadership, Development & Integration: Lead, manage and mentor two specialist teams, fostering a collaborative, high‑performance culture.
• Advanced Analytics & Modelling: Apply sophisticated techniques using SQL, SAS, Python and BI platforms (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) to uncover trends, predict behaviours and support strategic initiatives.
• Data Quality & Governance: Champion high standards of data integrity, accuracy and compliance, implementing robust governance frameworks aligned with regulatory and internal policies.
• Operational Efficiency & Automation: Lead initiatives to automate reporting and streamline data processes, freeing up capacity for strategic analysis and innovation.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Partner with the Enablement team to embed horizontal capabilities, standardised tooling and best practices across the data value chain; cooperate with the Customer team to align insights with customer needs; collaborate with the Engineering team and the Chief Data & Analytics Office (CDAO) to structure data requirements and optimise data warehouse design.
• Strategic Enablement & Monetisation: Translate insights into business opportunities, supporting sustainable growth, product optimisation and data monetisation initiatives.
• Functional Leadership: Influence and provide structure to key value elements within the data enablement function, aligning delivery with ABSA‑wide strategic goals.
• Change Enablement: Lead the planning and execution of controlled changes to data practices and processes, fostering innovation and organisational agility.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Information Systems, Mathematics, Economics or a related field (required).
• Postgraduate qualification in Data Analytics, Business Intelligence or Applied Statistics (preferred).
• 5–7 years’ experience in data analytics, insights or data enablement roles within a commercial bank, specifically Personal and Private Banking.
• Proven ability to lead cross‑functional teams and influence data strategy across business and technical domains.
• Demonstrated experience working with engineering and data architecture teams to define and deliver structured, scalable data solutions.
• Preferred certifications (not all required): SAS Certified Advanced Analytics Professional; Microsoft Certified Power BI Data Analyst Associate; Certified Analytics Professional (CAP); Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate; Advanced SQL Certification.

Equal Opportunity

Absa Bank Limited is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. In compliance with the Employment Equity Act 55 of South Africa, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards equitable demographic representation.