Senior Director: Business Management (SD: BM)

Unitalentza; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university in South Africa is seeking a Senior Director of Business Management responsible for strategic and operational management within the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Candidates should have a strong background in leadership and financial management, with at least ten years of experience. This permanent role aims to enhance the Faculty's operational excellence and reputation in higher education and health sciences.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive management experience.
• 5+ years in a senior leadership role, preferably in an academic or healthcare context.
• Experience in financial management within a large organisation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and monitor action plans for the Faculty.
• Lead operational functions including finance and HR.
• Manage the Faculty's budgeting and financial operations.

Skills

Leadership

Financial Management

Strategic Planning

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Relevant qualification at NQF 9 level

Job description

Senior Director: Business Management (SD: BM)

• Senior Director: Business Management (SD: BM)
• Type of engagement: Permanent appointment

Pledge to maintain your information safe and confidential

The unitalentza website was launched out of necessity. It is a direct off-shoot of Academic Partners , the pre-eminent talent accessing and assessing service company within the South African Higher Education sector. A company that started 44 years ago in the commercial sector, but which in the last 26 years, has focused almost exclusively in the HE sector. Having founded the company, Jimmy Wayland took retirement in May 2022, but as a swansong objective, he undertook to develop Unitalentza website to uphold the same values, levels of confidentiality, trust and reliability as the founding company. Anything less and Jimmy would like to hear about it.

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Background to Position

Senior Director: Business Management (SD: BM)

Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

Senior Director: Business Management (SD: BM)

Ref. TGB00/198/0825

Stellenbosch University (SU) is a globally connected, research-intensive institution that attracts exceptional students, empowers talented staff, and fosters a world-class academic environment. We are deeply committed to enriching and transforming lives, locally, across Africa and around the globe.

The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences is a leading academic environment dedicated to excellence in medicine, health sciences, education, research, clinical care and social impact. With fifteen departments and eighteen centres, bureaus and institutes, the Faculty is at the forefront of advancing healthcare and shaping the next generation of professionals. More information on the Faculty is available athttps://www.sun.ac.za/english/faculty/healthsciences/

We invite applications for the role of Senior Director: Business Management, a key leadership position reporting to the Dean. This role is responsible for the strategic and operational management of the Faculty, ensuring the delivery of efficient, high-quality services and functional support to staff, students, and stakeholders.

If you are an experienced leader with a passion for innovation, transformation, and excellence in higher education and health sciences, and have a proven track record in managing complex organisations, we would love to hear from you.

We invite applications from suitably qualified and experienced persons for this permanent position.

Job Description

Duties:

• Developing and monitoring the implementation of the Faculty’s environmental and annual action plans, with a strong focus on business management, while ensuring alignment with core areas of learning and teaching, research, clinical services, and social impact.
• Strategic leadership, in collaboration with other Faculty portfolios, of all operational functions (including business management, grant management, finance, HR, ICTS, facilities management, marketing, and support services) to ensure integrated and sustainable operations.
• Leading and managing the Faculty’s budgeting and financial operations.
• Designing, implementing, and monitoring operational and financial processes within the Faculty, ensuring efficiency and compliance across departments and divisions.
• Developing and implementing a comprehensive marketing and communication strategy that enhances the Faculty’s competitiveness and reputation.

Inherent Criteria

Requirements:

• A relevant qualification at NQF 9 level or related professional equivalent, with a specialisation in finance, accounting, or business administration.
• At least ten years’ progressive management, including a minimum of five years in a senior leadership role (preferably in an academic or healthcare-related context).
• Extensive senior-level experience in financial management within a large and complex organisation, with a proven ability to lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial control processes.
• Demonstrated expertise in integrating financial strategy with operational planning, as well as in business operations optimisation (including technology and digitisation), new business development, and facilities management..
• Proven track record of strategic leadership and operational excellence, with the ability to lead diverse teams towards achieving shared objectives.
• Possesses strong analytical acumen and has the ability to apply effective problem-solving strategies.
• The ability to clearly communicate complex ideas and to collaborate successfully across teams.
• Demonstrates a visionary mindset with a strategic focus on achieving long-term goals.
• Demonstrated experience in values-based leadership and the ability to operate confidently and sensitively with respect to issues of diversity, transformation and equity.

As part of the interview process, shortlisted candidates would be expected to do a short presentation based on the requirements as set out in the advertisement.

Application Requirement

Commencement of duties:

01 March 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter

17 October 2025

Enquiries regarding this post: Ms Nurhaan West on 021 938 9128, or [e-mail]

Enquiries regarding remuneration/ benefits, as well as technical assistance with the electronic application process: Human Resources Client Services Centre on021 808 2753, or [e-mail]

Completed applications, comprising the documentation as set out below, must be sent via email [e-mail] before the closing date.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Documentation details (PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOUR APPLICATION INCLUDES ALL OF THE DOCUMENTS LISTED BELOW):

• A document in which candidates outline their experience and requirements to align with the Faculty and institutional strategy. (Maximum of 2000 words.)
• Details regarding present occupation, remuneration package and citizenship.
• An indication of the earliest date on which duties can be assumed.
• Certified copies of certificates.
• Details of at least three referees.

Stellenbosch University is committed to employment equity (EE), and appointments will be made in line with the institutional EE Plan.

At the discretion of the Selection Committee, candidates may be subjected to appropriate psychometric testing and other selection instruments and should therefore be willing to participate in these assessments.

The University reserves the right to investigate qualifications and conduct background checks on all candidates.

The University reserves the right to extend the closing date if deemed appropriate.

The University reserves the right not to make an appointment.

About Stellenbosch University

Stellenbosch University (SU) is home to an academic community of 29 000 students (including 4 000 foreign students from 100 countries) as well as 3 000 permanent staff members (including 1 000 academics) on five campuses. The historical oak-lined university town amongst the Boland Mountains in the winelands of the Western Cape creates a unique campus atmosphere, which attracts local and foreign students alike. On the main campus, paved walkways wind between campus buildings – some dating from previous centuries; others just a few years old. Architecture from various eras attests to the sound academic foundation and establishment of an institution of excellence. This, together with the scenic beauty of the area; state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly facilities and technology, as well as visionary thinking about the creation of a sustainable 21st-century institution, makes for the unique character of Stellenbosch University.

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