Turnaround CEO — Transforming Public Trust & Digital Growth

Fempower; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 750 000; Full time

Job summary

A national institution is seeking a charismatic Chief Executive Officer to lead a critical turnaround. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in transforming organizations, political acumen, and strong governance expertise. Responsibilities include stabilizing operations, driving digital transformation, and restoring public trust. Minimum qualifications include a PhD or dual Master's degrees with 15 years’ relevant management experience. This is a national mission aimed at improving education access and youth employability.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of rescuing and transforming complex organisations under scrutiny.
• Political acumen and gravitas to command confidence from Cabinet and Parliament.
• Expertise in governance, compliance, and institutional accountability.
• Strong business and financial acumen with proven stewardship of multi-billion-rand budgets.
• History of delivering digital innovation and performance-driven cultures.
• Influence and authority to unite diverse stakeholders behind a reform agenda.

Responsibilities

• Lead a comprehensive turnaround programme, stabilizing operations and embedding accountability.
• Restore public trust through uncompromising governance and ethical leadership.
• Drive digital transformation, building technology-enabled systems.
• Mobilize new funding streams through partnerships and donor engagement.
• Influence government, regulators, and civil society at the highest levels.
• Position the institution as a trusted enabler of higher education access.

Job description

A national institution is seeking a charismatic Chief Executive Officer to lead a critical turnaround. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in transforming organizations, political acumen, and strong governance expertise. Responsibilities include stabilizing operations, driving digital transformation, and restoring public trust. Minimum qualifications include a PhD or dual Master's degrees with 15 years’ relevant management experience. This is a national mission aimed at improving education access and youth employability.