General Manager: Strategy

The General Manager: Strategy will serve as a trusted strategic advisor to the Executive Committee acting as an internal consultant to shape, align and drive the strategic direction of the organisation. 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 transformation into a fully-fledged, sustainable, digital-first state bank.

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 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.

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:

• Strategy development, planning and execution
• Commercial awareness, including market and competitor analysis
• Strategic process enhancement
• Change management
• Change Management Methodologies
• Organisational development, management techniques and good business practices
• Financial Management
• Value Chain Management
• Relevant statutes, rules and regulations
• Knowledge of PFMA and Treasury Regulations
• Banks Act
• Companies Act
• Risk and Compliance management
• King IV

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