Regional Manager Forensics West Coast Region

Empowering Africa's tomorrow, together…one story at a time.
With over 100 years of rich history and strongly positioned as a local bank with regional and international expertise, a career with our family offers the opportunity to be part of this exciting growth journey, to reset our future and shape our destiny as a proudly African group.

Job Summary
You will provide group-wide investigation capability to address fraud matters as directed by the Head: Regional Forensic Investigations (SA). You will oversee investigations conducted within the Forensics Western Cape and Central Regions teams to ensure they meet required standards and address organizational risk appropriately. You will also be responsible for setting and maintaining minimum standards of investigation. In addition, you will leverage technology and AI tools (such as Copilot and custom-designed agents) to improve efficiency in reporting, quality assurance, and operational processes, ensuring the team remains innovative and future-ready.

Job Description
People Management

• Determine and analyse development needs for the team and ensure that identified training requirements are budgeted for and executed.
• Manage a team to ensure effective delivery of services to stakeholders.
• Develop a high-performing team by embedding formal performance development and informal coaching. Encourage frequent knowledge sharing between team members.
• Review and maintain succession plans for one level below.
• Ensure that performance development (PD) is appropriately undertaken as per policy.
• Ensure PD plans are in place and regularly reviewed in line with the PD cycle.
• Obtain approval for any additional headcount for the team.
• Approve leave requests, training requests, and staff claims for team members.
• Address poor performance through the formal Performance Back on Track programme and ensure continued poor performance is appropriately managed.
• Motivate team members and ensure their efforts are recognized.
• Participate in regular meetings with team members to share information and best practices.

Business Management

• Translate strategy into operational business plans, communicate these to the team, and obtain buy-in on deliverables.
• Review reports of new cases allocated weekly and assess fair distribution.
• Continuously review case volumes to improve investigation methodologies and adjust criteria based on a risk-based approach.
• Review and provide input into quarterly/monthly SBU reports.
• Ensure adequate and timely responses to media queries received from Group.
• Provide input into training and awareness material when requested by the Training Manager.
• Ensure compliance with Group policies and procedures.
• Access and update investigative policies and procedures, ensuring implementation and adherence.
• Conduct monthly oversight reviews with direct reports to assess business performance and support corrective actions where required.
• Escalate major issues to management.

Stakeholder Management

• Communicate the department's strategy to direct reports and stakeholders, ensuring clarity on departmental vs. business unit responsibilities.
• For material or significant issues identified, recommend corrective action to business unit senior management or Fraud Risk Strategy to prevent recurrence.
• Attend risk forums and oversight committees.
• Provide fraud awareness presentations to stakeholders and draft fraud alerts for distribution to the Integrated Channels business segment.
• Interact with industry counterparts to share information and foster cooperation, with the aim of gaining a common understanding of threats and risks.
• Build and maintain relationships with external parties (e.g., SAPS, SARS, NPA, Asset Forfeiture Unit) to ensure cooperation on key investigations.
• Ensure adequate support and evidence collection for cases handled by Group Legal Services or Absa Debt Recovery Services, and engage those areas to execute identified actions.

Operational Oversight and Guidance

• Assess and update investigative policies and procedures, ensuring implementation and adherence to minimum standards.
• For sensitive or high-risk cases (on an ad hoc basis or when tasked by management), execute investigations end-to-end or delegate appropriately.
• Ensure feedback is provided to management/stakeholders in respect of high-level or sensitive cases.
• Continuously evaluate cases allocated to direct reports in line with set guidelines and standards.
• Approve case status changes for direct reports in accordance with departmental guidelines and policies.

Investigation

• Provide investigation capability and leadership in significant and sensitive fraud, theft, and corruption cases.
• Ensure that control failures identified during investigations are captured on the Forensic Case Management System and simultaneously escalated to Fraud Strategy and/or the responsible business units.
• Provide investigative support to other areas when appropriate.
• For matters involving significant fraud losses to the Bank, ensure a Steerco is established with relevant stakeholders to manage the case and maximize recovery efforts.
• Continuously evaluate cases allocated to direct reports in line with set guidelines and standards.
• Interact with high-profile clients impacted by fraud to escalate issues, monitor investigation progress, and provide updates.
• Act as a point of contact and advisor for fraud investigators.
• Support and provide investigators with advice when testifying at disciplinary, criminal, and civil hearings.
• Provide guidance to investigators on compiling affidavits and ensure accuracy and compliance with legal standards.
• Demonstrate extensive experience in compiling affidavits and the ability to testify in disciplinary, criminal, and civil matters as an expert witness.

Technological & Innovation Responsibilities

• Utilize AI tools (e.g., Copilot) to streamline day-to-day responsibilities such as report writing, quality assurance, and data validation.
• Design and implement AI-driven agents to assist with operational tasks, improving efficiency and accuracy.
• Apply data analytics platforms (e.g., Power BI, Excel dashboards) to identify trends and support decision-making.
• Collaborate with Cyber Forensics for email extractions and device imaging when required.
• Collaborate with other internal functions and external partners to ensure the best possible information and data is obtained to support investigations and enhance decision-making, leveraging systems, tools, and data sources across functions.
• Ensure team members are trained on AI and digital tools to enhance productivity and investigative quality.

Education And Experience Required

• B-degree or Diploma in Forensic Investigation and Criminal Justice (NQF Level 6).
• Minimum of 8 years' experience in a forensic investigations environment, preferably within the financial sector.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in managing a team.
• Proven experience in criminal proceedings and court testimony.
• Extensive experience in compiling affidavits and supporting investigators in affidavit preparation and testimony in disciplinary, criminal, and civil matters.

Education
Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Law, Military Science and Security (Required)

Absa Bank Limited is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. In compliance with the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards achievement of equitable demographic representation of our workforce profile and add to the diversity of the Bank.
Absa Bank Limited reserves the right not to make an appointment to the post as advertised