Executive: Strategic Portfolio Management presso Absa Bank Limited

Empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together…one story at a time.

Job Summary

Head: Strategic Portfolio Management is a pivotal role reporting into Executive: Business Transformation & Strategic Change. The portfolio for this role focuses on effective delivery of strategic investment programmes across Business Banking by applying expert programme management practices, governance oversight, functional alignment, and adherence to defined standards risk frameworks, and methodologies. The incumbent will ensure alignment with enterprise objectives, oversee cross-functional delivery, and embed governance and quality assurance frameworks to enable sustainable business outcomes. Outcomes must be linked to both qualitative and quantitative value generation, value enablement and value defence business priorities. The role is responsible for embedding delivery excellence within the value streams, driving accountability, transparency and enterprise-wide collaboration to drive strategic outcomes.

As a Senior Manager in the Absa Business Banking Chief Operations Office, you will excel in commercializing and monetizing strategies with a strong financial acumen. Your ability to leverage digital tools and technology to automate processes and generate commercial value will be paramount. With a focus on efficiency driven by automation, digitization, and cost optimization, you will consistently create demonstrated value for our clients.

Job Description

KEY FOCUS AREAS

• Lead the design and execution of complex, cross-functional programmes aligned to strategic priorities.
• Ensure delivery of programme outcomes within scope, time, and budget constraints.
• Embed quality assurance and governance frameworks across all programme phases.
• Manage stakeholder expectations and ensure alignment across business units.
• Drive operational excellence through structured programme delivery and change enablement.
• Monitor and report on programme performance, risks, and benefits realisation.
• Champion continuous improvement and innovation in programme delivery.
• Provide thought leadership in programme management practices and methodologies.
• Build and lead high-performing programme teams, fostering collaboration and accountability.
• Influence strategic decision-making through data-driven insights and programme outcomes.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

Strategy Formulation and Execution

• Lead the formulation and execution of enterprise-wide programmes that align with strategic business objectives and operational priorities.
• Translate strategic intent into structured programme roadmaps, ensuring alignment with COO/Operations goals and measurable outcomes.
• Translate long-term strategic objectives into aligned business plans, execution roadmaps and key milestone measurements for the business area.
• Cascade strategic goals and ensure alignment between business unit vision and functional implementation priorities, setting clear short, medium and long-term milestones.
• Develop effective partnerships to enable business performance and contribute to sector-wide influence aligned with strategic initiatives.
• Respond to emerging policy and regulatory trends by adapting operational strategy and ensuring compliance alignment.
• Coordinate business enablement efforts for Business Banking, ensuring delivery capability across systems, processes, and teams.
• Track execution progress against key strategic initiatives and intervene to correct course where needed.
• Support transformation initiatives through structured programme delivery and change management practices.
• Provide expert advice and support in operating model, strategy, and value chain formulation and delivery alignment.
• Identify practices and technologies that provide competitive advantage and enable knowledge sharing and integration of practice areas.
• Undertake analysis of management and specialist information and guide reporting tool implementation to improve decision-making quality.

Customer Primacy

• Lead the design and delivery of programmes that enhance customer experience and operational efficiency.
• Ensure customer-centric outcomes are embedded in programme objectives and delivery metrics.
• Translate customer insights into actionable programme improvements
• Interpret market and customer insights to inform operational plans and prioritise capability investments.
• Utilise customer data to improve processes and propositions, ensuring measurable customer value delivery.
• Instil customer-centric decision-making in teams, balancing experience and efficiency targets.
• Implement initiatives that improve customer engagement and retention through operational enhancements.
• Coordinate cross-functional initiatives to deliver consistent customer journeys and service quality.
• Represent the voice of the customer within leadership forums to influence service delivery priorities.
• Plan and deliver services that create a culture which aims to exceed customer expectations in all aspects of the business.
• Provide expertise in designing integrated frameworks to embed service excellence.

Sustainable Growth

• Align programme delivery with business growth objectives and operational scalability.
• Identify and implement opportunities for cost optimisation and value creation through programme
• Develop business area growth plans aligned to segment and enterprise priorities.
• Work with business partners to define and execute on growth strategies and operational initiatives.
• Mobilise functional teams to deliver growth targets and embed performance accountability.
• Monitor growth delivery, resolving barriers and reinforcing strategic objectives at operational levels.
• Evaluate financial and customer returns on initiatives to ensure alignment with business viability.
• Formulate and develop multi-function operating frameworks that contribute to sustainable growth.

Client-Driven Innovation and Change

• Drive innovation through the implementation of new delivery models and digital solutions.
• Lead change management efforts to ensure adoption and sustainability of programme outcomes.
• Monitor competitive landscape and identify opportunities to improve products, services, or operations.
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation within the team to enhance customer outcomes.
• Shape client experience initiatives through project ownership and delivery responsibility.
• Lead operational change, ensuring readiness, engagement, and measured impact across delivery teams.
• Influence and communicate across all levels of the business to minimise resistance to change and ensure onboarding of target audiences.
• Scan the external environment to investigate alternative delivery models and offer innovative advice for competitive advantage.
• Drive change management activities across a single value chain for optimal adoption of change.

Leading Talent

• Build programme management capability across teams through coaching and knowledge sharing.
• Lead by example in fostering a culture of accountability, agility, and continuous learning.
• Embed people processes and values into business routines, reinforcing a strong leadership culture.
• Develop workforce capabilities to meet business plan execution requirements and future readiness.
• Create inclusive team environments that support performance, wellbeing, and growth.
• Address escalated people issues and ensure application of performance and development processes.
• Develop future leaders through mentorship, stretch assignments, and tailored development experiences.
• Provide expertise and advice in the development and implementation of human capability and accountability frameworks across functions.
• Direct the development and implementation of human capability strategies to support people management priorities.

Operational Effectiveness

• Translate strategic goals into executable programme plans with clear KPIs and governance structures.
• Resolve delivery bottlenecks and ensure integration across operational units.
• Operationalise strategic goals into functional plans with clear deliverables, timelines, scorecards with team and individual KPIs to enable effective tracking of business and individual performance.
• Set appropriate financial and other resourcing plans to enable business performance, tracking against budgets and investments for both current and long-term strategic goals.
• Ensure integration across business units by resolving operational friction and dependencies.
• Represent the business area in operational forums and with delivery partners.
• Leverage data insights to improve operational effectiveness and customer outcomes.
• Continuously improve processes for agility, quality, and alignment with customer needs and digital tools.
• Identify problems and formulate alternate solutions to resolve value chain conflicts.
• Provide expert advice on operating model, strategy, value chain formulation, and business controls/governance frameworks.

Digital Adoption

• Leverage digital tools and platforms to enhance programme visibility, tracking, and reporting.
• Promote the use of automation and data analytics in programme delivery.
• Execute digital initiatives and promote adoption of technologies that improve efficiency and user experience.
• Monitor digital platform performance and ensure integration with business processes and outcomes.
• Deliberately identify opportunities to digitise, automate, and implement solutions for customer primacy, innovation, and operational effectiveness.

Good Governance, Risk and Compliance

• Ensure all programmes adhere to internal governance, risk, and compliance standards.
• Proactively manage programme risks and ensure mitigation plans are in place.
• Implement governance, risk, and compliance frameworks in business processes and team routines.
• Promote risk awareness and lead the response to regulatory changes and emerging issues.
• Support audit readiness and ensure operational teams adhere to compliance requirements.
• Define and consolidate the risk profile for the business unit, manage critical risks, and ensure resolution feedback to stakeholders.
• Enable the development and implementation of integrated corporate governance frameworks in areas of specialisation.
• Influence the implementation of effective internal controls systems and corporate governance practices.

Data Monetisation

• Use programme data to inform strategic decisions and demonstrate value realisation.
• Establish mechanisms for data-driven performance tracking and reporting.
• Apply data insights to support business planning and decision-making in the business area.
• Develop mechanisms to ensure data is collected, validated, and used to drive performance improvement.
• Oversee the explicit use of data and its inherent value to explore opportunities and guide decisions.

Stakeholder Management

• Engage and influence senior stakeholders to ensure alignment and support for programme objectives.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration and issue resolution across delivery teams.
• Manage relationships with key stakeholders to support aligned delivery and issue resolution.
• Ensure stakeholder expectations are managed and engagement is consistent with transformation priorities.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Education/ Qualification:
Post Graduate Degree: Honours Degree, Post Graduate Diploma and Professional Qualifications [NQF8]

Field of Study:

• Programme Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field.

Work Experience:

• 12 - 15 years experience in a specific capability of importance to the bank, including a track record of 5 years in a people management position in a large enterprise.
• Experience must include developing integrated customer-centric product or service solutions or corporate practice development while working with and managing stakeholders across business and/or functional areas and budget management.
• Exposure to digital transformation and data-driven decision-making is preferred.
• Demonstrated success in leading enterprise-wide programmes that deliver measurable business outcomes and transformation.
• Experience in engaging executive stakeholders in programme governance, strategic alignment, and benefits realisation across complex organisational structures.

COMPETENCIES

Leadership Competencies:

• Strategic Thinking
• Business Acumen
• Communication
• Influence
• Leadership
• Creativity and Innovation
• Delivering Results
• Adaptability
• Collaboration

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong commercialisation and monetisation skills with an affinity for finance
• Digital affinity and dexterity that leverages technology to automate and create commercial value
• Mindset of efficiency driven by automation, digitization and cost optimisation, to create client value 
• Enterprise Programme Management
• Strategic Planning and Execution
• Stakeholder Engagement and Influence
• Risk and Compliance Management
• Change Management and Communication
• Financial and Resource Planning
• Digital Tools for Programme Delivery
• Performance Monitoring and Reporting

Education

Postgraduate Degrees and Professional Qualifications: Business, Commerce and Management Studies

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

Candidarsi ora