General Manager: Strategy Jobs

Purpose of the Job

The General Manager: Strategy will act as a trusted advisor to the Executive Committee. This role shapes, aligns, and drives the bank’s strategic direction. It leads the development, implementation, and monitoring of the bank’s long-term strategy. This aligns with national development goals, financial inclusion mandates, and Postbank’s transformation into a fully-fledged, sustainable, digital-first state bank.

Job Responsibilities

Strategic Planning and Advisory

• Lead the development and review of the bank’s corporate strategy, annual business plans, and transformation roadmap.
• Act as an internal consultant to business units, advising on strategic alignment, performance improvement, and innovation.
• Facilitate strategic planning sessions with the Executive Committee and Board Committees, including scenario planning and strategy updates.
• Turn strategic goals into practical and measurable plans and initiatives.

Execution Oversight and Performance Monitoring

• Drive strategy execution across the business by working closely with the Project Management Office. Align with the Corporate Plan and Annual Performance Plan.
• Help business units cascade strategic priorities and ensure alignment in operational plans and key performance indicators.
• Monitor progress of key strategic initiatives, identify risks, and suggest adjustments.
• Develop and report performance dashboards for executives and the board.

Research, Policy, and Environmental Scanning

• Lead environmental scanning and strategic research on market trends, policy changes, competitors, and socioeconomic shifts.
• Develop strategic insights and policy recommendations to support Postbank’s role in public development finance and financial inclusion.

Stakeholder Engagement and Alignment

• Support the CEO and Executive Committee in engagements with shareholders, stakeholders (such as National Treasury, DCDT, Parliament), regulators (such as Prudential Authority), and key partners.
• Prepare strategic content for presentations, submissions, and reports to government and parliamentary bodies.

Special Projects and Thought Leadership

• Drive or support high-priority strategic projects, including market entry, partnerships, product expansion, and digital transformation.
• Provide thought leadership on topics like 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. Achieve strategic objectives through a culture of performance excellence that promotes teamwork, collaboration, professional development, and growth.
• Manage performance of direct reports, set annual goals, measure performance, and address any issues. Handle talent management, including career development, pathing, and succession planning for key positions.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, Economics, Engineering, or a related field.
• Relevant postgraduate qualification in business administration or strategic management (NQF Level 9), such as an MBA or 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 state-owned enterprises or regulated environments is highly advantageous.

Knowledge and Understanding

• Strategy development, planning, and execution.
• Commercial awareness, including market and competitor analysis.
• Strategic process enhancement.
• Change management and methodologies.
• Organisational development, management techniques, and good business practices.
• Financial management.
• Value chain management.
• Risk and compliance management.
• Relevant statutes, rules, and regulations, including PFMA, Treasury Regulations, Banks Act, Postbank Act, Companies Act, and 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.