Head: Performance, Data & Transformation

Absa is seeking a strategic leader to spearhead performance, data, and transformation initiatives within its Corporate Real Estate Services (CRES) division. This pivotal role will establish and guide a comprehensive capability that underpins the entire CRES operating model, ensuring it is data-driven, digitally advanced, and operationally efficient. The incumbent will serve as the central hub for portfolio performance insights, data governance, business intelligence, strategy execution, digital innovation, and organisational change.

The core function of this position is to empower executive decision-making through the provision of a single source of truth for real estate data and performance. This involves developing integrated reporting, leveraging advanced analytics to extract meaningful insights, and driving the successful implementation of key strategic initiatives. The ultimate goal is to ensure that CRES consistently aligns with overarching enterprise strategies, meets regulatory expectations, and champions business priorities across the entire real estate value chain.

Establishing Enterprise Performance and Data Excellence

A significant aspect of this role involves defining and embedding a robust enterprise performance management framework for CRES. This includes the development of executive scorecards, a strategic Key Performance Indicator (KPI) framework, and comprehensive portfolio performance dashboards. Regular monthly and quarterly business reviews, alongside detailed benefits realisation reporting, will be integral to demonstrating the impact of CRES activities.

Crucially, the Head: Performance, Data & Transformation will also be responsible for architecting and governing the CRES data strategy and its real estate information model. This encompasses establishing a clear data governance framework, defining data quality standards and controls, and ensuring the maintenance of a trustworthy, single source of truth for all real estate information. This foundation is essential for enabling sophisticated portfolio analytics and driving informed decisions.

Driving Digital Transformation and Strategic Execution

The position requires a forward-thinking approach to digital enablement and transformation. This will involve developing and executing the CRES digital roadmap, fostering the adoption of new digital technologies, and exploring automation opportunities to optimise workflows. Collaboration with Group Technology will be key to enhancing system integration and digital capabilities.

Furthermore, the successful candidate will lead the CRES transformation portfolio, translating high-level strategic objectives into actionable programmes. This includes driving operating model implementation, establishing robust programme governance, and leading organisational change management activities to ensure the sustainable adoption of new processes and ways of working. A strong focus will be placed on continuous improvement and the evaluation of emerging property technology (PropTech) solutions to foster innovation across the real estate value chain.

In South Africa, a role of this seniority within a large financial institution would typically command a competitive remuneration package, reflecting the critical strategic and operational responsibilities involved. Such positions are often found within the real estate divisions of major banks, insurance companies, and large diversified corporations. Career progression could lead to more senior executive roles within CRES or broader operational leadership positions within the organisation.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

Essential

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Engineering, Real Estate, Data Analytics, Information Systems, Finance or related discipline

Preferred

• Postgraduate Degree (MBA, MCom, MSc or equivalent)
• Change Management certification
• Project Management certification
• Data Analytics qualification

Experience

• 10-15 years' experience in strategy, performance management, transformation, analytics or business operations.
• Experience leading enterprise transformation programmes.
• Experience in data, business intelligence and reporting environments.
• Experience within Corporate Real Estate, Financial Services, Infrastructure or Operations functions.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams.
• Experience operating in a complex, matrix and geographically dispersed environment.

Technical Skills

• Corporate Real Estate Analytics
• Performance Management Frameworks
• Data Governance
• Data Visualisation and BI
• Strategic Planning
• Transformation Management
• Change Management
• Programme Delivery
• Digital Transformation
• Portfolio Performance Management
• Financial Analysis
• Process Excellence and Lean Methodologies

Competencies

Leadership

• Strategic Thinking
• Enterprise Leadership
• Commercial Acumen
• Executive Influence
• Decision Making

Execution

• Results Orientation
• Planning and Organising
• Governance Excellence
• Continuous Improvement
• Problem Solving

Interpersonal

• Stakeholder Management
• Communication
• Collaboration
• Negotiation
• Change Leadership

Education

Bachelor's Degree: 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