Specialist: Service Level Agreements and SRM

To lead, plan, manage and optimise the implementation of strategic contractual, supplier relationship, and service level management activities across high-value and business-critical Digital engagements. The role is accountable for ensuring that Digital contracts and supplier partnerships deliver measurable commercial value, mitigate risk, and support Absa’s strategic objectives, while maintaining strong governance and regulatory compliance.

• Ensure that contracts are proactively managed and renewed ahead of expiry, particularly for large-scale, flagship, complex and high-value contracts exceeding R100m.
• Engage executives and business stakeholders to define requirements and drive sourcing strategies.
• Lead the structuring, and negotiation of complex contractual agreements, ensuring optimal commercial outcomes while mitigating legal, procurement, operational and regulatory risks.
• Collaborate closely with Legal and Procurement to structure multi-year, multi-vendor and strategic agreements.
• Drive contract optimisation through re-negotiations, benchmarking, and continuous commercial improvement.
• Manage supplier terminations and exit strategies for critical vendors, ensuring minimal disruption to business operations.
• Own and manage strategic and flagship supplier relationships, ensuring alignment to Absa’s commercial, operational and risk objectives.
• Design and implement robust SRM frameworks, including governance structures, exit strategies, performance scorecards, and engagement models.
• Lead executive-level supplier engagements, including Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) and service review meetings.
• Ensure comprehensive supplier lifecycle management, including due diligence, onboarding, ongoing assurance, and exit planning.
• Engage and influence a wide range of complex relationship management of stakeholders, including senior leadership and executive stakeholders.

• NQF Level 6 qualification in Commerce/Legal or equivalent (essential)
• Postgraduate qualifications/advanced diplomas (advantageous)
• 5–10 years’ experience in Contract Management, SLA Management, and Supplier Relationship Management
• 5+ years’ experience in report writing and supplier performance management
• Proven experience managing high value (R100m+), flagship, complex and customer facing contracts
• Demonstrated experience managing strategic / flagship suppliers / partners at enterprise level
• Strong experience in commercial negotiations and contract structuring
• Experience in highly regulated environments (Financial Services preferred)
• Advanced Contract Drafting and Negotiation
• Strong Problem Solving and Analytical Skills