Business & Strategy Manager

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.

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Job SummaryThe Business & Strategy Manager (AVP) will serve as a trusted thought partner to the Head of Digital Transformation and Technology, playing a pivotal role in advancing the strategic vision across the Exploit–Extend–Explore horizons. The role demands strong business acumen, leadership in cross-functional engagements, and the ability to synthesize complex information into actionable insights. This individual will drive stakeholder alignment, manage strategic communications, coordinate digital transformation forums, conduct market research, and champion a culture of innovation and performance across Digital and Technology.

Job Description

Strategic Program Support & Execution

Serve as a central point of coordination across Digi Bank, Open Banking, and Digitalization programs.

Develop and manage executive dashboards, progress trackers, KPIs, and OKRs to measure impact across strategic initiatives.

Draft, review, and prepare high-quality presentations and briefing packs for forums including ARO committees, SLG, CMC, and the Board.

Research & Strategic Insights

Conduct primary and secondary research across the financial services landscape to support strategic decisions across the Exploit–Extend–Explore framework.

Provide competitive intelligence, benchmarking, and opportunity mapping across digital-only banking, open banking, super-app ecosystems, and process digitization.

Help define and refine business cases and value propositions for strategic investments and pilot programs.

Stakeholder Engagement & Governance

Liaise effectively with cross-functional teams, product owners, technology leads, and control functions.

Ensure project alignment with ARO and local governance requirements, including regulatory, procurement, security, and architecture forums.

Organize and track leadership calendars, ensuring key meetings and decision gates are supported with clear inputs and outputs.

Strategic Communications & Change Leadership

Craft executive narratives and talking points that align digital initiatives with the broader Absa Purpose and Values.

Support the communication strategy for internal and external stakeholders to maintain enthusiasm around digital transformation.

Partner with cross-functional teams to embed culture, learning, and engagement initiatives across the function.

Business Management & Risk Oversight

Maintain a sharp focus on risk and control, ensuring all initiatives adhere to Absa’s Enterprise Risk Framework, including incident tracking and audit closures.

Track and escalate progress of key audit and compliance actions across Digital and Technology initiatives.

Proactively manage performance dashboards, functional budgets, and cost optimization initiatives.

Role/person specification

Preferred Education

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Strategy, Finance, Technology, Engineering or related field and (MBA or equivalent preferred).

Certifications

Any related certification

Preferred Experience

7–10 years of experience in strategy, business transformation, consulting, or digital banking environments.

Experience in financial services, particularly in digital banking, fintech partnerships, or open banking

Exposure to regulatory frameworks, governance structures, and risk management in BFSI.

Knowledge and Skills

Strong track record of preparing materials for CXO/Board-level audiences and engaging with senior stakeholders.

Demonstrated success in driving cross-functional strategic programs with multiple stakeholders.

Understanding of digital ecosystems, agile project management, and innovation practices.

Education

Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Business, Commerce and Management Studies (Required)

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