3 Executive Leadership jobs in South Africa

Executive Director: Leadership and Transformation (5 year fixed term)

• Executive Director: Leadership and Transformation (5 year fixed term)
• Type of engagement: Permanent appointment

The unitalentza website was launched out of necessity. It is a direct off-shoot of Academic Partners , the pre-eminent talent accessing and assessing service company within the South African Higher Education sector. A company that started 44 years ago in the commercial sector, but which in the last 26 years, has focused almost exclusively in the HE sector. Having founded the company, Jimmy Wayland took retirement in May 2022, but as a swansong objective, he undertook to develop Unitalentza website to uphold the same values, levels of confidentiality, trust and reliability as the founding company. Anything less and Jimmy would like to hear about it.

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The University of South Africa (UNISA) is the largest comprehensive open distance e-learning (CODeL) institution in Africa and the longest complex standing dedicated distance education university in the world, nurturing aspirant leaders of tomorrow and motivating a future generation through knowledge development, research, engaged scholarship, research, and innovation. Unisa offers an unparalleled range of study choices in under-graduate and post-graduate degrees/research, and is inviting applications for the position of Executive Director: Leadership and Transformation.

Reporting to the Principal and Vice Chancellor: Provide leadership and strategic direction to the Leadership and Organisational Transformation function which includes to facilitate and drive transformation agenda and initiatives across the University and coordinate legislative reporting requirements involving transformation and employment equity in alignment with the University’s Open Distance and e-Learning (ODeL) model and the 2016-2030 strategy.

DIRECTORATE STRUCTURE

• Deputy Director: Employment Equity,
• Deputy Director: Culture Change,
• Deputy Director: Governance Leadership and Management,
• Director: Leadership Systems and Policies,
• Project Administrator,
• Personal Assistant,

ORGANISATIONAL LIAISON

Internal Interaction

• All Vice Principals,
• Business Partners,
• Specialists within the value chain,
• Executive Deans and Deputy Executive Deans of Colleges,
• Council and its Committees,

External Interaction

• Public / private external organisations,
• Professional bodies,
• Bodies where Unisa has Institutional membership,
• Professional Associations / Organisations,

KPA 1) Strategic Direction and Alignment

• Leading and developing the functional strategy and objectives in line with the Institutional ODeL 2016-2030 Strategy.
• Developing functional operational plans and KPI’s in support of the function’s strategy and the institution’s overall vision and strategy.
• Driving the implementation of the functional strategy, plans and procedures to compliment and support the ODeL 2016-2030 Strategy.
• Providing strategic leadership to the development of the annual performance review as is required by the Department of Higher Education Training (DHET).

KPA 2) Institutional Transformation

• Manage the following broader change Leadership and Transformation areas:

Employment Equity

Culture change and transformation

Governance, Leadership and Management transformation

Leadership Systems and Policies Transformation

• Facilitating and driving the strategic transformation and change agenda at the university by promoting debates on decolonisation, indigenisation, diversification/ differentiation and Africanisation of the university as well as its operations to ensure substantive social and cultural transformation.
• Assuming the responsibility for the coordination of all legislative and regulatory requirements in terms of the broader transformation agenda.
• Defining and articulating change and transformation.
• Catalyzing and galvanizing transformation.
• Advocacy and transformation.
• Facilitation and leading of dialogues and conversations on transformation discourse.
• Supporting and facilitating change and transformation initiatives.
• Doing research on transformation.
• Analysis of transformation trends.
• Documenting and reporting on transformation to internal and external stakeholders
• Developing a Transformation Plan that fosters a shared and inclusive understanding of transformation and employment equity (EE) aligned to the University's transformation agenda.
• Overseeing the integration of B-BBEE transformation, employment equity and diversity and inclusion across the University as part of a holistic transformation strategy.
• Facilitating the provision of equitable access to the University, facilitate social integration and student equity including sustainability initiatives.
• Facilitating the integration of organisational transformation aspects in functional strategies and plans.
• Developing Transformation Plan that engages a diverse student body of the University. Leading the capacity building and training activities to support Institutional transformation.
• Leading the capacity building and training activities to support Institutional transformation.
• Identifying risks relating to organisational transformation and develop mitigating strategies.

KPA 3) Forecasting, Budgeting and Financial Management

• Compiling and managing the functional budget in line with the portfolio and Institutional budget.
• Overseeing and monitoring functional expenditure within budgeted parameters and reporting on variances periodically.
• Directing and overseeing the funding of functional operations and budgeted activities.
• Managing the function's resources sustainable in accordance with financial principles.

KPA 4) People Management

• Managing performance which includes conducting annual performance reviews of staff in accordance with the performance management process, and monitor overall performance of the Institutional Advancement function on an ongoing basis.
• Coaching and mentoring staff as appropriate to improve performance.
• Directing implementation of training and development programmes for staff, including personal development plans (PDPs).
• Establishing a positive, healthy and safe work environment and culture ln accordance with the Transformation Charter and ODeL 2016-2030 strategy.
• Directing implementation of the human resources policies, procedures and practices.
• Determining staff requirements for the department which includes resourcing of programmes and initiatives.

KPA 5) Governance and Reporting

• Monitoring and report on progress against functional strategic initiatives.
• Monitoring and reporting on legislative and statutory compliance as defined by Government.
• Promoting sound institutional governance and participating in Institutional governance structures.
• Directing the development and implementation of policies and procedures of the function.

• Your doctoral degree in Social Sciences and Humanities or cognate disciplines is complemented by a minimum of 10years experience in the area of leadership and transformation, of which at least 5 years has been in a senior management role.
• A minimum of 10 years’ experience with at least 5 years in a senior management role.

• A detailed cover letter indicating your suitability for the position.
• Names and contact details for at least 3 referees.
• Certified copies of matric and degree certificates and Identity Document. Proof of SAQA verification of foreign qualifications, where relevant

The closing date for applications is 20 July 2025

Developed in collaboration with Higher Education South Africa - giving opportunity to South African institutions to reach South African Academics from anywhere on the globe.

Giving back to South African Higher Education through revenue sharing.

unitalentza Job Platform is an advanced job directory & listings application, made for South African Universities.

Nature & Scope

Our client, a dynamic and innovative global leader in the property and building industry, is seeking a Chief Financial Officer to join their team. Based in the company's global service hub in Cape Town, the CFO will have global responsibility for the financial stewardship of all group companies. This executive will be a key business partner to the CEO and the board, providing financial leadership, strategic direction, and operational excellence. The successful candidate will lead and build out a talented and geographically distributed finance team with its primary hub in Cape Town and key members located in the international offices. This is a unique opportunity to shape the financial future of a growing global enterprise, including the potential to list on a European or North American stock market within the next 10 years.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Corporate Finance :

• Partner with the CEO and executive team to formulate and execute the company's long-term strategic plan, providing robust financial analysis and insights.
• Lead capital allocation strategy, M&A activities, due diligence, and integration.
• Oversee capital structure, manage banking relationships, and lead future fundraising or financing initiatives.
• Drive the financial planning of the company by analyzing its performance and risks.

Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) :

• Direct the global financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting processes to ensure alignment with strategic objectives.
• Provide insightful data-driven analysis of financial and operational performance, highlighting trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and financial metrics across all business units and geographies.

Global Operations & Control :

• Lead and manage the global finance and accounting functions, ensuring the team is effective, motivated, and aligned.
• Oversee all accounting operations, including General Ledger, A/R, A/P, Cost Accounting, and Revenue Recognition, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Manage global treasury, cash flow, and working capital to optimize the company's liquidity and financial position.
• Ensure the integrity of financial systems, processes, and internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure compliance.

Risk Management & Compliance :

• Ensure full compliance with all financial regulations, tax laws, and reporting requirements (IFRS) across all jurisdictions (South Africa, Switzerland, USA, Ukraine).
• Coordinate and manage the external audit process globally.
• Develop and implement effective risk management policies, particularly concerning interest rates, credit, and currency fluctuations (forex).

Team Leadership & Development :

• Provide strong leadership, mentorship, and development to the global finance team.
• Foster a culture of high performance, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Manage a multi-cultural and geographically dispersed team, promoting clear communication and a unified purpose.

Qualifications & Experience

Professional Certification: Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) or equivalent (e.g., CPA, ACCA, CIMA) is mandatory.

Education : An MBA or other relevant postgraduate degree is highly advantageous.

Experience :

• Minimum of 10-15 years of progressive finance experience, with 2-7 years in a senior executive role (CFO, VP Finance, Finance Director, or Head of Finance) within a complex multinational organization.
• Experience managing finance functions for companies with significant international operations, especially in Europe and North America.
• Proven ability to develop and lead high-performing, geographically dispersed teams.
• Strong expertise in IFRS; familiarity with US GAAP is a plus.
• Experience in the building or property industry is preferred.

Key Competencies

• Strategic mindset with the ability to provide financial counsel at the executive and board levels.
• Exceptional leadership and people management skills.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
• Superior analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail.
• Unquestionable integrity and commitment to ethical conduct.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.

Contractual Information

• Permanent position.
• All suitable candidates are encouraged to apply.

If you wish to apply for the position, please send your CV to the contact provided.

Please visit our website for more exciting opportunities.

Sahil Bissoon

Business Development and Recruitment Specialist

CA Global – Finance

CA Global will respond to short-listed candidates only. If you have not received a response within two weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful. However, your CV will be retained for future opportunities.