26 Executive Officer jobs in South Africa

The ideal candidate will manage the overall operations of the company as well as develop and implement strategies that meet the needs of the customers, the stakeholders, and the employees. They will be responsible for making key decisions and executing the culture of the company.

Responsibilities

• Take lead across all aspects of the company by reviewing how departments work together
• Make key decisions that will affect the company's direction
• Build a positive and productive culture in the workplace

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• MBA
• 10+ years' experience in business related field
• Strong leadership, decision making and communication skills

Company description

Wits Health Consortium (Pty) Ltd

Wits Health Consortium (Pty) Ltd (WHC) is a wholly owned company of the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. Established in 1998, WHC serves as the operational and administrative backbone through which the University—primarily its Faculty of Health Sciences—conducts research, manages grant and donor-funded initiatives, supports clinical trials, and drives innovation in health sciences. WHC provides administrative and financial support services to a wide range of research entities and divisions.

These divisions are often formed by researchers affiliated to the Faculty of Health Sciences, enabling WHC to manage complex, multi-stakeholder projects with professionalism and efficiency. The Consortium operates a unique and widely recognised Shared Services Centre (SSC) that delivers integrated support across grant management, human resources, finance, legal compliance, and quality assurance. WHC's skilled teams bring expertise in navigating the regulatory, ethical, and operational frameworks required for successful health research and development. WHC's stakeholders include university leadership, academic faculties, researchers, donors, sponsors, and international funding bodies.

Role description

• The CEO of WHC will provide visionary and ethical leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight to ensure WHC continues to be a globally respected entity.
• The CEO will be responsible for driving excellence in governance, financial sustainability, stakeholder engagement, and innovation, while aligning WHC's mission with the broader goals of the University of the Witwatersrand.

Qualifications

• Relevant post-graduate business / financial /commerce degree or diploma, and/or professional degree.
• A master's degree in business administration or leadership will be advantageous.

Work experience

• 10+ years' management and operational experience including a minimum of 5 years leading an executive team.
• Proven track record in strategic planning, financial management, and stakeholder engagement.
• Understanding of the South African and global health funding and research landscape.
• Experience in a grant / donor funded or non-profit environment.
• Understanding of an academic environment, collaborating effectively with leading scientists and researchers.

Key performance areas

• Develop and execute WHC's strategic plan in alignment with University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) innovation and research priorities.
• Strengthen collaboration between WHC and FHS schools and departments.
• Support divisions with innovation and growth into new markets and partnerships.
• Foster a culture of entrepreneurial capacity, excellence, innovation, and ethical leadership across all WHC divisions.
• Oversee the Shared Services Centre and ensure efficient, effective delivery of administrative, Grants, Financial, Legal, and HR support to over 100 research entities.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks, funder / donor requirements, and familiarity with and alignment to university policies.
• Oversee financial planning, budgeting, and reporting for WHC and its subsidiaries.
• Ensure responsible management of sponsor and donor funds, exceeding USD 150 million annually.
• Work closely with the WHC Board and oversee the effective management of administrative matters related to WHC committees and Board subcommittees, ensuring governance processes are streamlined and compliant.

Closing date:

30 October 2025

In accordance with our Employment Equity goals and plan, preference will be given to suitable applicants from designated groups as defined in the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 and subsequent amendments thereto.

Should you be interested in applying for this vacancy, please send an email to The subject heading of the email must read WHCEX01 and the job title of position applying for. Please include the following documentation:

• A cover letter (maximum one page) that clearly states which vacancy you are applying for

• A detailed CV

• Certified copy of ID (within the last 3 months)

NOTE: The candidate must have a sound professional reputation, no past misconduct, and an accurate employment history. The candidate will be subject to criminal clearance, verification of qualifications, credit and reference checks.

Exciting opportunity for a visionary Chief Executive Officer
to lead two entities within a technology-focused group, driving strategic and operational excellence in a rapidly evolving sector. These entities have established themselves as leaders in their technology systems and are seeking a CEO to guide them into the future.

Company and Role Overview:

A high-performing group renowned for delivering strong and consistent stakeholder returns. The CEO will set the strategic direction, achieve financial objectives, and foster a performance-driven culture. This executive will oversee both operational and strategic initiatives, driving innovation, sustainable growth, and market leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the company's strategy, values, and operational business plans to achieve short- and long-term objectives.
• Lead new business development to secure a profitable project pipeline.
• Drive transformation initiatives to energize and diversify the organization.
• Manage stakeholder relationships, including clients, regulators, financial institutions, and the Board.
• Build and support a high-performing senior leadership team.
• Represent the organization in local and international industry networks and strategic partnerships.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree; postgraduate qualification (Master's or equivalent) preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years' successful business leadership experience in the technology sector.
• Proven track record as a CEO, managing director, or senior business unit leader.
• Board-level experience in a private commercial business.
• Experience in organisational improvement or turnaround initiatives is advantageous.
• Strong strategic, operational, and financial management skills.
• Knowledge of software development, hardware design, and relevant industry regulations.

Why Join?

This is a rare opportunity to lead two high-performing entities in a dynamic and rapidly evolving technology sector. As CEO, you will have the autonomy to shape strategic direction, drive innovation, and influence market leadership. You will work alongside a talented senior leadership team and Board, with the opportunity to implement transformative initiatives that deliver sustainable growth and operational excellence.

Your leadership will have a direct impact on the company's future and its position in the market. This role offers a platform to further your legacy as a visionary leader while contributing to the long-term success of a respected, forward-thinking organization.

For more exciting Commercial & C-Suite vacancies, please visit:

I also specialize in recruiting in the following:

• C-Suite roles across Africa and industries, with a particular focus on Financial Services and FinTech.
• Commercial leadership roles within the Financial Services and FinTech sectors.

If you have not had any response in two weeks, please consider the vacancy application unsuccessful. Your profile will be kept on our database for any other suitable roles / positions.

For more information, contact:

Corne Booysen

Senior International Recruitment Consultant

Connect with me on LinkedIn
(43) Corne Booysen | LinkedIn

Company Description

JK Abattoir, trading as Master Chicken, is a newly established poultry farm and a state-of-the-art abattoir located in Lindequesdrif, JB Marks Municipality, North West (Next to Parys). The facility is designed to provide high-quality poultry products and operates with cutting-edge technology to ensure top standards in production. Master Chicken is dedicated to sustainable farming practices and maintaining the highest levels of animal welfare.

Role Description

This is a full-time, on-site role for a Chief Executive Officer located in Potchefstroom. The CEO will oversee all aspects of the company's operations, including strategic planning, financial management, sales, and business planning. Day-to-day tasks will include guiding the company's strategic direction, managing operational processes, ensuring financial health, driving sales initiatives, and fostering key business relationships. The CEO will also be responsible for leading and mentoring the executive team to achieve organizational goals.

Qualifications

• 10+ Experience in the poultry, meat processing or agriculture industry
• Strong Operations Management skills
• Experience in Strategic Planning and Business Planning
• Proven Sales skills and experience in driving business growth
• Excellent leadership and decision-making abilities
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work on-site in Potchefstroom/Lindequesdrif
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, or related field

Company Description

Home Uyility is a privately-held company specializing in the import, export, and distribution of high-quality household plasticware, glassware, cleaning products, plant pots, and toys. Established in 2006, Home Utility supplies a variety of products suitable for both homes and businesses, including the food industry, décor shops, hardware stores, and the childcare sector. The company is committed to offering cost-effective, high-quality products that cater to diverse budgets and needs. Home Utility has two distribution centers in Cape Town and Durban, with its head office located in Cape Town, and maintains a wide footprint across the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, West Coast, and Namibia.

Role Description

This is a full-time on-site role based in Milnerton for a Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The CEO will be responsible for leading and managing all aspects of the company, including finance, operations, business planning, sales, and strategic planning. Day-to-day tasks include overseeing company operations, developing and implementing business strategies, managing financial performance, and driving sales growth. The CEO will work closely with the executive team and report directly to the board of directors.

Qualifications

• Strong skills in Finance, Operations Management, and Business Planning
• Experience in Sales and Strategic Planning
• Proven leadership and management experience
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work on-site in Milnerton
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Management, or related field; MBA preferred
• Experience in the import, export, and distribution sector is a plus

We are looking for an experienced Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to drive strategic growth, operational excellence, and organizational transformation. The ideal candidate will combine visionary leadership with a proven ability to deliver tangible results across diverse business units.

Responsibilities:

• Define and execute the company's strategic direction in alignment with business objectives.
• Lead executive management team, fostering accountability, collaboration, and high performance.
• Oversee operational performance, financial management, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, investors, and partners.
• Drive innovation and identify new market opportunities to enhance competitiveness and growth.
• Ensure robust corporate governance and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Requirements:

• Proven track record as a CEO, Managing Director, or in a senior executive leadership role.
• Strong strategic thinking, business acumen, and operational expertise.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience driving business growth, financial performance, and organizational transformation.
• Ability to manage complex projects and align cross-functional teams with corporate objectives.
• Advanced degree in Business, Finance, or related field preferred; MBA advantageous.

The opportunity

We are looking for a visionary CEO with proven leadership in FinTech and the broader Financial Services Industry (FSI). The ideal candidate combines strategic insight with deep sector knowledge, driving growth, innovation, and digital transformation. This role requires a leader who can navigate complex regulatory landscapes, build strong investor and partner relationships, and deliver customer-centric solutions at scale.

The successful candidate will drive overall direction of the business and for achieving maximum return on invested capital. Coordinates the efforts of the senior executives and works with them and the Board of Directors to develop current and long-range objectives, policies and procedures for the organisation. Represents the organisation to its customers, the financial community and the public.

Acts as the primary external representative of the business, fostering strategic partnerships across industry, regulators, and fintech ecosystems to position the organisation as a leader in innovation and industry collaboration.

Here's what you'll be accountable for:

• Accountable to create and drive the overall strategic direction of the business.
• Plan and implement long-term business plans and policies to achieve the company's strategic and financial goals.
• Provide the company and employees with a clear vision for future achievements.
• Analyse opportunities for growth in market segments to drive profitability.
• Maintain and foster existing client relationships.
• Maintain awareness of the competitive market landscape, expansion opportunities, industry developments, etc.
• Communicate on behalf of the company, with shareholders, government entities, the Financial Services Industry and the public.
• Advise the Board of Directors on the organisation's capabilities and represent the company both internally and externally with industry stakeholders.
• Identify, evaluate and mitigate risks to the organisation.
• Analyse the customer base and make recommendations accordingly to protect the bottom line (net profit forecasts).
• Drive the achievement of financial results as established in the Astute business and strategic plan.
• Integrate and provide synergy across business.
• Provide leadership in alignment with our company values.
• Drive the development, implementation and maintenance of strong management practices across the organisation.
• Lead and motivate Executive and Leadership Teams to advance employee engagement.
• Maintain a strong employee culture and Healthy organisation which supports high performing teams.
• Lead, coach and mentor other managers and support their professional development.
• Enforce adherence to legal guidelines and in-house policies to maintain the company's legality and business ethics.
• Lead external strategic engagements with regulators, fintech innovators, startups, and industry bodies to strengthen the organisation's influence and ecosystem positioning.
• Actively explore and integrate fintech innovations into the organisation's strategy, identify opportunities for partnerships, investments, or co-creation with startups.
• Position the organisation as an industry thought leader by representing it at key forums, conferences, and stakeholder platforms.
• Develop and nurture strategic alliances with both traditional financial institutions and emerging technology players to ensure relevance in a rapidly evolving market.

Requirements for the role:

Formal Education:

• Degree or post graduate qualification in Information Technology.
• Masters in Business Administration will be advantageous.

Knowledge and certification:

• Data Analytics.
• Financial Acumen.

Experience:

• 10 or more years' experience in the Financial Services Industry.
• Data Analytics, insights and management of data.
• Strong understanding and experience in the Information Technology sector is essential.
• Minimum 8 Years of People Management Experience.
• Proven track record of building revenue within the organisation.
• Ability to engage the Board and Shareholders.
• Experience in
  leading external strategic engagements
  with regulators, government, industry associations, and partner organisations.
• Exposure to or experience in
  fintech, startup, or platform-based business models
  will be advantageous.
• Proven ability to
  innovate and adapt business models
  in response to technological disruption.

Should you meet the criteria, we look forward to engaging with you