Executive – SME Central Region

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Job Summary

We are seeking a strategic, commercially astute, and purpose driven leader to take on the role of Executive – SME Central Region, a key position within the SME leadership team in Business Banking.
The Central Region spans the Free State, Northern Cape, and North West, representing a diverse and high potential SME landscape.

Job Description

Role Purpose

This executive role is accountable for defining and executing the end‑to‑end SME business strategy for the Central Region, with full P&L responsibility. The incumbent will drive sustainable revenue growth, deepen and retain client relationships, and lead high‑performing teams to deliver integrated SME solutions across:

• Lending
• Transactional banking
• Working capital solutions
• Investment and value‑adding financial services

Key Accountabilities

• Lead and execute the regional SME strategy aligned to Business Banking and Group objectives
• Drive top‑line growth, portfolio quality, and profitability across the SME segment
• Build, grow, and retain strong SME client relationships through a client‑centric value proposition
• Provide inspirational leadership to regional SME teams, creating a culture of accountability, performance, and inclusion
• Leverage cross‑functional partnerships across Credit, Risk, Product, Operations, and Coverage teams to deliver seamless client outcomes
• Translate strategy into clear, measurable commercial outcomes, tracking performance rigorously against agreed targets

Ideal Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will be a bold and credible commercial banking leader with:

• Proven experience in SME or Business Banking, ideally with regional or segment leadership exposure
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, including full P&L ownership
• Demonstrated ability to convert strategy into sustained execution and results
• Highly developed stakeholder management and influencing capability across complex, matrixed environments
• A leadership style that is values‑led, people‑centric, and performance‑driven

This role offers the opportunity to shape the growth trajectory of the SME franchise in the Central Region, while making a meaningful impact on entrepreneurship, employment, and economic inclusion.

Minimum Requirements

• Relevant Honours Bachelor’s Degree and Professional Qualifications: Business, Commerce and
• Management Studies (Required); an MBA highly preferred
• At least 15 years’ experience in financial services in a commercial sales role with at least 5 years’ experience at an Executive level managing large teams to achieve financial and customer outcomes.

Education

Bachelors Degree and Professional Qualifications: Business, Commerce and Management Studies (Required)

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