Head of Transactions and Payments

Job Summary

• Provide thought leadership to Business Bank Exco on Transactions, Payments, and emerging industry trends
• Define and execute a future-fit Transactions and Payments strategy aligned to Business Banking and Group priorities
• Translate strategy into clear roadmaps, execution plans, and measurable business outcomes
• Ensure optimal allocation of financial, human, and technology resources to deliver on strategic priorities

• Lead the end-to-end Transactions and Payments portfolio, ensuring competitive, client-centric product offerings
• Translate market insights into innovative, digitally enabled payment solutions to support segment in driving revenue growth, market share expansion, and improved client acquisition and retention
• Ensure commercial plans deliver against financial targets and strategic objectives

• Oversee the design, optimisation, and continuous improvement of operational processes and value chains
• Drive simplification, standardisation, and efficiency to improve cost-to-serve and turnaround times
• Embed a high-performance culture focused on operational discipline, measurement, and continuous improvement

• Ensure adherence to Group Risk and Compliance frameworks within defined risk appetite
• Strengthen control environments and embed proactive risk management practices
• Maintain strong governance, reporting standards, and audit readiness across the function

• Influence enterprise prioritisation to achieve aligned business outcomes
• Build and sustain strategic partnerships with internal stakeholders, regulators, and external partners

• Lead, inspire, and develop a high performing business area of approximately 400 colleagues.
• Build leadership capability, succession pipelines, and future-fit skills
• Foster a culture of accountability, inclusivity, and continuous development

• MBA or master’s degree
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in executive or strategic leadership roles managing complex business areas
• At least 5 years’ experience in a strategic payment’s role.

• Proven ability to provide strategic insights on Payments and Transactional Banking at executive and industry levels
• Strong track record of leading transformation in complex, matrix environments across multiple business cycles
• Commercial acumen with a focus on delivering measurable financial outcomes
• Digital fluency and a strong orientation toward innovation and emerging technologies
• Deep client focus with the ability to translate client needs into competitive solutions

Education

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