Executive: AgriBusiness - Sandton at Absa Group Limited (Absa)

Job Summary

• ABSA is looking for a seasoned leader to head our Agriculture segment within Business Banking.
• The successful incumbent will be able to develop and execute comprehensive financial performance strategies to ensure sustainable growth and direction for ABSA’s Agriculture Banking sector. Shape and articulate the customer value proposition to meet client needs and surpass market expectations. Implement effective sales tactics and plans to realign and enhance sector performance.
• Lead and manage a diverse team of specialists located across the country, ensuring that their skills and expertise form the backbone of our agricultural banking efforts. Assist in structuring deals with a keen focus on financial inclusion and the management of secondary agricultural processes, ensuring holistic support for our clients.
• Oversee the information desk and contribute to thought leadership, positioning ABSA as a trusted partner in the agricultural ecosystem. Leverage a strong network across all levels to foster collaboration and support advocacy efforts, ensuring that ABSA remains at the forefront of innovation and impact within South Africa’s agricultural sector.
• If you’re passionate about shaping the future of South Africa’s food economy and partnering with one of the country’s most critical sectors — this is your opportunity to lead impact.

Job Description

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Shape Sector Strategy

• Develop and execute ABSA’s Agriculture Banking strategy aligned to business objectives, market trends, and national development priorities. Drive sustainability strategy for the sector, develop execution plans and drive execution of the sustainability strategy.

Drive Growth and Value

• Lead the expansion of ABSA’s agricultural client base, deepen relationships, and drive sustainable financial returns across the value chain — from emerging farmers to large agribusinesses. Specific growth focus on Financial Inclusion (Transformation) and Secondary Agriculture.

Lead Agri-Innovation

• Collaborate with product, digital, and credit teams to deliver fit-for-purpose, sector-relevant banking solutions, including climate-smart finance and ESG-aligned offerings. Scan external environment for “fit for purpose” innovation (including digital) that could be used in agricultural lending environment (Remote Sensing etc)

Engage and Influence

• Represent ABSA at strategic industry platforms, government forums, and client engagements. Build relationships with sector leaders, regulators, and development finance institutions. Engagement with all internal and external stakeholders is important.

Manage Risk Responsibly

• Drive the identification, assessment, and management of risks within the agricultural sector. Ensure that risk frameworks are adhered to and that all sector activities comply with the relevant regulations and standards.
• Proactive communication is critical to manage all stakeholders around risk in the sector (emerging and current).

Develop Talent and Leadership

• Lead a team of sector specialists and relationship bankers. Build future-fit capability in agricultural finance through coaching and strategic direction.

Education

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

End Date: July 23, 2025