Head : AgriBusiness Sector at Absa Group Limited (Absa)

Job Summary

SUMMARY

• ABSA is looking for a seasoned leader to head our Agriculture segment within Business Banking. 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 with 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.

SKILLS

• Strategic thinker with a commercial mindset
• Strong leadership and sector influence
• Deep understanding of agri-finance and South Africa’s food value chain
• Excellent client engagement and stakeholder management
• Familiar with sector policy, climate resilience, and transformation imperatives

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Economics (Master’s preferred)
• 10+ years of experience in agriculture finance or commercial agri-business
• Proven leadership in managing large portfolios or sector-based teams
• Demonstrated impact in stakeholder engagement and growth delivery

Education

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

End Date: October 14, 2025