Head of Valuations - Commercial Property Finance at Absa Group Limited (Absa)

Job Summary

• The Head of Valuations for Commercial Property Finance is a senior leadership role overseeing all valuation activities related to commercial real estate assets within the organisation.
• This role will require strong expertise in property valuation, a deep understanding of the commercial property market, and the ability to lead and develop a team of valuation professionals.
• The individual in this position will be expected to ensure accurate and timely valuation assessments, manage relationships with internal stakeholders, clients, and third-party providers, and provide strategic insights to support decision-making in property financing.

Job Description

Leadership & Team Management:

• Lead and mentor a team of valuation professionals, providing guidance and support for their career development.
• Ensure that the valuation team maintains high accuracy, efficiency, and compliance with relevant regulations and industry best practices.
• Develop and implement performance management and training initiatives to enhance team capabilities.

Valuation Management:

• Oversee and manage all commercial property valuations within the organisation, including but not limited to investment properties, development sites, and property portfolios.
• Review and approve valuation reports, ensuring consistency, thoroughness, and alignment with organisational objectives and industry standards.
• Ensure valuations are completed on time to support business operations, including loan origination, portfolio management, and financial reporting.

Market Insight & Strategy:

• Provide strategic advice to senior management on market trends, property values, and investment risks.
• Monitor market developments in the commercial property sector, including changes in legislation, zoning regulations, and economic factors that impact property values.
• Conduct comprehensive market research and prepare reports to inform business decisions regarding acquisitions, disposals, and refinancing opportunities.

Client & Stakeholder Relations:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including internal teams (e.g., credit, underwriting), external clients, property owners, brokers, and other valuation professionals.
• Act as the main point of contact for client inquiries related to property valuations, providing advice and resolving issues.
• Support the business development team in creating tailored solutions for clients based on accurate and comprehensive valuation data.

Risk & Compliance:

• Ensure that all valuation processes are conducted in line with industry regulations, accounting standards, and internal risk policies.
• Monitor and manage the risks associated with property valuations, ensuring that appropriate safeguards are in place to prevent valuation inaccuracies or conflicts of interest.
• Lead the development and enforcement of valuation guidelines and procedures to maintain compliance with regulatory requirements and internal controls.
• Perform all other duties as reasonably assigned.

Leadership & Team Management:

• Lead and mentor a team of valuation professionals, providing guidance and support for their career development.
• Ensure that the valuation team maintains high accuracy, efficiency, and compliance with relevant regulations and industry best practices.
• Develop and implement performance management and training initiatives to enhance team capabilities.

Valuation Management:

• Oversee and manage all commercial property valuations within the organisation, including but not limited to investment properties, development sites, and property portfolios.
• Review and approve valuation reports, ensuring consistency, thoroughness, and alignment with organisational objectives and industry standards.
• Ensure valuations are completed on time to support business operations, including loan origination, portfolio management, and financial reporting.

Market Insight & Strategy:

• Provide strategic advice to senior management on market trends, property values, and investment risks.
• Monitor market developments in the commercial property sector, including changes in legislation, zoning regulations, and economic factors that impact property values.
• Conduct comprehensive market research and prepare reports to inform business decisions regarding acquisitions, disposals, and refinancing opportunities.

Client & Stakeholder Relations:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including internal teams (e.g., credit, underwriting), external clients, property owners, brokers, and other valuation professionals.
• Act as the main point of contact for client inquiries related to property valuations, providing advice and resolving issues.
• Support the business development team in creating tailored solutions for clients based on accurate and comprehensive valuation data.

Risk & Compliance:

• Ensure that all valuation processes are conducted in line with industry regulations, accounting standards, and internal risk policies.
• Monitor and manage the risks associated with property valuations, ensuring that appropriate safeguards are in place to prevent valuation inaccuracies or conflicts of interest.
• Lead the development and enforcement of valuation guidelines and procedures to maintain compliance with regulatory requirements and internal controls.
• Perform all other duties as reasonably assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Finance, Economics, or a related field.
• A master’s degree or relevant professional qualifications (e.g., MRICS, FRICS) is highly desirable.
• At least 10 years of experience in commercial property valuation or related fields, with a proven track record of managing teams and providing strategic advice.
• Strong experience in commercial property finance, investment, and development valuation, including understanding of underwriting, credit risk, and loan structuring.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment with multiple stakeholders.

Skills and Competencies

• In-depth knowledge of property valuation methodologies, commercial real estate market dynamics, and regulatory frameworks.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external clients.
• Proficiency in financial analysis, property investment models, and the use of valuation software and databases.
• Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving abilities, with a strong focus on accuracy and timeliness.

Education

• Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Business, Commerce and Management Studies (Required)

End Date: July 9, 2025