Regional Head: Real Estate Western Cape at Absa Group Limited (Absa)

Job Summary

• Provide strategic direction, drive business development and client centred growth.
• The successful candidate must combine deep sector expertise, extensive client relationships, and advanced structuring capability with strong leadership and financial acumen to deliver sustainable growth and superior client outcomes.

Requirements:

• A commercial degree (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in the South African Real Estate Investment Banking.
• Proven track record in leading and managing a Commercial Real Estate business unit.

Key Competencies & Experience

• Leadership & Management Excellence: Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and deliver through teams.
• Deep Sector Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of the commercial real estate landscape.
• Client-Centric Mindset: Strong, established client relationships and a reputation as a trusted advisor.
• Structuring Expertise: Ability to design and execute complex, innovative capital structure solutions.
• Financial & Analytical Strength: Highly numerate with strong commercial judgement.
• Full Spectrum Real Estate Knowledge: Thorough understanding of both commercial real estate.
• Problem Solving & Decision Making: Strategic thinker with the ability to navigate complexity and deliver outcomes.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Business Growth

• Define and execute a compelling regional Real Estate strategy aligned with overall business objectives.
• Build and expand the real estate franchise through targeted client acquisition, deepening wallet share, and cross-segment collaboration.
• Drive market share growth, profitability, customer retention, and client satisfaction across the region.
• Act as the sector lead and trusted advisor in commercial real estate within the Western Cape market.

Client & Deal Leadership

• Cultivate and maintain deep, long-term client relationships with key developers, investors, and stakeholders.
• Lead the origination, structuring, and execution of real estate finance solutions across the capital structure and across the client value chain
• Present confidently to clients, delivering tailored financial solutions aligned to their strategic goals.
• Leverage internal capabilities to broaden client engagement and deliver integrated banking solutions.

Commercial & Financial Management

• Own the regional P&L, including budgeting, forecasting, and performance tracking.
• Deliver against agreed financial targets.
• Apply strong financial and analytical acumen to assess opportunities, optimise returns, and manage risk.
• Provide insightful analysis and commentary on business performance, risks, and opportunities.

Risk & Governance

• Proactively manage credit, conduct, and operational risk within the region.
• Partner closely with Credit to ensure robust deal structuring and approval processes.
• Ensure full regulatory compliance and adherence to risk appetite frameworks.

Stakeholder & Relationship Management

• Build strong internal partnerships to deliver best-in-class client solutions.
• Act as a key representative of the bank in client forums, industry engagements, and media interactions.
• Develop and maintain a strong external network within the Real Estate sector.

Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead and inspire a high-performing team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and excellence.
• Ensure deep understanding of strategy across the team and drive consistent execution.
• Build capability through coaching, mentoring, and knowledge sharing.

Business Management

• Own and enhance the regional product offering, ensuring a sustainable and scalable operating model.
• Embed a best-in-class approach to product knowledge, client engagement, and solutioning.
• Promote collaboration across teams and ensure sharing of best practices and market insights.
• Maintain an in-depth and current understanding of commercial real estate  markets, including pricing, structuring trends, and covenant frameworks.

Education

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

End Date: June 15, 2026