Senior Manager: Operational Excellence at Absa Group Limited (Absa)

Job Description

• The Senior Manager: Operational Excellence is a critical value enablement role reporting to the Executive: Operational Delivery Excellence. This role is accountable for the design, coordination, and delivery of operational transformation initiatives that enable performance and value creation. The incumbent applies deep expertise in Lean and Six Sigma methodologies and business insight to shape and implement tactical plans, optimise process efficiency, and ensure alignment with strategic objectives. The role requires strong stakeholder engagement, operational oversight, and the ability to lead teams through change and continuous improvement. Additionally, the role demands driving business ownership of results and embedding a culture of problem-solving, collaboration, and innovation at the organisational level.
• As a Senior Manager in the Absa Business Banking Operational Delivery Excellence, you will excel in commercializing and monetizing strategies with a strong financial acumen. Your ability to leverage digital tools and technology to automate processes and generate commercial value will be paramount. With a focus on efficiency driven by automation, digitization, and cost optimization, you will consistently create demonstrated value for our clients.

KEY FOCUS AREAS

• We are shaping the future by turning bold strategies into actionable plans that deliver measurable impact.
• Our commitment to customer primacy ensures every solution is informed by insight and designed to create exceptional experiences.
• We drive sustainable growth through disciplined performance and smart investment decisions that unlock long-term value.
• Innovation is at the heart of what we do—leading change, embracing new technologies, and fostering continuous improvement.
• We believe in the power of people, building inclusive, high-performing teams and developing leaders for tomorrow.
• Operational excellence is our standard, optimizing processes and ensuring seamless delivery that exceeds expectations.
• Digital transformation fuels our progress, embedding automation and innovation to redefine how we work and serve.
• Integrity guides us as we uphold governance, manage risk, and ensure compliance with unwavering diligence.
• Data is our advantage, transforming insights into smarter decisions and creating value at every opportunity.
• Through strong stakeholder partnerships, we align priorities, communicate transparently, and deliver outcomes that matter.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Education/Qualification:

• Bachelor’s Degree, Advanced Diplomas, Post Graduate Certificate, or B Tech [NQF7].
• Degree in Industrial Engineering / Six Sigma Training / Lean Methodologies

Field of Study:

• Business, Commerce and Management Studies

Work Experience:

• 5 - 12 years experience in a specific capability of importance to the bank, including a track record of 3 years in a people management position.
• Exposure to process design, optimisation, quality management, customer centricity, technology and data-driven decision-making is preferred.

COMPETENCIES

• Leadership Competencies:
• Strategic Thinking
• Business Acumen
• Communication
• Influence
• Leadership
• Delivering Results
• Adaptability
• Collaboration
• Decision-Making

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong commercialisation and monetisation skills with an affinity for finance
• Digital affinity and dexterity that leverages technology to automate and create commercial value
• Mindset of efficiency driven by automation, digitization, and cost optimisation to create client value
• Operational planning and execution
• Process optimisation and service design
• Customer experience management
• Performance measurement and reporting
• Governance and compliance
• Digital tools and platforms
• Data analysis and insight generation
• Team leadership and development

Education

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