Senior Manager: Operations at Absa Group Limited (Absa)

Job Summary

• To provide end-to-end operational leadership for Islamic Banking, ensuring that all Islamic banking activities are executed efficiently, sustainably, and in full compliance with Shari'ah principles, regulatory requirements, and Group Risk and Governance standards.
• The role is accountable for operational excellence, delivery of change initiatives, risk and compliance management, and people leadership within the Islamic banking operating environment.

Job Description

Job Purpose

• To provide end-to-end operational leadership for Islamic Banking, ensuring that all Islamic banking activities are executed efficiently, sustainably, and in full compliance with Shari'ah principles, regulatory requirements, and Group Risk and Governance standards. The role is accountable for operational excellence, delivery of change initiatives, risk and compliance management, and people leadership within the Islamic banking operating environment.

Key Accountabilities

Functional Management

• Set and execute the tactical operational strategy for Islamic Banking in alignment with business strategy.
• Translate strategic objectives into executable operational plans and delivery milestones.
• Plan resource requirements, motivate and secure appropriate allocation, and ensure delivery against agreed targets.
• Monitor operational performance and take corrective action where required.

Operational Excellence

• Oversee the design, implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of Islamic banking operational processes.
• Ensure operational integrity of Islamic products across deposits, investments, and financing.
• Maintain robust, documented, and auditable processes for profit calculation, profit distribution, transformation, and management information (MI).
• Drive operational efficiency, digitisation, straight-through processing, and service quality improvements.

Change and Programme Management

• Lead and support the implementation of change initiatives impacting Islamic banking operations.
• Ensure all change programmes are operationally sound, Shari'ah-aligned, and risk assessed prior to implementation.
• Coordinate testing, remediation, and readiness activities to support successful delivery.

Business Risk and Compliance Management

• Ensure implementation of, and adherence to, Group Risk, Compliance, and Operational Risk Management requirements.
• Act as first line of defence for Islamic Banking operations.
• Manage audit, assurance, and conformance review engagements, including remediation and issue closure.
• Ensure Islamic banking operations remain within approved risk appetite and governance frameworks.

Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including Shari'ah governance structures, Risk, Compliance, Audit, Technology, Product, and Operations teams.
• Coordinate engagements with external auditors, service providers, regulators, and business partners.
• Represent Islamic Banking operations in governance forums and committees.

People Management

• Lead, coach, and develop team members to deliver business objectives.
• Drive performance management, capability building, and succession planning within the team.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and Shariah integrity.

Governance

• Ensure fulfilment of all required governance activities, including reporting, tracking, and escalation.
• Maintain accurate documentation of processes, controls, decisions, and operational outcomes.
• Support executive, MANCO, and regulatory reporting requirements.

Risk and Control Objectives

• Ensure that all Islamic banking operational risks are identified, assessed, monitored, and mitigated.
• Maintain effective internal controls to support auditability and regulatory compliance.
• Proactively manage operational, conduct, reputational, and Shari'ah non-compliance risks.

Education and Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Business, Finance, Banking, Risk Management, or a related field.
• Islamic finance qualification or demonstrated experience in Islamic banking operations is preferred.

Experience

• Proven experience in banking operations, preferably within Islamic banking or a regulated financial services environment.
• Demonstrated experience in managing audits, risk, compliance, and governance processes.
• Experience leading operational change and working in complex, matrixed organisations.

Education

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

End Date: June 15, 2026