SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:
Overview:
Are you a proven Turnaround Specialist ready to shape South Africa’s future?
A national institution, responsible for one of the largest public funding portfolios in the country, is seeking an influential and visionary Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead through a period of bold reform and renewal. This is not a maintenance role, it is a defining turnaround mandate that demands authority, credibility, and the courage to inspire confidence at the highest levels of society.
The Opportunity:
As CEO, you will:
- Lead a comprehensive turnaround programme, stabilizing operations and embedding a culture of accountability, performance, and service excellence.
- Restore public trust through uncompromising governance, transparency, and ethical leadership.
- Drive digital transformation, building technology-enabled, future-fit systems.
- Mobilize new funding streams through partnerships, donor engagement, and Treasury collaboration.
- Influence and align government, regulators, academia, unions, and civil society at the highest levels.
- Position the institution as a trusted enabler of higher education access and youth employability.
The Ideal Candidate:
We are searching for a charismatic, respected turnaround leader who brings:
- A proven track record of rescuing and transforming complex organisations under scrutiny.
- The political acumen and gravitas to command confidence from Cabinet, Parliament, and national stakeholders.
- Deep expertise in governance, compliance, and institutional accountability.
- Strong business and financial acumen, with proven stewardship of multi-billion-rand budgets.
- A history of delivering digital innovation and performance-driven cultures.
- The influence, authority, and national visibility to unite diverse stakeholders behind a bold reform agenda.
Minimum Qualifications: A PhD or dual Master’s degrees (NQF 9/10 minimum) in Finance, Public Administration, or a related field, coupled with 15 years’ management experience (10 at executive level).
Why This Role Matters
This is more than a leadership appointment, it is a national mission. The successful candidate will not only lead a critical institutional turnaround but also leave a lasting legacy by ensuring equitable access to education, strengthening youth employability, and advancing South Africa’s socio-economic transformation.
If you meet the above requirements, please apply via mail to Rea Mostert ( rea. ) with your most recent CV and a letter of motivation
Should you not hear back from us within 7–14 working days after the advert closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
