Head of Transactions and Payments

The Head of Transactions and Payments is central to positioning Absa as a leader in the rapidly evolving payments ecosystem, driving innovation, client value, and sustainable growth across Business Banking.

• Provide thought leadership to Business Bank Exco on Transactions, Payments, and emerging industry trends
• Define and execute a future-fit Transactions and Payments strategy aligned to Business Banking and Group priorities
• Translate strategy into clear roadmaps, execution plans, and measurable business outcomes
• Ensure optimal allocation of financial, human, and technology resources to deliver on strategic priorities
• Lead the end-to-end Transactions and Payments portfolio, ensuring competitive, client-centric product offerings
• Translate market insights into innovative, digitally enabled payment solutions to support segment in driving revenue growth, market share expansion, and improved client acquisition and retention
• Ensure commercial plans deliver against financial targets and strategic objectives
• Oversee the design, optimisation, and continuous improvement of operational processes and value chains
• Drive simplification, standardisation, and efficiency to improve cost-to-serve and turnaround times
• Embed a high-performance culture focused on operational discipline, measurement, and continuous improvement
• Ensure adherence to Group Risk and Compliance frameworks within defined risk appetite
• Strengthen control environments and embed proactive risk management practices
• Maintain strong governance, reporting standards, and audit readiness across the function
• Influence enterprise prioritisation to achieve aligned business outcomes
• Build and sustain strategic partnerships with internal stakeholders, regulators, and external partners
• Lead, inspire, and develop a high performing business area of approximately 400 colleagues
• Build leadership capability, succession pipelines, and future-fit skills
• Foster a culture of accountability, inclusivity, and continuous development

• MBA or master’s degree
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in executive or strategic leadership roles managing complex business areas
• At least 5 years’ experience in a strategic payment’s role
• Proven ability to provide strategic insights on Payments and Transactional Banking at executive and industry levels
• Strong track record of leading transformation in complex, matrix environments across multiple business cycles
• Commercial acumen with a focus on delivering measurable financial outcomes
• Digital fluency and a strong orientation toward innovation and emerging technologies
• Deep client focus with the ability to translate client needs into competitive solutions