Sector Lead – Family-Owned Businesses

Job Summary

To lead the Family-Owned Businesses sector within the Bank by developing and executing a segment strategy that delivers tailored financial solutions, drives portfolio growth, and strengthens client relationships. The role ensures the bank becomes the preferred partner for family-owned enterprises by addressing their unique business and legacy needs.

Key Focus Areas

As the Sector Lead for Family-Owned Businesses, you will be at the forefront of shaping how Absa partners with one of the most influential and dynamic segments in the African economy. You will lead the design and execution of a compelling value proposition that speaks to both the commercial and generational aspirations of family-run enterprises. Your role will be to unlock growth opportunities, deepen relationships, and position Absa as the bank of choice for legacy-driven businesses. You will champion innovation, digital transformation, and tailored advisory to meet the evolving needs of this segment. With a strong focus on governance, succession, and sustainable financing, you will help clients future-proof their businesses. You will lead a high-performing team, fostering collaboration across the bank to deliver seamless, high-impact solutions. Your strategic insights will shape product development, risk management, and client engagement models. You will be a trusted advisor to business owners, helping them navigate complexity with confidence. This is a role for a visionary leader who thrives on building ecosystems, driving performance, and delivering purpose-led growth. Join us in redefining business banking for Africa’s family-owned enterprises.

Job Description

Key Accountabilities / Deliverables / Outcomes

Business Development, Segment Strategy & Growth – 30%

• Responsible for driving sustainable financial growth by forging strong relationships with clients, identifying new business opportunities with clients across the various sectors withing business Banking
• Develop and execute a market-leading strategy for the Family-Owned Businesses segment aligned to Business Banking goals.
• Identify and size market opportunities, define growth levers, and lead go-to-market initiatives.
• Collaborate with product, marketing, and analytics teams to shape segment-specific offerings.

Client Relationship Management – 25%

• Build and manage strategic relationships with high-value family-owned business clients.
• Deliver bespoke financial and advisory solutions that address both business and generational needs.
• Act as a senior relationship sponsor for key clients, ensuring exceptional service and retention.

Portfolio & Risk Management – 15%

• Monitor and manage the credit quality of the segment’s portfolio, ensuring NPLs remain within acceptable thresholds.
• Lead proactive portfolio reviews and early warning interventions.
• Partner with Credit and Risk teams to ensure sound deal structuring and risk-adjusted returns.

Team Leadership & Collaboration – 10%

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Relationship Managers and Sector Analysts to deliver on segment objectives.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration with product, credit, operations, and digital teams.
• Drive a high-performance culture with clear KPIs and accountability.

Performance Monitoring & Reporting

• Track and report on segment KPIs including financial performance, client satisfaction, and retention.
• Use data and insights to refine strategy and drive continuous improvement.
• Present regular updates to senior leadership on progress and opportunities

Digital Adoption & Innovation – 5%

• Champion the adoption of digital tools and platforms to enhance client experience and operational efficiency.
• Identify and implement digital solutions tailored to the needs of family-owned businesses.
• Collaborate with Digital and Technology teams to pilot and scale innovations.

Risk, Governance & Compliance – 5%

• Ensure full compliance with regulatory, operational, and internal governance standards.
• Embed a strong risk culture within the team, with clear ownership of compliance responsibilities.
• Lead periodic audits, reviews, and training to uphold the highest standards.

Role/Person Specification

Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or related field. MBA or relevant postgraduate qualification preferred.

Experience

• 8–10+ years in business/commercial/corporate banking with experience in relationship management, credit risk, and segment strategy. Experience working with family-owned or SME clients is highly desirable.

Knowledge and Skills

• Credit risk management and deal structuring
• Business development and portfolio growth
• Understanding of family business governance and succession planning
• Strategic thinking and client value proposition development
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills