Senior Manager: Digital Technology Solutions at Absa Bank Limited

Senior Manager: Digital Technology Solutions at Absa Bank Limited

Empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together…one story at a time.

With over 100 years of rich history and strongly positioned as a local bank with regional and international expertise, a career with our family offers the opportunity to be part of this exciting growth journey, to reset our future and shape our destiny as a proudly African group.

Job Summary

The Head: Digital Platforms leads the end-to-end digital and AI-enabled strategy, transformation and platform management across A&I, driving customer-centric innovation, digital adoption and revenue growth across Stockbroking, Fiduciary and Investment platforms.

The role leverages AI, data and advanced analytics to enhance client experiences, optimise decision-making and unlock commercial value, while ensuring delivery of scalable, future-fit digital solutions aligned to Absa’s Pan-African ambitions.
Working closely with Digital, Technology and Data teams, the role maintains strong governance, risk and regulatory compliance, including responsible AI practices.

Job Description

1. Digital Strategy, Transformation & AI Enablement

• Define and execute a digital-first strategy for A&I, embedding AI as a core enabler of business transformation.

• Act as the Accountable Executive for digital growth and transformation across all A&I business units.

• Align digital and AI strategies with Absa Group’s Pan-African ambitions and PPB Digital roadmap.

• Lead the adoption of AI-driven capabilities (e.g., predictive analytics, intelligent automation, personalization engines) to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency.

• Provide thought leadership on emerging technologies (AI, machine learning, automation) to solve complex business challenges and future-proof the organisation.

2. Customer Primacy & Client Driven Innovation

• Champion a customer-first approach across all A&I digital platforms and services.

• Leverage AI and advanced analytics to deliver hyper-personalised client experiences and proactive engagement.

• Embed client feedback, behavioural insights, and journey analytics into product design and enhancements.

• Represent the voice of the customer in leadership forums to influence strategic priorities and investment decisions.

• Drive seamless, omnichannel digital experiences across A&I ecosystems.

• Drive adoption of digital advice, digital onboarding and self-service capabilities.

• Continuously monitor market trends, fintech innovation and competitor platforms

3. Digital Product Strategy, Lifecycle Management & Commercialisation

• Lead end-to-end digital product lifecycle management (ideation, development, launch, optimisation, retirement).

• Translate strategic objectives into digital and AI-enabled product roadmaps and execution plans.

• Oversee the development of flagship platforms (e.g., A&I Portal, Digital Wills) and scalable digital solutions.

• Identify and drive opportunities for product expansion, diversification, and platform integration.

• Ensure commercialisation strategies maximise product uptake, profitability, and market competitiveness.

4.Growth, Revenue & Data Monetisation

• Define and implement frameworks to monetise digital platforms, leveraging AI and data insights.

• Identify new revenue streams through digital innovation, embedded finance, and platform ecosystems.

• Utilise advanced analytics and AI models to optimise pricing, cross-sell, and client value propositions.

• Drive measurable commercial outcomes, linking digital investments to revenue growth, AUM expansion, and client acquisition.

• Enable data monetisation strategies while ensuring ethical and compliant data usage.

5. Digital Adoption & Platform Optimisation

• Drive adoption and utilisation of digital platforms across client and internal user segments.

• Implement AI-driven user engagement strategies to increase digital penetration and self-service capabilities.

• Monitor platform performance using data analytics and continuously optimise for user experience and efficiency.

• Lead change management and stakeholder engagement to embed digital behaviours across the business.

• Enhance operational efficiency through automation, straight-through processing, and integrated plaforms.

• Drive a Digital & AI driven culture in partnership with Human Capital

6. Governance, Risk & Compliance

• Ensure all digital platforms, AI solutions, and data practices comply with regulatory, legal, and Group governance standards.

• Embed robust risk management frameworks, including AI governance (model risk, bias mitigation, ethical AI use).

• Partner with Risk, Compliance, and Legal to ensure secure, resilient, and compliant digital ecosystems.

• Maintain oversight of cybersecurity, data privacy, and platform integrity.

• Ensure transparency, auditability, and accountability in digital and AI-enabled decision-making.

7. Operational Efficiency & Value Delivery

• Drive cost efficiencies through automation, AI-enabled process optimisation, and platform integration.

• Establish performance metrics and dashboards to track digital value realisation (financial, customer, operational).

• Lead cross-functional collaboration across Product, Technology, Operations, and Distribution teams.

• Embed agile delivery methodologies to accelerate time-to-market and innovation cycles.

• Continuously improve operating models to support scalable, resilient, and high-performing digital platforms.

8. Qualification & Experience

• Minimum 7–10 years’ experience in digital strategy execution within the financial services sector, with a strong track record in platform implementation and transformation.

• Proven experience in leading end-to-end digital transformation initiatives, including the design, build and scaling of digital platforms across advice, investments, stockbroking and fiduciary services.

• Demonstrated success in financial services digital innovation, delivering commercial value and measurable business outcomes.

• Experience in driving customer-centric digital platforms and journeys, translating client insights into enhanced digital experiences and solutions.

• Strong track record in enabling digital growth, client acquisition and platform adoption, with clear linkage to revenue generation and business performance.

• Experience in data-driven decision-making and data monetisation strategies, leveraging analytics to unlock new revenue streams and optimise client engagement.

• Exposure to Pan-African or multi-market digital environments and the ability to scale digital solutions across diverse markets (advantageous).

• Experience working within regulated environments, with sound understanding of financial services, governance, risk and compliance frameworks.

9. Core competencies

• Digital Strategy & Execution: Ability to translate strategy into executable digital roadmaps and deliver large-scale platform transformation.

• Commercial Acumen: Strong ability to link digital initiatives to revenue growth, profitability and value creation.

• Customer-Centric Innovation: Deep understanding of client needs, behaviours and digital experience design.

• Platform Leadership: Expertise in digital product lifecycle management, platform ecosystems and integration.

• Data & Insights Orientation: Ability to leverage data, analytics and insights to drive decision-making and monetisation.

• Stakeholder Influence: Strong ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders across business, technology and risk.

• Governance & Risk Management: Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and digital risk controls.

• Execution xcellence: Ability to deliver with speed, precision and measurable outcomes in complex environments

Education

Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences (Required)

Absa Bank Limited is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. In compliance with the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards achievement of equitable demographic representation of our workforce profile and add to the diversity of the Bank.

Absa Bank Limited reserves the right not to make an appointment to the post as advertised