Overview:

This organisation is the provincial economic development and investment agency tasked with driving inclusive, accelerated and sustainable economic growth. The entity manages a diverse portfolio that includes enterprise finance, investment promotion, industrial parks, commercial properties, equities, and the provincial development fund environment.

The organisation is seeking a commercially astute, visionary, and results-driven CEO with a proven turnaround track record to reposition the organization for financial sustainability, profitability, and high development impact.

Position Overview:

The CEO will drive the commercial revitalization and strategic transformation of the organisation This includes:

• Leading the organization toward sustained profitability and enhanced commercial viability, strengthening governance and operational efficiency
• Unlocking revenue streams across the Corporation’s assets
• Positioning the organisation as a competitive and impactful development finance institution

The CEO is accountable to the Board for financial performance, organizational sustainability, and the execution of a commercially viable development mandate.

Responsibilities:

Commercial Strategy & Turnaround Leadership

• Develop and implement a commercial turnaround strategy to restore financial viability and drive profitability.
• Redesign business models across the organisation’s units (Enterprise Finance, Property, Trade & Investment, Equity Portfolio) to ensure sustainable revenue generation.
• Optimize underperforming assets, including maximizing rental yields, improving loan book performance, and unlocking value from strategic investments.
• Drive cost-efficiency measures without compromising development impact.
• Introduce innovative funding solutions, partnerships, and revenue streams.
• Oversee infrastructure program management, drive business development efforts, and promote economic growth through small business development, investment promotion, and trade facilitation.

Financial Sustainability and Revenue Growth

• Strengthen budgeting, forecasting, cost control and cash flow management.
• Improve collection rates, asset utilization, and return on investment across the property and finance portfolios.
• Secure new capital sources for lending, property development, and strategic projects.
• Build commercially sound partnerships with private sector investors, financiers, DFIs, and funding agencies.

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Performance

• Lead the execution of a refreshed organisation strategy with strong commercial focus.
• Provide visionary leadership to rebuild organizational culture, improve performance, and enhance internal efficiencies.
• Strengthen internal controls, ICT systems, programme quality, and risk management.
• Drive accountability through performance contracts, KPIs, and consequence management.

Governance, Risk & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with PFMA, Companies Act, Treasury Regulations and King IV.
• Restore credibility through improved audit outcomes and disciplined financial reporting.
• Provide robust Board reporting and strengthen the organisation’s governance framework.

High-impact Economic Development Delivery

• Drive commercially viable development programmes that stimulate entrepreneurship, job creation, investment inflows and industrial development.
• Position the organisation as the investment gateway for the Eastern Cape.
• Ensure development impact is achieved without compromising financial sustainability.