Job Description

Director: Strategy and Planning - Africa
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: R2.2 - R2.5 million CTC per annum + performance bonus + long-term incentive
About the Client
Our client is a global leader in credit information and information management services, empowering businesses, consumers, and communities worldwide to reach their goals. With a mission to enable smarter decisions, they help businesses manage risk and grow customer relationships while supporting consumers on their path to financial well-being.
About the Role
Our client is seeking a hands-on, end-to-end strategist who can lead the full lifecycle of strategic development -- from inception and execution to ongoing monitoring and refinement. This role is not a traditional KPI-holder, but a true individual contributor responsible for driving strategy with support from one junior associate. The ideal candidate must come from within an organisation -- consultants will not be considered -- and have demonstrable experience in financial services.
This is a specialist role requiring someone with a strong personality, the ability to influence and engage across business levels, and a willingness to roll up their sleeves. The successful candidate will be accountable for strategy across South Africa and seven other African markets, working closely with regional executives and contributing directly to growth and transformation initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the end-to-end strategic process -- from development through execution to tracking and improvement.
Partner with senior leadership to shape and align strategy across eight African markets.
Build strategies informed by business unit leaders and market insights.
Evaluate organic growth, acquisition opportunities, and expansion strategies.
Operate as a trusted advisor to the CEO and senior stakeholders.
Develop strategic frameworks, models, and performance tracking tools.
Facilitate alignment across regional and global stakeholders.
Represent strategy initiatives with charisma, conviction, and clarity .
Be highly visible and collaborative across all levels -- not desk-bound .
Provide guidance and mentorship to the junior associate supporting this role.
Skills, Experience and Qualifications
Postgraduate qualification in Business, Finance, Economics, or related field (MBA preferred).
10+ years of experience in strategic planning within a corporate environment - ideally in financial services .
Must have experience internally within an organisation - consulting backgrounds will not be considered .
Exposure to international or pan-African markets is a major plus .
Proven record of leading strategic change and growth initiatives across diverse regions.
High level of commercial acumen , influencing ability , and stakeholder engagement .
Must be able to confidently engage with C-suite leadership and drive impactful conversations .
Resilient, self-motivated, and comfortable operating independently in a high-performance environment.
What Success Looks Like
Delivery of a cohesive and actionable Africa-wide strategy aligned with global business goals.
Direct impact on regional growth and operational transformation.
High trust and influence with senior business leaders across regions.
Effective oversight and management of strategic priorities with measurable business outcomes.
A visible, hands-on presence throughout the organisation, influencing by doing , not just directing.