Senior Manager: Operations

Job Summary

To provide end-to-end operational leadership for Islamic Banking, ensuring that all Islamic banking activities are executed efficiently, sustainably, and in full compliance with Shari'ah principles, regulatory requirements, and Group Risk and Governance standards. The role is accountable for operational excellence, delivery of change initiatives, risk and compliance management, and people leadership within the Islamic banking operating environment.

• Set and execute the tactical operational strategy for Islamic Banking in alignment with business strategy.
• Translate strategic objectives into executable operational plans and delivery milestones.
• Plan resource requirements, motivate and secure appropriate allocation, and ensure delivery against agreed targets.
• Monitor operational performance and take corrective action where required.

• Oversee the design, implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of Islamic banking operational processes.
• Ensure operational integrity of Islamic products across deposits, investments, and financing.
• Maintain robust, documented, and auditable processes for profit calculation, profit distribution, transformation, and management information (MI).
• Drive operational efficiency, digitisation, straight-through processing, and service quality improvements.

• Lead and support the implementation of change initiatives impacting Islamic banking operations.
• Ensure all change programmes are operationally sound, Shari'ah-aligned, and risk assessed prior to implementation.
• Coordinate testing, remediation, and readiness activities to support successful delivery.

• Ensure implementation of, and adherence to, Group Risk, Compliance, and Operational Risk Management requirements.
• Act as first line of defence for Islamic Banking operations.
• Manage audit, assurance, and conformance review engagements, including remediation and issue closure.
• Ensure Islamic banking operations remain within approved risk appetite and governance frameworks.

• Build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including Shari'ah governance structures, Risk, Compliance, Audit, Technology, Product, and Operations teams.
• Coordinate engagements with external auditors, service providers, regulators, and business partners.
• Represent Islamic Banking operations in governance forums and committees.

• Lead, coach, and develop team members to deliver business objectives.
• Drive performance management, capability building, and succession planning within the team.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and Shariah integrity.

• Ensure fulfilment of all required governance activities, including reporting, tracking, and escalation.
• Maintain accurate documentation of processes, controls, decisions, and operational outcomes.
• Support executive, MANCO, and regulatory reporting requirements.

• Ensure that all Islamic banking operational risks are identified, assessed, monitored, and mitigated.
• Maintain effective internal controls to support auditability and regulatory compliance.
• Proactively manage operational, conduct, reputational, and Shari'ah non-compliance risks.

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Business, Finance, Banking, Risk Management, or a related field.
• Islamic finance qualification or demonstrated experience in Islamic banking operations is preferred.

• Proven experience in banking operations, preferably within Islamic banking or a regulated financial services environment.
• Demonstrated experience in managing audits, risk, compliance, and governance processes.
• Experience leading operational change and working in complex, matrixed organisations.

Education

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