Manager: Automation and Digital Enablement

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Belonging at Absa

Absa is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from suitably qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds. In support of our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) commitments and Employment Equity objectives, preference may be given to candidates from underrepresented designated groups, including persons with disabilities. We encourage applicants who may require reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process to let us know so that appropriate support can be provided.

Job Summary

The incumbent is responsible for identifying, designing, building and embedding automation solutions that reduce manual risk processes, improve the quality and timeliness of management information, and create measurable business value for Business Banking Risk.

The role translates operational pain points into scalable digital solutions through to unlocking value from new sources of data, better leveraging existing data, and automating workflows and reporting tools.

In addition, the incumbent will be expected to identify opportunities to leverage AI and lead the responsible adoption and embedment within the Business Banking Risk team’s processes.

Job Description

Key focus areas

• Develop and deliver required changes for the optimisation and automation of risk management processes to elevate value, compliance and operational efficiency. For example, the automation of:
  • Recurring MI production and distribution;
  • Data extraction, cleansing, reconciliation and validation;
  • Risk reporting workflows;
  • Control monitoring and exception reporting;
  • Manual capturing, including manual spreadsheets and offline trackers; and
  • Dashboards and self-service reporting.
• Collaboration with the Group and Business Banking Data and Analytics Offices to keep abreast of new data and data-marts initiatives and identify areas where it can add value into BB Risk processes and operations.
• Serve as a strategic enabler of innovation, positioning teams as future-fit, and client-centric in the African financial services landscape. With outcomes of efforts including:
  • Reduction in manual processing time;
  • Optimised workflows;
  • Fewer data quality errors or reconciliations;
  • Increased use of golden-source data;
  • Reduced key-person dependencies;
  • Improved auditability and control evidence;
  • Adoption of automated dashboards or workflows.
• Collaborate with risk, compliance, data, and technology teams to embed sustainable, future‑ready automation solutions.
• Lead the design and performance of digital controls to ensure accuracy, scalability, and consistency across processes.
• Embed the use of golden‑source data to reduce manual intervention and uplift the quality, reliability, and standardisation of risk management information.
• Serve as an AI Automation Solution Lead:
  • Champion and drive the adoption of Generative AI, automation, and predictive analytics to elevate performance and agility.
  • Embed and oversee AI‑, rules‑engine‑ and robotics‑driven controls that embed proactive risk mitigation into core operational processes.
• Translate complex technology into business value, improving conversion, engagement, and efficiency.
• Ensure automated solutions are appropriately documented, controlled, tested and aligned to risk data aggregation, reporting, data quality, privacy, model risk and information security requirements.

Strategy Formulation and Execution

• Translate strategic objectives and business needs into operational plans with clear deliverables, timelines, and performance measures.
• Continuously optimise automation frameworks to improve efficiency, agility, and measurable impact.
• Monitor progress, identify risks, and implement corrective actions to ensure delivery.
• Leverage data and insights to refine processes, inform service design and delivery improvements.
• Actively pursue opportunities to harness untapped data in a strategic manner.

Sustainable Growth

• Implement scalable automation solutions that support long-term efficiency, cost reduction, and commercial growth across Business Banking.
• Support investment decisions through analysis of operational impact and value creation.

Innovation and Change

• Identify opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement.
• Lead change initiatives, ensuring readiness, engagement, and adoption.
• Support the implementation of new technologies, processes, and practices.
• AI solutioning to drive efficiency and replace manual tasks, including the driving of its roll-out.
• Thought leadership in identifying opportunities for change.

Leadership And Capability Building

• Influence stakeholders and colleagues without direct authority, coach users on adoption, and transfers automation knowledge to process owners to ensure sustainability.

Operational Effectiveness

• Translate business priorities into operational plans with defined KPIs and scorecards.
• Optimise processes for efficiency, quality, and alignment with business needs.
• Resolve operational issues and ensure continuity of delivery.

Digital Adoption

• Promote the use of digital tools and platforms to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency.
• Identify opportunities for automation and digitisation.
• Support digital transformation initiatives and ensure effective adoption.

Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Align delivery with stakeholder expectations and business priorities.
• Communicate progress, risks, and outcomes effectively.

 

Education and experience required.

• Post Graduate Degrees (NQF level 7+) or equivalent:
• BSc Computer Science / BSc Information Technology

• 7 years+ experience in a similar environment, of which the majority has been spent automating processes and managing complex data and platforms.

• Preference for experience in a financial institution or similar.

• Administrative / project management / time management

• Stakeholder management

• Cross-functional collaboration

Core technical skills

• SQL and data querying
• Power BI dashboard development
• Advanced Excel / VBA / Power Query
• Python, R, SAS or similar scripting language (ability to code on widely recognised platforms)
• Data preparation, reconciliation and validation
• Workflow automation and reporting automation

Advantageous skills

• JavaScript
• Generative AI tools
• Robotic process automation
• Experience with banking risk platforms or golden-source data environments

Leadership competencies

• Analytical problem solving;

• Excellent thought leadership

• Delivery discipline;

• Stakeholder collaboration;

• Innovation and continuous improvement;

• Risk and control mindset;

• Business acumen

Education

Bachelor's Degree: Information Technology