Head of Valuations - Commercial Property Finance

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 of Valuations for Commercial Property Finance is a senior leadership role overseeing all valuation activities related to commercial real estate assets within the organisation. This role will require strong expertise in property valuation, a deep understanding of the commercial property market, and the ability to lead and develop a team of valuation professionals. The individual in this position will be expected to ensure accurate and timely valuation assessments, manage relationships with internal stakeholders, clients, and third-party providers, and provide strategic insights to support decision-making in property financing.

Job Description

Leadership & Team Management:

• Lead and mentor a team of valuation professionals, providing guidance and support for their career development.
• Ensure that the valuation team maintains high accuracy, efficiency, and compliance with relevant regulations and industry best practices.
• Develop and implement performance management and training initiatives to enhance team capabilities.
  
  

Valuation Management:

• Oversee and manage all commercial property valuations within the organisation, including but not limited to investment properties, development sites, and property portfolios.
• Review and approve valuation reports, ensuring consistency, thoroughness, and alignment with organisational objectives and industry standards.
• Ensure valuations are completed on time to support business operations, including loan origination, portfolio management, and financial reporting.
  
  

Market Insight & Strategy:

• Provide strategic advice to senior management on market trends, property values, and investment risks.
• Monitor market developments in the commercial property sector, including changes in legislation, zoning regulations, and economic factors that impact property values.
• Conduct comprehensive market research and prepare reports to inform business decisions regarding acquisitions, disposals, and refinancing opportunities.
  
  

Client & Stakeholder Relations:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including internal teams (e.g., credit, underwriting), external clients, property owners, brokers, and other valuation professionals.
• Act as the main point of contact for client inquiries related to property valuations, providing advice and resolving issues.
• Support the business development team in creating tailored solutions for clients based on accurate and comprehensive valuation data.
  
  

Risk & Compliance:

• Ensure that all valuation processes are conducted in line with industry regulations, accounting standards, and internal risk policies.
• Monitor and manage the risks associated with property valuations, ensuring that appropriate safeguards are in place to prevent valuation inaccuracies or conflicts of interest.
• Lead the development and enforcement of valuation guidelines and procedures to maintain compliance with regulatory requirements and internal controls.
  
  

Perform all other duties as reasonably assigned.

Leadership & Team Management:

• Lead and mentor a team of valuation professionals, providing guidance and support for their career development.
• Ensure that the valuation team maintains high accuracy, efficiency, and compliance with relevant regulations and industry best practices.
• Develop and implement performance management and training initiatives to enhance team capabilities.
  
  

Valuation Management:

• Oversee and manage all commercial property valuations within the organisation, including but not limited to investment properties, development sites, and property portfolios.
• Review and approve valuation reports, ensuring consistency, thoroughness, and alignment with organisational objectives and industry standards.
• Ensure valuations are completed on time to support business operations, including loan origination, portfolio management, and financial reporting.
  
  

Market Insight & Strategy:

• Provide strategic advice to senior management on market trends, property values, and investment risks.
• Monitor market developments in the commercial property sector, including changes in legislation, zoning regulations, and economic factors that impact property values.
• Conduct comprehensive market research and prepare reports to inform business decisions regarding acquisitions, disposals, and refinancing opportunities.
  
  

Client & Stakeholder Relations:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including internal teams (e.g., credit, underwriting), external clients, property owners, brokers, and other valuation professionals.
• Act as the main point of contact for client inquiries related to property valuations, providing advice and resolving issues.
• Support the business development team in creating tailored solutions for clients based on accurate and comprehensive valuation data.
  
  

Risk & Compliance:

• Ensure that all valuation processes are conducted in line with industry regulations, accounting standards, and internal risk policies.
• Monitor and manage the risks associated with property valuations, ensuring that appropriate safeguards are in place to prevent valuation inaccuracies or conflicts of interest.
• Lead the development and enforcement of valuation guidelines and procedures to maintain compliance with regulatory requirements and internal controls.
  
  

Perform all other duties as reasonably assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Finance, Economics, or a related field. A master’s degree or relevant professional qualifications (e.g., MRICS, FRICS) is highly desirable.
• At least 10 years of experience in commercial property valuation or related fields, with a proven track record of managing teams and providing strategic advice.
• Strong experience in commercial property finance, investment, and development valuation, including understanding of underwriting, credit risk, and loan structuring.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment with multiple stakeholders.
  
  

Skills And Competencies

• In-depth knowledge of property valuation methodologies, commercial real estate market dynamics, and regulatory frameworks.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external clients.
• Proficiency in financial analysis, property investment models, and the use of valuation software and databases.
  
  

Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving abilities, with a strong focus on accuracy and timeliness.

Education

Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Business, Commerce and Management Studies (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