Regional Head Real Estate

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

Provide strategic direction, drive business development and client centred growth.

The successful candidate must combine deep sector expertise, extensive client relationships, and advanced structuring capability with strong leadership and financial acumen to deliver sustainable growth and superior client outcomes.

Requirements:

• A commercial degree (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in the South African Real Estate Investment Banking.
• Proven track record in leading and managing a Commercial Real Estate business unit.

Key Competencies & Experience

• Leadership & Management Excellence: Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and deliver through teams.
• Deep Sector Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of the commercial real estate landscape.
• Client-Centric Mindset: Strong, established client relationships and a reputation as a trusted advisor.
• Structuring Expertise: Ability to design and execute complex, innovative capital structure solutions.
• Financial & Analytical Strength: Highly numerate with strong commercial judgement.
• Full Spectrum Real Estate Knowledge: Thorough understanding of both commercial real estate.
• Problem Solving & Decision Making: Strategic thinker with the ability to navigate complexity and deliver outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Business Growth

• Define and execute a compelling regional Real Estate strategy aligned with overall business objectives.
• Build and expand the real estate franchise through targeted client acquisition, deepening wallet share, and cross-segment collaboration.
• Drive market share growth, profitability, customer retention, and client satisfaction across the region.
• Act as the sector lead and trusted advisor in commercial real estate within the Western Cape market.

Client & Deal Leadership

• Cultivate and maintain deep, long-term client relationships with key developers, investors, and stakeholders.
• Lead the origination, structuring, and execution of real estate finance solutions across the capital structure and across the client value chain
• Present confidently to clients, delivering tailored financial solutions aligned to their strategic goals.
• Leverage internal capabilities to broaden client engagement and deliver integrated banking solutions.

Commercial & Financial Management

• Own the regional P&L, including budgeting, forecasting, and performance tracking.
• Deliver against agreed financial targets.
• Apply strong financial and analytical acumen to assess opportunities, optimise returns, and manage risk.
• Provide insightful analysis and commentary on business performance, risks, and opportunities.

Risk & Governance

• Proactively manage credit, conduct, and operational risk within the region.
• Partner closely with Credit to ensure robust deal structuring and approval processes.
• Ensure full regulatory compliance and adherence to risk appetite frameworks.

Stakeholder & Relationship Management

• Build strong internal partnerships to deliver best-in-class client solutions.
• Act as a key representative of the bank in client forums, industry engagements, and media interactions.
• Develop and maintain a strong external network within the Real Estate sector.

Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead and inspire a high-performing team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and excellence.
• Ensure deep understanding of strategy across the team and drive consistent execution.
• Build capability through coaching, mentoring, and knowledge sharing.

Business Management

• Own and enhance the regional product offering, ensuring a sustainable and scalable operating model.
• Embed a best-in-class approach to product knowledge, client engagement, and solutioning.
• Promote collaboration across teams and ensure sharing of best practices and market insights.
• Maintain an in-depth and current understanding of commercial real estate markets, including pricing, structuring trends, and covenant frameworks.

Education

Bachelors Degree and Professional Qualifications: 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