TRANSNET is seeking an experienced and visionary professional for the role of General Manager: Strategy. This role is responsible for leading the organisation’s strategic planning, performance monitoring, innovation initiatives, and long-term sustainability. The position plays a critical part in shaping TRANSNET’s future by driving strategic transformation, operational effectiveness, and innovation.

Purpose of the Role

The General Manager: Strategy will lead the design and implementation of organisational strategies, promote innovation, and enhance business effectiveness. This includes conducting market and internal performance analysis, aligning strategic objectives across the business, and ensuring that the organisation remains agile, competitive, and responsive to change. The role also includes long-term capacity and workforce planning, ensuring the business is positioned to meet future demand.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning and Execution

• Collaborate with executive leadership to define and implement long-term strategic objectives.

• Conduct in-depth analysis of internal and external business environments to identify emerging trends, risks, and opportunities.

• Develop strategic roadmaps, frameworks, and action plans to drive organisational growth and performance.

• Monitor implementation of the strategic plan and periodically evaluate performance across the organisation.

• Develop and guide corporate sustainability and ESG strategies.

Market and Performance Analysis

• Lead comprehensive market, competitor, and industry analysis to inform strategic decisions.

• Evaluate business performance and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and profitability.

• Develop and apply performance metrics and KPIs to measure progress toward strategic goals.

• Provide recommendations to strengthen competitive positioning and capitalise on future opportunities.

Stakeholder Management

• Align strategic objectives with internal stakeholders across business units.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with industry stakeholders, associations, and consultants.

• Promote collaboration across departments and with external partners to drive shared outcomes.

Monitoring, Reporting and Governance

• Develop performance dashboards and provide regular reports to executive leadership.

• Present strategic insights clearly and effectively to support decision-making at the highest level.

• Uphold ethical standards, ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and support good governance practices.

Strategic Leadership

• Manage and develop a high-performing strategy and planning team.

• Provide strategic direction and ensure alignment with organisational goals.

• Drive implementation of the strategic plan across business units.

• Identify and mitigate business risks through sound strategic planning and risk management frameworks.

Innovation, Technology, and Transformation

• Position the organisation as a leader in innovation and transformation within the rail sector.

• Identify and implement cutting-edge technologies, processes, and models to improve service delivery and customer experience.

• Work closely with internal teams and external partners to pilot and adopt innovative solutions.

• Lead initiatives that contribute to the transformation of rail through research, development, and stakeholder collaboration.

Qualifications and Experience

• A bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Management, or a related discipline.

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in a large, complex organisation, including at least 5 years at a senior management level.

• Alternatively, 12 years of relevant experience in rail or a related industry, including 8 years at senior management level in a complex operational environment.

• Postgraduate qualifications will be advantageous.

• Demonstrated experience in leading major organisational transformations.

• Strong understanding of research and development in the transport sector.

• Proven ability to forecast future business trends and navigate strategic risks.

• Familiarity with strategic management tools and methodologies.

• Requirement of trust and honesty in handling financial matters (in line with the National Credit Act Amendment 19).

• Willingness to undergo a lifestyle audit.

Standard Requirements

• Valid Code 8 driver’s license.

• Willingness to travel as required by the business.

Core Competencies

• Strategic thinking and sustainability planning

• Ethical and inspirational leadership

• Business performance management

• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder engagement

• Corporate governance and regulatory compliance

• Personal accountability and leadership presence

Equity Statement

TRANSNET is committed to employment equity and transformation. Preference will be given to suitably qualified candidates from designated groups in line with the organisation’s Employment Equity Plan and objectives.

Candidates with the drive to lead strategic innovation and transformation in a dynamic and evolving environment are encouraged to apply.