Sub-Sector Head: Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG)

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.

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

We are seeking an experienced Corporate & Investment Banking professional to join us as a principal-level Sub-Sector Head. This senior, client-facing role requires an accomplished banker with deep CPG expertise, established C-suite relationships and access, sound commercial judgement, and a proven track record of originating and executing complex sector transactions.

Job Description

Working with the Global Consumer Sector Head and product partners, you will lead the strategy and commercial development of the sub-sector. You will draw on senior client relationships to identify emerging opportunities, build a strong transaction pipeline, and mobilise CIB’s full capabilities to deliver relevant, integrated client solutions.

What you’ll be doing

• Shape and execute sub-sector strategy, identifying market trends, risks and opportunities and translating these into actionable commercial priorities.
• Build and deepen senior client relationships, acting as a trusted advisor and developing a strong understanding of clients' strategic and financing needs.
• Drive origination and revenue growth across lending, advisory, capital markets, treasury, trade finance and transaction banking solutions.
• Lead complex transactions, partnering with specialists across M&A, DCM, ECM and other product areas to deliver integrated solutions.
• Build and manage a high-quality opportunity pipeline, with a strong focus on conversion and sustainable, risk-adjusted returns.
• Strengthen our market position through deep industry insight, connectivity and thought leadership.
• Manage portfolio and sector risk, supporting robust credit assessment and ensuring alignment with risk appetite and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate across CIB, working closely with sector, product, risk, finance and regional/global teams.
• Develop talent and sector capability, providing leadership, coaching and mentorship to Relationship Managers, Associates and Analysts where applicable.

What we’re looking for

Successful candidate will have:

An Honours or postgraduate qualification in Finance, Economics, Business or a related discipline

• A minimum of 8–12+ years’ experience within Corporate & Investment Banking in either a Senior Client Coverage role or as an M&A Investment Banker or in Sell side Equity research where specialisation sits in deep understanding of the CPG sector
• Demonstrable experience in client coverage, deal origination and/or sector-focused banking
• Deep expertise within the CPG sector and a strong understanding of its value chain
• Broad knowledge of Corporate and Investment Banking products and the ability to bring multiple capabilities together around client needs
• Strong financial analysis, structuring and credit assessment capability
• A track record of developing senior client relationships and identifying commercially attractive opportunities
• Strong commercial acumen, strategic thinking and a clear revenue orientation
• The ability to influence and collaborate effectively across a complex, matrixed organisation

Education

• Bachelor Honours Degree: Financial Economics, Master's Degree: Business Administration