General Manager: Socio-Economic Transformation

About the position

Lead Transformational Change in One of Africa's Most Iconic Natural Environments!

Are you a purpose-driven leader with a deep understanding of socio-economic development, enterprise growth, and community empowerment within conservation or public sector contexts? This is a high-impact opportunity to lead transformation in one of South Africa's most significant conservation and tourism regions.

As the General Manager: Socio-Economic Transformation, you will report directly to the Managing Executive and lead a broad portfolio that influences sustainable development, biodiversity economy programs, and meaningful community partnerships. Your role will be pivotal in aligning economic growth with inclusive development, transformation, and empowerment objectives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Strategic Leadership & Planning
  o Develop and implement long-term SET (Socio-Economic Transformation) strategies and operational plans.
  o Align transformation objectives with the biodiversity and tourism development agenda.
  o Provide leadership for enterprise and supplier development (ESD), land claims, biodiversity economy, and stakeholder engagement initiatives.
• Programme & Policy Management
  o Oversee the execution and evaluation of socio-economic programs, policies, and standard operating procedures.
  o Manage social legacy programs, donation funds, and formal community beneficiation processes.
  o Guide the development and enforcement of ESD and CPPP (Community Public Private Partnership) SOPs.
• Enterprise Development & Economic Growth
  o Identify and nurture local enterprises across commodities, sectors, and geographies.
  o Design demand-supplier matrices and establish strategic partnerships that support economic development.
  o Drive income-generating initiatives linked to tourism, retail, events, and wildlife economies.
• Governance, Compliance & Risk Management
  o Ensure compliance with BBBEE regulations, corporate governance principles, and financial controls.
  o Provide transaction advisory support to CPPP signatories (MOIs, shareholder agreements, NPC/PTy Ltd registration).
  o Coordinate with funding agencies and oversee governance of community trusts and local economic structures.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Capacity Building
  o Build and maintain strategic relationships with communities, suppliers, and business partners.
  o Facilitate integration between business units and SET goals through targeted training, SLAs, and MOUs.
  o Promote capacity building within local communities to support sustainable enterprise models.

Qualifications:

• A relevant NQF Level 8 qualification in Social Sciences, Development Studies, or Community Development.
• Master's Degree (NQF 9) is desirable.
• Additional postgraduate qualifications in Financial Management and Business Development are advantageous.

Experience:

• 6-10 years' experience in socio-economic development or enterprise development, including 5+ years at a senior management level.
• Proven track record in developing and implementing community and enterprise development programs.
• Experience in working within or alongside public institutions, NGOs, or conservation-focused environments.

Skills & Knowledge:

• Strong command of stakeholder management, business acumen, and project management.
• In-depth understanding of legal frameworks, financial oversight, BBBEE reporting, and governance.
• Familiarity with biodiversity economies, tourism value chains, supply chain processes, and retail innovation.
• High-level writing skills for reporting, policy development, and technical documentation.

Apply Today
If you're ready to play a transformative leadership role and contribute to a sustainable future, submit your application including:

• A detailed CV
• Certified qualifications
• A motivational cover letter

If you haven't heard from us within 14 days after the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.

Desired Skills:

• socio-economic development
• enterprise development
• conservation
• tourism
• PFMA
• biodiversity
• Socio-Economic Transformation
• sustainable development
• Programme & Policy Management
• Governance
• Compliance & Risk Management

Desired Work Experience:

• 5 to 10 years Conservation
• 5 to 10 years Middle / Department Management

Desired Qualification Level:

• Masters