Financial Services Strategy and Payments Transformation

Role Summary:

Strategy&, PwC’s prestigious global strategy consulting branch, is seeking a n experienced and results-driven Manager to join our Financial Services (FS) Strategy and Payments Transformation team. This dynamic team is instrumental in shaping the financial services landscape in South Africa and across the African continent. We work with prominent FS clients to establish transformative strategies and implement wide-reaching industry programmes aligned with critical policy goals such as boosting competition and enhancing financial inclusion. This aligns with PwC’s purpose to “build trust in society and solve important problems.”

Collaborating closely with our global counterparts, we support international FS clients in their complete transformation journey from strategy design to execution. Our expertise includes crafting innovative business models, developing target operating models, performing market entry assessments, and establishing strategic transformation offices with robust governance frameworks. We also excel in modernising payment systems, enabling digital ecosystems, and implementing cutting-edge payment solutions.

As part of one of the top strategy consultancies internationally, we bring unparalleled strategic insights to help clients tackle their most challenging issues and develop the critical capabilities required to excel beyond their competition. You will play a crucial role in formulating actionable strategies that enable our clients to thrive in competitive global markets.

Strategy& offers a unique career path enriched by world-class training, structured mentorship, and advanced people processes. By joining us, you become part of a global team with a legacy of generating groundbreaking ideas and thought leadership. Our focus is on developing high-impact, pragmatic strategies that address complex challenges, maximi s e market potential, and differentiate our clients. This involves enhancing core business capabilities to drive sustainable stakeholder value and significant impact on the bottom line.

Qualifications / Certifications required :

• Bachelor’s degree in Business , Finance, Economics, Engineering, or a related field (required)

• Postgraduate qualification s (e.g., MBA, CFA, CA, or equivalent) and p rofessional certifications (e.g., PASA Academy, PMP, Six Sigma, Agile) are a dvantageous

Experience required:

• 4 – 8 years of professional experience , with at least 2 years in a management or strategy consulting role

• Demonstrated experience leading consulting engagements or internal strategic initiatives

• U nderstanding of the financial services industry, including banking and payments

• Proven track record of managing teams, client relationships, and complex project delivery

Responsibilities of role:

You will work as part of a team of problem solvers with extensive consulting and industry experience, helping our clients solve their complex business issues from strategy to execution. Your responsibilities will include:

• Lead end-to-end delivery of consulting engagements, ensuring high-quality outcomes and client satisfaction

• Develop and maintain strong client relationships, acting as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders

• Design and implement strategic solutions to address client challenges and opportunities

• Manage project teams, providing direction, coaching, and performance feedback

• Contribute to business development through proposal development, client pitches, and thought leadership

• Collaborate with internal teams to drive practice development and capability building

• Monitor project financials, risks, and timelines to ensure successful execution

• Adhere to PwC engagement risk management and quality procedures

• Build productive and lasting relationships within Strategy& and PwC a cross levels and jursdictions

Skill sets required :

• Strong strategic thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills

• Advanced p roficiency in Microsoft Office tools with a strong focus on Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel ; familiarity with data visuali s ation tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau)

• Excellent communication , facilitation and presentation skills

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure

• Strong project management and organisational skills

• Demonstrate cultural awareness and support for diversity, particularly within South African and broader African contexts

• Exhibit flexibility and a commercial mindset, capable of managing a broad spectrum of responsibilities in a dynamic, results-driven environment

• Ability to lead and inspire cross-functional teams

Role related attributes:

• Commercially focussed with a client-first mindset

• Confident, collaborative, and adaptable in dynamic environments

• High level of professional integrity and accountability

• Passion for mentoring and developing talent.

Independence requirements to be taken into consideration:

N/A

Industry experience required :

Payments and financial services experience

Agencies please note: This recruitment assignment is being managed directly by PwC’s Talent Acquisition team. We will reach out to our preferred agency partners in the rare instance we require additional talent options. Any speculative or unsolicited CV’s received will be treated as a direct application . Your respect for this process is appreciated.