Senior Director: Stellenbosch Business School (SD: SBS)

Ref: EBW04/211/0824

The Stellenbosch Business School (SBS) at Stellenbosch University (SU) is a triple crown (EQUIS, AMBA and AACSB) accredited African business school of global repute. We hold a proud legacy of responsible leadership development for societal impact. We seek to appoint a new Senior Director to take SBS forward - to lead both degree and non-degree programmes strategically, to develop an exciting new location for the SBS in Stellenbosch, and to build scholarship with an impact on business and society locally and internationally. We are proud of SBS’s international profile and expect the new director to advance SBS’s international profile and agenda. The School is committed to the University’s vision to be Africa’s leading research-intensive university, globally recognised as excellent, inclusive, and innovative, where we advance knowledge in service of society.

The Senior Director is responsible for upholding and promoting a dynamic intellectual culture while also fostering strong business relations. The incumbent will be a person who has the necessary background, gravitas and stature, networks and abilities to inspire from the front and motivate others to be their best.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Senior Director needs to deliver in key areas, aligned with Stellenbosch University’s strategic themes as outlined in Stellenbosch University’s Strategic Framework 2019 -2024 and in Vision 2040, including:

Thriving Stellenbosch University and Stellenbosch Business School (SBS)

• Leading major change at the Stellenbosch Business School, including the strategic alignment of non-degree programmes and the relocation of SBS to an exciting new campus in Stellenbosch;
• Expanding the School’s strong reputation by strengthening its brand and competitive positioning;
• Ensuring sound governance structures and participating in Faculty and University level structures;
• Providing strategic leadership to degree programmes and the executive short course portfolio offered by SBS-ED (a company created by the University to deliver non-degree programmes);
• Leveraging the SBS’s Faculty and programmes within SBS-ED;
• Unlocking operational efficiency between SBS and SBS-ED;
• Cultivating and generating additional revenue streams by pursuing external funding, sponsorships and income generating activities through an entrepreneurial outlook;
• Ensuring the effective and efficient operational leadership of the School.

A transformative student experience

• Delivering highly sought after graduates from degree and diploma programmes at an exceptional new location in Stellenbosch;
• Working with SBS-ED to deliver outstanding non-degree programmes in Stellenbosch and other locations of choice;
• Fostering outstanding student experiences within an inclusive environment;
• Spearheading digital and other innovative learning experiences;
• Leading curriculum renewal and ensuring local and international quality assurance processes.

Research for impact

• Cultivating and nurturing a culture of research excellence which leads to internationally recognised research outputs and research for impact on wider society, including business, government, and the social sector;
• Creating a hub of intellectual stimulation for and with business;
• Strengthening interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary collaboration within the University, nationally and internationally.

Purposeful partnerships and inclusive networks

• Enhancing the international standing of the School, Faculty, staff, students, and programmes;
• Advancing the School’s involvement in the business, government, education and social sectors;
• Fostering, strengthening, and expanding the SBS’s national and international networks and partnerships.

Employer of choice

• Stimulating and developing a dynamic leadership and intellectual culture;
• Building a team that is united behind the shared vision of the School and the University;
• Leading a network of key academic and support staff;
• Empowering and encouraging staff to share their talent;
• Playing a leading role in the recruitment, selection, induction and retention of excellent staff;
• Leading the School’s transformation agenda.

Requirements: 

• Proven success as an all-round academic, appointable as an Associate Professor / Professor;
• Significant experience in the field of academic management and / or ten years of experience in senior management within a corporate environment;
• A track record of strategic management, whether in the academic or corporate sector;
• High level values-driven and dynamic leadership skills;
• Evidence of the ability to initiate, grow and develop a healthy intellectual culture where students and staff can flourish;
• Demonstrated experience in attracting, managing, and retaining talent;
• The ability to effect positive change;
• Demonstrated capability to maintain and develop successful partnerships, institutionally, nationally, and internationally;
• Excellent communication skills and fluency in English;
• Exceptional interpersonal relationship skills;
• A critical understanding of the ever-changing requirements of the business community;
• Demonstrated experience in working with business leaders, preferably in South Africa and Africa;
• The ability to embrace and promote inclusivity and to work in a multi-cultural environment with a deep understanding of the South African context;
• The ability and willingness to travel extensively, locally and internationally. 

Term of appointment: Five-year term as Senior Director, with the possibility of re-appointment for another term. Upon successful completion of the term(s), the incumbent will have the opportunity to take up an academic appointment within the School.

As part of the interview process, shortlisted candidates would be expected to do a short presentation, based on the requirements as set out in the advertisement.

In their applications, applicants are advised to be explicit about how they meet the stated criteria. Applicants are encouraged to provide relevant examples for the Selection Committee to clearly identify where their knowledge and experience match the requirements for the position.

Commencement of duties: 01 January 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter

Closing Date: 11 October 2024

Enquiries regarding this post: Ms Chanel Klink on 021 918 4335, or at chanelk@sun.ac.za 

Enquiries regarding remuneration/benefits, as well as technical assistance with the electronic application process: Human Resources Client Services Centre on 021 808 2753, or at sun-e-hr@sun.ac.za

Completed applications, comprising the documentation as set out below, must be sent via email to adsmanager@sun.ac.za before the closing date.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Documentation details (PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOUR APPLICATION INCLUDES ALL OF THE DOCUMENTS LISTED BELOW):

• A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae.
• Your vision for the Stellenbosch Business School within the Economic and Management Sciences Faculty, and your contribution to such a future in the context of Stellenbosch University's Vision 2040 and Strategic Framework 2019-2024.
• Details regarding present occupation, remuneration package and citizenship.
• An indication of the earliest date on which duties can be assumed.
• Certified copies of certificates.
• Details of at least three referees.

The University is committed to employment equity (EE), and appointments will be made in line with SU’s institutional EE Plan.

The University reserves the right not to make an appointment.

At the discretion of the Selection Committee, candidates may be subjected to appropriate psychometric testing and other selection instruments and should therefore be willing to participate in these assessments.

The University reserves the right to investigate qualifications and conduct background checks on all candidates.

The University reserves the right to extend the closing date if deemed appropriate.

The University reserves the right to not make an appointment.