Careers
Chief Programme Officer
To strategically lead the Automotive Industry Transformation Fund’s (AITF) mandate as the execution custodian including secretariat function of the South African Automotive Masterplan (SAAM) 2035 through the SAAM Delivery Office (SDO). This role is accountable for driving holistic delivery across all SAAM strategic pillars, including localization, market optimization, regional integration, skills development, infrastructure enablement, NEV readiness, transformation, research & development, and rigorous monitoring & evaluation. The CPO ensures the operationalization of the Executive Oversight Committee (EOC) mandate through structured programme management, performance tracking, transparent reporting, policy influence, and facilitation of industrywide projects and partnerships that collectively secure the sector’s global competitiveness, inclusive growth, and long-term sustainability.
Contract: 5 years
Location: Midrand
Closing Date: 9 July 2025
OPPORTUNITY DUE DILLIGENCE & CASE PREPARATION
STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP
• Integrate SAAM 2035 execution into AITF’s strategic agenda, aligning delivery across all programme pillars.
• Drive policy thought leadership by preparing white papers and sector position papers to influence the automotive policy environment and future-proof industrial objectives.
STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT & ECOSYSTEM INFLUENCE
• Engage directly with Government (National & Provincial), OEMs, NAAMSA, NAACAM, ITAC, RMI, labour, and other bodies to secure alignment and resolve delivery bottlenecks.
• Oversee demand aggregation initiatives and facilitate crosssector projects to build local scale and unlock localization opportunities and other strategic projects enhancing SA sector competitiveness.
• Serve as a key voice on industry forums to shape national automotive competitiveness and regional trade integration.
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Educational Level / Qualifications: Master's in Engineering, Economics, Development Finance, Public Policy or related field or equivalent, Bsc degree will be considered with exceptional experience
Advantageous (Educational Level / Qualifications) Execution education in strategy execution, public sector governance, or automotive industrialisation.
Previous Work Experience: 5 -10 years in executive roles within the public or private sector, ideally in:
• Automotive manufacturing, supply chain or localisation;
• Sector development, industrial policy implementation, or large-scale transformation; and
• Managed multi-stakeholder sector programmes at national or regional level.
• Track record in developing and executing strategic projects aligned to complex policy frameworks.
Legal requirements: Clear criminal record
GENERAL MANAGEMENT
To strategically lead the Automotive Industry Transformation Fund’s (AITF) mandate as the execution custodian including secretariat function of the South African Automotive Masterplan (SAAM) 2035 through the SAAM Delivery Office (SDO). This role is accountable for driving holistic delivery across all SAAM strategic pillars, including localization, market optimization, regional integration, skills development, infrastructure enablement, NEV readiness, transformation, research & development, and rigorous monitoring & evaluation. The CPO ensures the operationalization of the Executive Oversight Committee (EOC) mandate through structured programme management, performance tracking, transparent reporting, policy influence, and facilitation of industrywide projects and partnerships that collectively secure the sector’s global competitiveness, inclusive growth, and long-term sustainability.