Strategy Associate

About the role

We are seeking a sharp, commercially minded Strategy Associate to work directly alongside the Chief Strategy Officer. The role focuses on unlocking access to finance for South African SMMEs through alternative financing solutions such as purchase order funding and invoice discounting.

Key responsibilities

• Support the implementation and execution of strategy across all business units, translating direction into prioritized initiatives and measurable roadmaps.
• Manage and develop relationships with external partners including banks, funders, and programme partners, ensuring alignment with partnership commitments.
• Own end‑to‑end production of board‑ready presentations and briefing materials for the CSO, distilling complex findings into clear narratives.
• Leverage AI tools and automation workflows to boost output quality, identify operational inefficiencies and develop data‑driven business cases.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Economics, Finance, Engineering or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3–5 years of experience in strategy, fintech, financial services or a related environment.
• Proven ability to build and deliver executive‑level presentations with strong written and verbal communication.
• Comfort engaging C‑suite stakeholders, high integrity and a bias to action.

Required skills

• Experience with AI tools such as Claude and Claude Code.
• Advanced Excel and data‑modelling capabilities.
• Proficiency in PowerPoint for data storytelling.