Business Transformation Manager (Transformation Design & Delivery)

Manager – Business Transformation (Transformation Design & Delivery)

Client Industry: Consumer Products, Retail & FinTech (cross‑sector exposure)
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Division: Consulting – Business Consulting – Business Transformation
Reports to: Senior Manager / Director, Business Transformation

1. About EY

EY exists to build a better working world, helping to create long‑term value for clients, people and society, and to build trust in the capital markets. Enabled by data, technology and deep sector knowledge, EY teams in more than 150 countries help clients grow, transform and operate.

At EY, we are committed to developing outstanding leaders by providing an inclusive culture, global scale, and access to leading-class experiences and learning. We empower our people with the flexibility, tools and support needed to build a career as unique as they are, while making a meaningful impact for our clients and communities.

2. The Opportunity – Business Transformation

EY Consulting supports organisations to successfully navigate complex transformation agendas by placing humans at the centre, leveraging technology at speed, and enabling innovation at scale.

Within Consulting, Business Transformation is a multidisciplinary competency that helps clients define, design and deliver enterprise‑wide transformations. Our work spans transformation strategy, operating and business model design, innovation, change and large‑scale transformation delivery.

As part of the Business Transformation team in South Africa, you will work on high‑profile engagements with leading organisations, collaborating with EY teams across Strategy by EY‑Parthenon, Technology, People Consulting and industry specialists to deliver tangible, measurable value for clients.

3. Role Description

• As a Manager in our Business Transformation team, you will play a key role in the design and delivery of complex, cross‑functional transformation engagements across multiple sectors.
• You will support senior leadership in shaping transformation journeys, translating strategy into actionable plans, and driving execution across defined workstreams. The role requires strong problem‑solving, stakeholder engagement and delivery leadership capabilities, with accountability for day‑to‑day execution quality and team performance.
• You will work closely with client stakeholders and EY engagement leaders to ensure transformation initiatives are delivered with rigour, pace and impact, while contributing to business development activities and the growth of the Business Transformation capability.

4. Key Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of defined workstreams within large‑scale business and transformation programmes
• Translate client strategy into practical transformation roadmaps, delivery plans and implementation approaches
• Support the design and refinement of business models, operating models and transformation delivery models
• Facilitate client workshops, design thinking sessions and working meetings to define solutions and priorities
• Develop clear, structured and executive‑ready deliverables, insights and recommendations
• Apply human‑centred, agile and lean delivery principles to support successful implementation and adoption
• Analyse qualitative and quantitative data to identify issues, risks and opportunities, and recommend actions
• Manage day‑to‑day client interactions for assigned workstreams, building trusted relationships
• Support business development and pursuit activities, including proposal development and solution shaping
• Manage, coach and develop junior team members, fostering a high‑performance and inclusive team culture
• Collaborate across EY service lines and global teams to deliver integrated client solutions

5. Skills & Attributes for Success

• Structured problem‑solving and analytical thinking capability
• Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly in written, visual and verbal formats
• Proven project and workstream management experience, especially managing project teams
• Collaborative leadership style with a passion for developing people
• Strong client relationship and stakeholder management skills
• Commercial awareness and interest in contributing to business development
• Intellectual curiosity and a growth‑oriented mindset
• Ability to leverage AI to drive efficiency and quality in day-to-day work

6. Technical Requirements

• Minimum 8 years’ experience in consulting and/or industry roles related to strategy, transformation or change
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Commerce, Science or a related discipline
• Postgraduate qualification (e.g. MBA or equivalent) is advantageous
• Relevant certifications (advantageous): TOGAF, Project Management, Agile, Lean Six Sigma or similar
• Experience delivering transformation initiatives within Consumer Products, Retail and/or FinTech preferred
• Willingness to travel based on client and engagement needs