Chief Financial Officer
About Discovery
Discovery’s core purpose is to make people healthier and to enhance and protect their lives. We seek out and invest in exceptional individuals who understand and support our core purpose, and whose own values align with those of Discovery. Our fast-paced and dynamic environment enables smart, self-driven people to be their best.As global thought leaders, Discovery is passionate about innovating in order to not only achieve financial success, but to ignite positive and meaningful change within our society.
About Discovery Green
Discovery Green is Discovery's renewable energy platform for businesses that makes it simple and affordable for businesses to run on renewable energy.
Discovery Green’s ambition is to become a scaled and prolific player in the South Africa’s renewable energy sector. With 60GW of energy required within a decade, there is much to do in South Africa, and as much opportunity associated with it.
Discovery Green procures renewable energy en masse (a single build would be enough to power more than 100 Discovery’s at a time), and then on-sells it using actuarial skills, technical marketing, risk management and business acumen to create energy products that are more fit for business consumption.
It represents a new and exciting way to apply Discovery innovation with traditional actuarial skills to a new, fertile industry, assisting South Africa with achieving energy security and appreciably decarbonising businesses.
Key Purpose
The role is responsible for providing strategic leadership and oversight of the organisation’s objectives. This includes:
- General financial oversight including planning and budgeting
- Generation and planning
- Financial risk mitigation and structures
- Strategic partnerships
- Shareholder management
Key Outputs / Job Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:
- Financial Stewardship
- Act as the primary custodian of Discovery Green’s financial integrity, ensuring strong financial controls, disciplined capital management, and sound strategic decision‑making across a rapidly scaling renewable energy platform.
- Financial Strategy, Planning and Forecasting
- Develop and execute Discovery Green’s financial strategy, supporting large‑scale renewable energy procurement and commercialisation. Identify efficiency opportunities and inform strategic choices through robust financial modelling and analysis.
- Budgeting, Forecasting, and Cost Management
- Own the annual budgeting process, financial forecasting, and ongoing cost‑management practices to support sustainable scale and operational excellence.
- Governance Oversight
- Ensure compliance with corporate governance principles, internal and external audit requirements, regulatory obligations, and risk‑management standards relevant to South Africa’s energy sector.
- Corporate Finance, M & A, and Transaction Leadership
- Lead the evaluation, structuring, and execution of mergers, acquisitions, investment deals, and strategic partnerships that accelerate Discovery Green’s growth ambitions.
- Financial Performance Monitoring
- Monitor and interpret financial results, identify variances, implement corrective actions, and drive continuous improvement in profitability and operational performance.
- Scaling New Ventures
- Lead the growth of Discovery Green and associated start‑up ventures into profitable, scalable businesses within three years. Build the vision, product strategy, organisational capability, and team culture required for scale.
- Brand and Market Development
- Support the positioning and growth of the Discovery Green brand within South Africa’s renewable energy market, working closely with actuarial, technical, commercial, and marketing teams.
- Enterprise‑Wide Risk Management
- Oversee financial and operational risk management, including risks associated with large‑scale renewable energy builds, procurement, pricing, contracting, and regulatory change.
- Executive and Board Engagement
- Provide ongoing reporting to the CEO and Board on performance, risks, opportunities, and strategic progress. Influence long‑term decisions with data‑driven insights and deep commercial understanding.
- 10+ years senior financial leadership experience, with at least 5 years at senior level
- Engaging at Board and Exco level
- Operating within regulated or complex industries (e.g., energy, infrastructure, financial services, insurance, or technology)
- Corporate finance, capital raising, M&A transactions, and due diligence
- Managing large budgets, investment decisions, capital projects, and financial controls
- CA(SA) or CFA designation
- Honours degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Science, or Economics
- Preferred:
- Master’s degree (e.g., MBA or MCom in Finance)
- Additional certifications in Corporate Finance, Renewable Energy Finance, or Energy Markets
- Level: Expert
- Strategic financial leadership
- Strong commercial acumen and deal‑making capability
- Advanced analytical, actuarial, or financial modelling ability
- Exceptional governance, risk, and compliance leadership
- Embodies the Discovery culture: energetic, innovative, and committed to making a meaningful impact.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Preferred (Advantageous) Skills
- Level: Advanced
- Advanced competence in M&A modelling, valuation techniques, capital structuring, and due‑diligence processes
- Understanding of actuarial principles and predictive modelling
EMPLOYMENT EQUITY
The Company’s approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process. As an Equal Opportunities employer, we actively encourage and welcome people with various disabilities to apply.