When people talk about a poisoned chalice, they may as well be referring to the Eskom CEO position by name.

Between 1985 and 2007, Eskom had just three CEOs – Ian McRae (1985 to 1994), Allen Morgan (1994 to2000), and Thulani Gcabashe (2000 to 2007).

Since then, things have fallen apart, with 11 different CEOs and interim CEOs, including fake tears merchant Brian Molefe twice.

The latest fallen soldier is Phakamani Hadebe, who will vacate his position at the end of this month. At that point, an acting CEO will more than likely take over until a permanent CEO can be appointed.

For an idea of the scope of the problem that lies ahead, you only need to look at the current bailout situation. Those numbers have since increased to R26 billion for Eskom for the rest of this financial year, and R33 billion over the next year, with Finance Minister Tito Mboweni coming right out and saying that this will hit taxpayers hard.

Still keen on the Eskom CEO job? Well, when you consider that Hadebe was rumoured to have earned R8,5 million in 2018, based on monthly net earnings of R404 201,58, and Brian Molefe took home R8,8 million in 2017, you have to take the good with the bad.

MyBroadband has the details on the job:

The new CEO will be responsible for implementing Eskom’s turnaround plan, which includes splitting the company into three separate entities – Generation, Transmission, and Distribution.

Apart from having the skills to run a massive company, the new CEO will also need the political clout and connections to manage the relationship with the government and unions.

The Eskom CEO position is one of the most challenging executive jobs in South Africa, with the incumbent tasked with rescuing a company with a R450-billion debt and a bloated workforce.

The new CEO will have to cut costs at the company in an environment where the mere mention of job cuts can be political and professional suicide.

In other words, they’ll be responsible for a balancing act of immense, and ultimately untenable, proportions.

Oh, you’re still keen on the gig? Here’s what the job listing says the company is looking for:

• A graduate preferably with a post-graduate business-related qualification.
• At least 20 years’ working experience.
• A solid track record in leading and managing significant change in a complex organization with at least 20,000 employees and an annual turnover in excess of R30 billion.
• Strong commercial acumen.
• Extensive understanding of and experience in funding and management large capital projects, strategic human capital deployment, and governance-related matters.
• Experience and expertise in areas of engineering, construction, and energy will be an advantage.
• Experience in corporate restructurings, including balance sheet optimisation.
• Strong in managing complex stakeholder and media relationships.

Aaaand you’re out.

Applications will close on August 2, so let us know how you get on.

[source:mybroadband]