The study aimed to conceptualise the key competencies for academic employees in the current dynamic South African higher education environment. Key competencies that enable these employees to perform and meet their work challenges in the dynamic environment they operate in need to be identified to ensure relevant talent and performance management practices are implemented for the success of the institution. A qualitative research approach was utilised in the study with a critical realist perspective as the study involved various participants in gathering different views to present key competencies of academic employees. A total of 31 semi-structured interviews were conducted in the study. Atlas.ti 22 was used to analyse the data. Three main competencies were identified for each strata in the study nasmely pedagogy competencies, personal efficiency and organisational competencies. The findings in the study highlight that academic institutions and practitioners need to align the development of academic employees with the expectations of the stakeholders, employees and strategic imperatives of institutions. The study contributes a competency model that can be utilised for managing and developing academic employees.