Chief Operations Officer (COO)

Placements24; Lorenziberg; On-site; EUR 222,000 - 356,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a visionary Chief Operations Officer for a dynamic renewable energy client. The role leads the operational strategy from headquarters in Queenstown, Eastern Cape, driving execution, efficiency, safety, and multi-unit performance across projects.

The successful candidate will scale operations, optimize processes, manage multi-million dollar budgets, and build a world-class team with strong leadership and stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or related technical field.
• MBA is highly preferred.
• 15+ years of progressive operations experience with 7–10+ years in senior leadership.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the operational strategy to support growth targets.
• Oversee day-to-day operations across projects in renewable energy.
• Drive efficiency, safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.
• Lead and develop a high-performing operations team and manage budgets.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Financial acumen

Education

Master's degree in Engineering or Business Administration

MBA (preferred)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and rapidly expanding player in the renewable energy sector, is seeking a highly accomplished and visionary Chief Operations Officer (COO) to lead and transform their operational landscape from their headquarters in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. This is a C-suite executive position responsible for the overall operational strategy, execution, and efficiency of the company. The COO will play a pivotal role in scaling operations, optimizing processes, and ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety across all projects and business units. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of operational management within the energy industry, exceptional leadership acumen, and a proven ability to drive significant growth and profitability. This role offers an unparalleled opportunity to shape the future of a key organization in the renewable energy market, impacting operations from Queenstown, Eastern Cape and beyond. We are looking for a transformative leader with a strong bias for action and a commitment to excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the company's operational strategy to support its overall business objectives and growth targets.
• Oversee all day-to-day operations, including project management, engineering, procurement, construction, and maintenance within the renewable energy sector.
• Drive efficiency, productivity, and cost-effectiveness across all operational areas.
• Ensure the highest standards of safety, quality, and regulatory compliance are maintained.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a world-class operations team, fostering a culture of innovation and high performance.
• Identify and implement strategic improvements to operational processes and systems.
• Manage relationships with key stakeholders, including partners, suppliers, and regulatory bodies.
• Oversee the operational budget, ensuring financial discipline and effective resource allocation.
• Represent the company's operational capabilities to investors, partners, and the wider industry.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related technical field.
• An MBA is highly preferred.
• A minimum of 15+ years of progressive experience in operations management, with at least 7-10 years in a senior executive leadership role (e.g., VP of Operations, COO).
• Extensive experience in the renewable energy sector, with a strong understanding of project lifecycles and operational challenges.
• Proven track record of successfully scaling operations and driving significant business growth.
• Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and decision-making capabilities.
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing multi-million dollar operational budgets.
• Outstanding communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build and lead high-performing, diverse teams.
• Experience in managing complex projects and operations in regions like Queenstown, Eastern Cape.

Benefits

This C-suite position offers a highly attractive executive compensation package, including a substantial base salary, significant performance-based bonuses, and substantial equity options. Comprehensive benefits include top-tier health, dental, and vision insurance, generous retirement plans, and executive-level perks. Opportunities for professional development, industry recognition, and impactful leadership are abundant. This is a unique chance to lead operations for a company at the forefront of the clean energy revolution.