Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Placements24; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 444,000 - 799,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary

Health coverage

Stock options

Retirement plan

Relocation assistance

Board-level engagement

Company vehicle

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Chief Operating Officer to lead daily operations and drive strategic initiatives across all departments.

The role requires a track record of scaling operations, optimizing processes, and delivering profitability in a fast-growing environment. You will collaborate closely with the CEO to shape execution, build high-performance teams, and ensure exceptional customer outcomes.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field (e.g., MBA, operations management).
• 15+ years of progressive operations experience; 7+ years in senior leadership roles.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations across all departments to ensure efficiency.
• Develop and implement strategic operational plans to support growth and profitability.
• Mentor department heads and foster a high-performance culture.
• Drive process improvements and cost-saving initiatives.
• Manage budgets, risks, and vendor relationships; ensure regulatory compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Operations management

Process optimization

Data-driven decisions

Education

Master's degree

Tools

Technology implementation

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a fast-growing provider of specialized agricultural technology solutions, is seeking a seasoned and strategic Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join its executive leadership team. This crucial role, based in Queenstown, Eastern Cape , will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of the company, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness across all departments. The COO will work closely with the CEO to develop and implement operational strategies that support the company's growth trajectory and profitability goals. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in operations management, a strong understanding of business processes, and exceptional leadership and problem-solving skills. We are looking for a results-driven individual who can drive operational excellence, foster a high-performance culture, and ensure the smooth execution of business strategies. This position requires a proactive and strategic thinker who can manage complex operations and adapt to evolving market demands. The successful candidate will be instrumental in scaling the company’s operations while maintaining quality and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of the company, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness.
• Develop and implement operational strategies, policies, and procedures to support company goals.
• Manage and optimize key business processes across all departments.
• Lead and mentor department heads, fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability.
• Ensure the company meets its operational and financial targets.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and cost savings.
• Oversee resource allocation, capacity planning, and operational risk management.
• Collaborate with the executive team on strategic planning and execution.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives throughout the organization.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant industry regulations and standards.
• Manage vendor relationships and supply chain operations as required.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field.
• 15+ years of progressive experience in operations management, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., COO, VP of Operations).
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex operations and driving significant improvements in efficiency and profitability.
• Strong understanding of business process optimization, supply chain management, and technology implementation.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic operational plans.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a data-driven approach.
• Experience in the agricultural technology sector is a strong advantage.
• Ability to manage large budgets and cross-functional teams.
• Willingness to relocate to or reside near Queenstown, Eastern Cape .

Benefits

• Top-tier executive salary and significant performance-based bonus potential.
• Comprehensive executive health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Executive stock options or equity grant.
• Robust retirement savings plan with generous employer contributions.
• Relocation assistance for qualified candidates.
• Opportunities for executive development and board-level engagement.
• Company vehicle and executive perks.
• State-of-the-art facilities in Queenstown, Eastern Cape .
• A challenging and rewarding leadership opportunity.
• Generous paid time off and flexible work arrangements where applicable.