Chief Operations Officer (COO) - Technology Startup

Placements24; Queenstown; Híbrido; NZD 250.000 - 450.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Highly competitive executive salary

Significant equity stake

Comprehensive health, dental, and vis?

Performance-driven bonus structure

Hybrid work flexibility

Leadership development opportunities

Descripción de la vacante

Placements24 seeks a visionary Chief Operations Officer to lead and optimize operational infrastructure for a rapidly scaling fintech startup. Based in Queenstown, this executive will drive growth, operational efficiency, and scalability while building high‑performing teams.

The role demands 10–15 years in operations with at least 5 in senior leadership, deep tech operations understanding, and a passion for fintech.

Formación

• Bachelor's degree in business or related field required.
• MBA or advanced degree highly desirable.
• 10–15 years in operations with 5+ in senior leadership in tech/fintech.

Responsabilidades

• Oversee and direct all aspects of operations including technology infrastructure, customer support, compliance, and process optimization.
• Develop scalable operational strategies aligned with growth objectives and product roadmap.
• Drive efficiency, cost optimization, and quality control across departments.
• Mentor and lead high‑performing teams with a culture of innovation and accountability.
• Manage relationships with vendors, partners, and service providers for optimal performance and cost‑effectiveness.
• Implement and refine processes and systems to support rapid growth and evolving needs.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and data security within fintech space.
• Collaborate with CEO/CTO to define and execute strategic vision.
• Develop and manage operational budgets and track KPIs for financial discipline.
• Identify operational risks and develop contingency plans for business continuity.
• Champion a customer-centric approach to operations and user experience.

Conocimientos

Leadership

Strategic planning

Operational excellence

Financial acumen

Educación

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or related field

MBA or advanced degree

Descripción del empleo

About the Role

Our client, an innovative and rapidly scaling technology startup in the cutting-edge fintech sector, is seeking a visionary Chief Operations Officer (COO) to lead and optimize its operational infrastructure. This executive leadership role, based in Queenstown, Eastern Cape , will be instrumental in scaling the company's operations, ensuring operational efficiency, and driving strategic growth initiatives. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in operational leadership within fast-paced startup environments, a deep understanding of technology operations, and a passion for building high-performing teams. This is an unparalleled opportunity to make a significant impact on a disruptive force in the financial technology landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and direct all aspects of the company's operations, including technology infrastructure, customer support, compliance, and business process optimization.
• Develop and implement scalable operational strategies that align with the company's growth objectives and product roadmap.
• Drive operational efficiency, cost optimization, and quality control across all departments.
• Lead and mentor a diverse team of operational professionals, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability.
• Manage relationships with key vendors, partners, and service providers, ensuring optimal performance and cost-effectiveness.
• Implement and refine operational processes and systems to support rapid growth and evolving business needs.
• Ensure the company maintains high standards of regulatory compliance and data security, particularly within the fintech space.
• Collaborate closely with the CEO, CTO, and other executive team members to define and execute the company's strategic vision.
• Develop and manage operational budgets, tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) and ensuring financial discipline.
• Identify and mitigate operational risks, developing contingency plans to ensure business continuity.
• Champion a customer-centric approach to operations, ensuring exceptional user experience.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
• An MBA or advanced degree is highly desirable.
• Minimum of 10-15 years of progressive experience in operations management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., COO, VP of Operations) within a technology or fintech startup.
• Proven experience in scaling operations for a high-growth company.
• Deep understanding of technology infrastructure, software development lifecycles, and agile methodologies.
• Demonstrated success in building and leading high-performing teams in a dynamic environment.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting and P&L management experience.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience with regulatory compliance in the financial services industry is a significant advantage.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, balancing remote work with essential on-site presence in Queenstown, Eastern Cape .

Benefits

• Highly competitive executive salary, commensurate with experience and role impact.
• Significant equity stake in a fast-growing technology company.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents.
• Performance-driven bonus structure tied to company milestones.
• Opportunity to shape the operational direction of a disruptive fintech firm.
• Professional development and leadership training opportunities.
• Collaborative and fast-paced work environment in Queenstown.
• Hybrid work flexibility to support work-life balance.