Central Operations Hub Manager

Action Appointments Development Recruitment (Pty) Ltd; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A values-based non-profit organization is seeking a Central Operations Hub Manager to lead operations and projects, strengthen stakeholder relationships, and manage financial resources. The ideal candidate will have over 7 years of experience in the development sector, with a strong emphasis on team leadership and stakeholder management. This role is pivotal in driving youth-led change through educational initiatives.

Qualifications

• At least 7 years of experience in the development sector.
• Experience in managing teams and projects.
• Understanding of the education system is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead operations and drive impactful projects in multiple regions.
• Manage the Central Operations Hub budget and ensure financial accountability.
• Build and maintain stakeholder relationships.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Team leadership

Financial management

Project planning

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences or related

Honours Degree or Master’s Degree

Job description

Columba Leadership, (Columba.org.za) is a world-class, purpose-driven non-profit organisation committed to the development of ethical leaders through values-based leadership development.

By helping South Africans transcend their personal circumstances through values-based leadership, Columba Leadership catalyses youth-led change in schools and communities – as well as activating youth enterprise and employment. The resulting impact is unique, meaningful and measurable.

About the Job

Columba Leadership is looking to appoint a seasoned, dynamic, accomplished and passionate Central Operations Hub Manager to lead operations, drive impactful projects and strengthen stakeholder relationships with the Department of Education, partners and funders.

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing and growing operations in the Gauteng Province as well as in Place-Based Areas in other Provinces, as identified by the organisation from time to time. In addition, the candidate will be responsible for managing the organisation’s operational, human and financial resources.

Key Responsibilities

Planning

Responsible for planning, monitoring and resourcing of programme activities in all regions in which the Central Operations Hub works.

Ensure the effective and efficient functioning of the Central Operations Hub.

Provide leadership in the implementation of programmes and organisational operations in alignment with the organisation’s purpose and strategy.

Quality Delivery

Oversee and ensure consistent quality delivery in all activities against SOPS within required timeframes, within budget and to the highest quality standards.

Troubleshoot timeously to resolve issues in delivery (which can include Excursion Approvals).

Communicate issues of concern and elevate these to the Central Team (Programmes, Operations and MERL) if troubleshooting has not resolved the issue.

Programmes

Facilitate learning, reflections and feedback on responsiveness from schools in programme implementation including the core programme as well as adapted deliveries.

Ensure sharing across the Central Operations Hub and with the broader Central Team (M&E, Operations and Programmes) by documenting and sharing lessons learned and best practices.

Manage the Central Operations Hub Budget ensuring effective, efficient and economic expenditure.

Procure services at the best rate.

Ensure financial accountability and efficient allocation of resources.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

Use M&E data to ensure quality delivery, decision-making and data quality.

Ensure quality reporting.

Manage the timely and complete submission of data to M&E.

Stakeholder Relationships and Fundraising

Develop and maintain strategic partnerships and relationships with Department of Education officials, partners, schools, funders and venues.

Facilitate PIS, Principal Meetings and SMT sessions.

Contract with principals, venues and transport service providers.

People and Culture

Build a high-performance values-based organisational culture and ensure all Team Members are aligned to the vision of the organisation, its programme and its policies.

Manage Team Members and ensure that they have all the necessary support to be able to perform at a maximum level.

Ensure the Team’s professional development through training, mentorship and coaching.

Comms and Marketing

Ensure Team Members share impact stories on Columba platforms such as the Columba WhatsApp Group and Funder WhatsApp Groups (under the guidance of Fund Dev).

Share most significant stories of change.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field such as Social Sciences, Psychology or Education or a related degree.

An Honours Degree, Postgraduate Diploma or Master’s Degree in a related field will be a significant advantage.

Management Qualification will be an added advantage.

Coaching/Mentoring Qualification will be an added advantage.

Minimum of 7 years’ experience preferably in the development sector including that of managing a Team.

Understanding of the education system advantageous.

Proven capability in stakeholder management and relationship building.

To apply

In order to apply, email your application by Monday 10th November 2025 to [e-mail] – send your completed AA bio form, letter of motivation and updated CV (all in MS Word format).