Chief Operating Officer

Liquid Thought Group; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Liquid Thought Group is seeking a results-driven Chief Operating Officer to design and scale operations for a fast-growing fintech in Cape Town. You will drive operational excellence, leverage AI and automation, and partner with the CEO to execute strategy.

You will lead end-to-end operations, build high-performing teams, manage risk and regulatory compliance, and ensure exceptional customer experiences while delivering measurable KPIs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Commerce or Finance; MBA advantageous.
• 15+ years of operational experience, including 5+ years in an executive role.
• Experience in fintech, banking, payments or financial services.
• Strong understanding of SA financial services regulations.
• Proven track record of scaling operations in growth businesses.
• Experience driving AI or automation initiatives within operations.
• Excellent process, systems and people leadership.
• Strategic and hands-on approach in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement the operating model, processes and controls for a growing business.
• Oversee day-to-day operations including customer service, onboarding and payments.
• Identify and implement AI and automation opportunities to improve efficiency and service.
• Collaborate with technology and product teams to deliver reliable customer experiences.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and sound risk management.
• Manage operational partners including banks and payment providers.
• Set and track operational KPIs, budgets and service levels.
• Build and lead high-performing operational teams.
• Partner with the CEO on strategy and execution.

Skills

Executive leadership

Operations strategy

Regulatory & risk

Stakeholder management

Process optimization

Education

Bachelor's in Business/Commerce/Finance

MBA

Job description

Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Location: Cape Town

Our client, a Cape Town based business operating in the fintech space, is focused on changing how people access and experience financial services. With ambitious growth plans ahead, they are appointing key members of their executive leadership team.

They are recruiting for four C suite roles:

• Chief Marketing Officer (CMO): to lead the brand and drive customer acquisition and growth
• Chief Operating Officer (COO): to design and scale the operations that power the business
• Chief Business Officer (CBO): to lead commercial growth, partnerships and revenue
• Chief Technology and Information Officer (CTO/CTIO): to lead the technology, platform, data and cybersecurity strategy

The role: Chief Operating Officer

As Chief Operating Officer, you will lead and scale the operations that power the business, using AI and automation to drive efficiency and service excellence.

What you'll be doing

• Designing and implementing the operating model, processes and controls for a growing business
• Overseeing day to day operations, including customer service, onboarding and payments operations
• Identifying and implementing AI and automation opportunities to improve efficiency, service quality and decision making across operations
• Working with technology and product teams to deliver reliable, efficient customer experiences
• Ensuring regulatory compliance and sound risk management across the business
• Managing key operational partners, including banks, payment providers and outsourced service providers
• Setting and tracking operational KPIs, budgets and service levels
• Building and leading high performing operational teams
• Partnering with the CEO and executive team on strategy and execution

What you'll bring

• A degree in Business, Commerce, Finance or a related field; an MBA will be advantageous
• 15+ years of operational experience, including at least 5 years at executive level
• Experience in fintech, banking, payments or financial services
• A strong understanding of the South African financial services regulatory environment
• A proven track record of scaling operations in a growth business
• Experience driving AI or automation initiatives within operations
• Excellent process, systems and people leadership skills
• The ability to be both strategic and hands on in a fast paced environment

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unable to respond to each candidate individually. If you have not heard from us within one month of applying, please consider your application unsuccessful.

In line with the company's Employment Equity plan, preference will be given to South African citizens from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.