Chief Operating Officer (COO) - Tech Startup

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Equity stake

Performance bonuses

Medical & retirement benefits

Job summary

Placements24, Stellenbosch-based tech startup, seeks a seasoned Chief Operating Officer to shape operational strategy, scale processes, and drive high-growth execution across product, customer support, IT, HR and admin.

Impactful leader needed to build scalable operating frameworks, foster a strong culture, manage budgets and risks, and partner with the CEO on strategic planning in a fast-paced tech environment.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years in operations management with ≥5 years in senior executive role in a tech/high-growth startup.
• Proven track record of scaling operations for a rapidly growing company.
• Strong understanding of technology product development lifecycles and SaaS operations.
• Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience managing budgets and P&L responsibility.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Stellenbosch, Western Cape area.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the company's operational strategy to support rapid scaling and growth objectives.
• Oversee and manage day-to-day operations, including product delivery, customer success, IT, HR, and administration.
• Implement and refine operational processes and systems to enhance efficiency, productivity, and quality.
• Build and lead a high-performing operational team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation.
• Manage budgets, allocate resources effectively, and ensure financial discipline within operational departments.
• Identify and mitigate operational risks, ensuring business continuity and resilience.
• Collaborate closely with the CEO and other executive team members on strategic planning and execution.
• Ensure the company's operations align with its strategic vision and mission.
• Drive initiatives to enhance customer satisfaction and retention through operational excellence.

Skills

Operations management

Leadership

SaaS operations

Budget & P&L

Strategic planning

Agile/Lean

Stakeholder management

Education

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

Job description

About the Role

Our client, an innovative and rapidly scaling tech startup in the heart of the Stellenbosch, Western Cape Winelands, is seeking a seasoned and visionary Chief Operating Officer (COO). This executive leadership role is instrumental in driving operational strategy, scaling processes, and ensuring the efficient execution of the company's ambitious growth plans. The ideal candidate will possess a unique blend of strategic thinking, operational expertise, and a deep understanding of the technology startup ecosystem. You will oversee a diverse range of functions including product development operations, customer support, IT infrastructure, HR, and administrative functions, ensuring seamless integration and high performance across all departments. Your mandate will be to build robust, scalable operational frameworks that support rapid growth while maintaining quality and a strong company culture. This is a high-impact position offering the opportunity to shape the operational backbone of a company poised for significant success in the global tech market. The role requires a hands‑on leader with a passion for innovation and a proven ability to navigate the complexities of a fast‑paced startup environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the company's operational strategy to support rapid scaling and growth objectives.
• Oversee and manage day‑to‑day operations, including product delivery, customer success, IT, HR, and administration.
• Implement and refine operational processes and systems to enhance efficiency, productivity, and quality.
• Build and lead a high‑performing operational team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation.
• Manage budgets, allocate resources effectively, and ensure financial discipline within operational departments.
• Identify and mitigate operational risks, ensuring business continuity and resilience.
• Collaborate closely with the CEO and other executive team members on strategic planning and execution.
• Ensure the company's operations align with its strategic vision and mission.
• Drive initiatives to enhance customer satisfaction and retention through operational excellence.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in operations management, with at least 5 years in a senior executive role (COO, VP of Operations) within a technology or high-growth startup environment.
• Proven track record of scaling operations for a rapidly growing company.
• Strong understanding of technology product development lifecycles and SaaS operations.
• Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and problem‑solving skills.
• Experience managing budgets and P&L responsibility.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build and lead high‑performing teams.
• Familiarity with agile methodologies and lean operational principles.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to the Stellenbosch, Western Cape area.

Benefits

• highly competitive compensation package
• significant equity stake
• performance‑based bonuses
• comprehensive medical and retirement benefits

This role provides unparalleled opportunities for career growth and impact within a dynamic and innovative tech startup. We foster a collaborative and forward-thinking work environment that encourages creativity and continuous learning. Join us and be part of building something truly revolutionary in the tech space.