Chief Operating Officer - South Africa

Hungry Lion Fast Foods (Pty) Ltd; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 1 500 000 - 2 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading restaurant chain is seeking a COO to provide strategic and operational leadership in South Africa. The role involves overseeing the full country operation, driving strategic execution, and ensuring financial performance. Candidates should have over 10 years of senior leadership experience, demonstrating success in complex businesses and a strong financial acumen. This position offers the opportunity to be part of a dynamic and growing multinational organization.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of senior leadership experience with P&L accountability.
• Proven success in leading a large, complex business.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen.

Responsibilities

• Translate the group’s strategic agenda into a focused country business plan.
• Lead the end-to-end operation of the country business.
• Build and develop a high-performing leadership team.

Skills

Strategic vision and commercial insight

Leadership and organisational capability building

Operational excellence and transformation

Stakeholder influence and board-level communication

Job description

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

COO provides strategic and operational leadership of the South Africa business, ensuring sustainable growth, operational excellence, and strong financial performance. As a key member of the executive leadership team, the COO will oversee the full country operation, drive strategic execution, and ensure alignment with the organisation’s multinational vision and performance standards.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategic Leadership

• Translate the group’s strategic agenda into a focused country business plan, ensuring delivery of long-term growth and market leadership.
• Shape and drive strategic initiatives to strengthen competitive positioning and operational capability.
• Contribute to multinational strategy and decision-making as a member of the executive leadership team.

Operational & Commercial Performance

• Lead the end-to-end operation of the country business, ensuring consistent delivery of operational excellence, brand standards, and customer experience.
• Own profit and loss and deliver on revenue, margin, and profitability objectives.
• Drive market expansion, network optimisation, and commercial growth initiatives.
• Ensure robust governance, compliance, and risk management across all operational areas.

People & Organisational Leadership

• Build, develop, and lead a high-performing leadership team capable of delivering against strategic and operational goals.
• Foster a culture of accountability, agility, and performance.
• Champion leadership development and succession planning to support sustainable growth.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with key stakeholders, including government departments, suppliers, regulators, and industry partners.
• Influence key business decisions and advocate for country-specific priorities at the group level.

REQUIREMENTS

• 10+ years of senior leadership experience, including broad P&L and operational accountability.
• Proven success in leading a large, complex business, ideally in QSR, retail, or FMCG.
• Demonstrated ability to drive strategic transformation and operational excellence at scale.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, with a track record of delivering sustainable business performance.
• International or emerging market experience preferred.

COMPETENCIES

• Strategic vision and commercial insight.
• Enterprise leadership and execution.
• Operational excellence and transformation.
• Financial stewardship and governance.
• Leadership and organisational capability building.
• Stakeholder influence and board-level communication.

AN INTRODUCTION TO HUNGRY LION

Hungry Lion’s journey began with a single store in Stellenbosch, Cape Town, in 1997, with a simple vision: to serve great food with genuine warmth and energy. Over the years, that vision has grown into a powerful business with a strong and expanding footprint, with hundreds of restaurants across multiple African countries.

We’re growing fast and building for the future. Our ambitious expansion strategy is opening doors to new countries, new communities, and new possibilities for our teams. This means real career growth, exposure to a dynamic multinational business, and the chance to be part of a brand that’s making a powerful impact in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry.

Our success is powered by people; passionate, driven individuals who bring energy, creativity, and excellence to everything they do. From our restaurant teams to our corporate leadership, every person plays a vital role in delivering exceptional service and growing our brand. Joining Hungry Lion means being part of a fast-paced, dynamic, and supportive environment where your ideas, skills, and ambition can make a real impact.