Chief Operations Officer

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 2,500,000 - 4,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive compensation

Equity options

Health insurance

Bonuses

Flexible remote work

Growth opportunities

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Stock option plan

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a visionary Chief Operations Officer to join our executive team. Based near Centurion, Gauteng, with substantial remote flexibility, the COO will scale operations, optimize processes, and ensure high-quality service delivery to a global client base.

You will lead an experienced operations organization, implement KPIs, manage budgeting and forecasting, and build robust frameworks for rapid growth while maintaining governance and risk controls.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in senior operational leadership roles.
• Proven track record scaling operations for high-growth tech/SaaS.
• Budgeting, forecasting, and P&L management experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of the company's operations including tech infrastructure, customer support, service delivery, and internal administration.
• Develop and execute long-term operational strategies aligned with business objectives and growth targets.
• Lead and mentor a high-performing operations team with a culture of collaboration and accountability.
• Drive operational efficiency and cost optimization without compromising quality or client satisfaction.
• Implement and manage KPIs to measure operational success and identify improvement areas.
• Ensure scalability of operations to support rapid growth and increasing demand.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial management for operations.
• Develop and maintain relationships with stakeholders, vendors, and partners.
• Manage risk and ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and industry standards.
• Lead strategic projects to enhance operational capabilities and competitive advantage.

Skills

Leadership

Strategy

Operations management

Financial acumen

Communication

Team mentoring

Lean Six Sigma

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related

MBA desirable

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly growing technology startup focused on innovative SaaS solutions, is seeking a visionary and highly experienced Chief Operations Officer (COO) to join their executive leadership team. Based ideally near Centurion, Gauteng, though this role offers significant remote flexibility, the COO will be instrumental in scaling the company's operations, optimizing internal processes, and ensuring the efficient delivery of services to a global client base. This is a strategic position requiring a blend of operational expertise, financial acumen, and leadership prowess. The successful candidate will be responsible for building and managing robust operational frameworks that support rapid growth and maintain service excellence. They will drive operational strategy, foster a culture of efficiency and accountability, and ensure the company is well-positioned for sustained success. This is a unique opportunity to shape the operational destiny of a forward-thinking organization in a highly competitive market.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of the company's operations, including technology infrastructure, customer support, service delivery, and internal administration.
• Develop and execute long-term operational strategies aligned with the company's overall business objectives and growth targets.
• Lead and mentor a high-performing operations team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
• Drive operational efficiency and cost optimization across all departments without compromising on quality or customer satisfaction.
• Implement and manage key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure operational success and identify areas for improvement.
• Ensure the scalability of operations to support rapid business growth and increasing customer demand.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial management for the operations division.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, vendors, and partners.
• Manage risk and ensure compliance with all relevant legal, regulatory, and industry standards.
• Lead strategic projects and initiatives aimed at enhancing operational capabilities and competitive advantage.

Requirements

• Extensive experience (10+ years) in senior operational leadership roles, preferably within the technology or SaaS industry.
• Proven track record of successfully scaling operations for high-growth companies.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing and implementing effective operational strategies.
• Strong financial acumen and experience in budgeting, forecasting, and P&L management.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Experience with various operational methodologies and best practices (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma).
• Solid understanding of technology infrastructure, software development lifecycles, and customer support operations.
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field; MBA or equivalent is highly desirable.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities with a data-driven approach.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and often ambiguous startup environment.

Benefits

• Executive-level compensation package, including a substantial base salary and equity options.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous performance-based bonuses.
• Flexible remote work policy with potential for hybrid or office-based arrangements.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and impact within a rapidly expanding company.
• Retirement savings plan with company matching.
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• Opportunity to work with a passionate and innovative team near Centurion, Gauteng .
• Leadership development programs.
• Employee stock option plan.