Chief Operations Officer (COO)

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 4,000,000 - 9,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Executive health insurance

Equity options

Performance bonuses

Retirement plan

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a visionary Chief Operations Officer to lead our global operations from a fully remote capacity, driving strategy and execution across multiple regions, including Sandton, Gauteng. The role partners with the CEO to scale the business, optimize processes, and foster a high-performance culture.

The successful candidate will bring 15+ years in senior operations leadership, strong financial acumen, and a proven track record of scaling complex operations in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or MBA preferred.
• 15+ years of senior operations leadership experience including C-suite roles.
• Proven track record in scaling complex, global operations and improving performance.
• Strong financial management and budgeting capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive operational strategies aligned with the company’s vision and long-term goals.
• Oversee production, supply chain, customer service, and quality assurance to ensure reliability and efficiency.
• Lead and mentor the operations leadership team, driving accountability and collaboration.
• Drive continuous improvement to cut costs, boost efficiency, and improve quality.
• Manage budgets and financial performance, ensuring profitability and fiscal discipline.
• Identify and adopt new technologies and methodologies to support growth and scalability.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and governance across global operations.
• Collaborate with the CEO and other executives on strategic planning and execution.
• Build strong relationships with key stakeholders and partners to sustain growth.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Financial management

Operational optimization

Communication

Education

MBA or Master’s degree preferred

Bachelor’s degree essential

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a rapidly expanding and innovative company seeking an exceptional and visionary Chief Operations Officer (COO) to join their executive leadership team. This pivotal role operates entirely remotely, offering unparalleled flexibility and the opportunity to shape operations from a global perspective while overseeing strategic initiatives impacting Sandton, Gauteng, ZA. The COO will be instrumental in driving operational strategy, ensuring execution excellence, and scaling the business efficiently. We are looking for a seasoned executive with a proven history of success in leading complex operational functions, optimizing business processes, and fostering a high-performance culture. This position requires a strategic thinker with strong leadership capabilities and a deep understanding of business operations in a fast-paced environment. You will be a key driver of the company's growth and success.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive operational strategies aligned with the company's vision and long-term goals
• Oversee all operational functions, including production, supply chain, customer service, and quality assurance
• Lead and mentor the operational leadership team, fostering collaboration and accountability
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve quality
• Manage operational budgets and financial performance, ensuring profitability and fiscal responsibility
• Identify and implement new technologies and operational methodologies to support growth and scalability
• Ensure compliance with all relevant industry regulations and legal requirements
• Collaborate closely with the CEO and other C-suite executives on strategic planning and decision-making
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, partners, and vendors
• Champion a culture of innovation, operational excellence, and employee engagement across the organization

Requirements

• Master's degree or MBA preferred
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field is essential
• A minimum of 15+ years of progressive experience in senior operations leadership roles, including C-suite experience
• Demonstrated success in scaling businesses and managing large-scale, complex operations
• Proven expertise in strategic planning, financial management, and operational optimization
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with a strong ability to inspire and influence at all levels
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities
• Experience in managing global or multi-national operations is highly desirable
• Proficiency in modern operational technologies and ERP systems
• Ability to thrive and lead effectively in a fully remote, globally distributed work environment
• A strategic, forward-thinking mindset and a commitment to driving business results

Benefits

• top-tier salary, significant performance bonuses, long-term incentives, and equity options
• This role is fully remote, providing ultimate autonomy and flexibility
• Comprehensive C-suite level health, dental, and vision insurance, along with executive life insurance, are provided
• A substantial retirement savings plan with matching contributions is available
• Our client is committed to continuous professional development and offers access to exclusive executive coaching and leadership programs

Join an ambitious and dynamic company at the forefront of its industry, where you will play a critical role in its future success.