Chief Operations Officer (COO)

Placements24; Soweto; Hybrid; ZAR 4,000,000 - 7,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Base salary

Performance bonuses

Equity options

Health insurance

Executive car allowance

Retirement plan

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Chief Operations Officer to lead global operations from a remote executive level. This role drives efficiency, innovation, and sustainable growth across all functions, reporting to the CEO.

The ideal candidate has 15+ years in operations with 5+ years in a COO/VP role, proven experience managing distributed teams, and strong P&L ownership across a worldwide organization.

Qualifications

• 15+ years in operations leadership with 5+ years at COO/VP level.
• Master's degree in Business Admin or related field; PhD asset.
• Strong strategic thinking and decision-making abilities.
• Proven ability to lead remote, distributed teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement operational strategies aligned with long-term vision.
• Oversee day-to-day operations including supply chain, manufacturing, service delivery, and QA.
• Lead senior operational leaders and foster high performance.
• Drive efficiency, cost optimization and continuous improvements.
• Ensure budgets, resource allocation, and financial targets are met.
• Collaborate with executives to identify opportunities and manage risks.

Skills

C-level leadership

Strategic planning

Remote leadership

P&L ownership

Education

MBA/PhD preferred

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a visionary and highly experienced Chief Operations Officer (COO) to lead their operational strategy and execution from a remote, executive level. This critical role is responsible for optimizing all aspects of the company's operations, driving efficiency, innovation, and sustainable growth. You will work closely with the CEO and executive team to align operational objectives with the overall business strategy, ensuring seamless execution across all departments and functions. The ideal candidate will possess extensive leadership experience, a deep understanding of operational best practices, and a proven ability to manage complex, globally distributed organizations in a remote-first paradigm.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive operational strategies that align with the company's long-term vision and growth objectives.
• Oversee and optimize all day-to-day operations, including supply chain, manufacturing, service delivery, and quality assurance.
• Lead and mentor a diverse team of senior operational leaders and their respective departments, fostering a culture of high performance and accountability.
• Drive operational efficiency, cost optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives across the organization.
• Ensure the company meets its operational and financial targets, managing budgets and resource allocation effectively.
• Collaborate with the executive team to identify strategic opportunities, manage risks, and drive innovation.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field; a PhD or equivalent advanced degree is a strong asset.
• 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in operations management, with at least 5 years in a C-level executive role (COO, VP of Operations).
• Demonstrated success in managing large-scale, complex operations and driving significant operational improvements.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, leadership, and decision-making abilities.
• Extensive experience in financial management, budgeting, and P&L responsibility.
• Proven ability to lead and manage remote teams and distributed workforces effectively.

Benefits

• Exceptional executive compensation package including a significant base salary, substantial performance bonuses, and equity options.
• Comprehensive top-tier health, dental, and vision insurance for the executive and their family.
• Executive car allowance or equivalent benefit.
• Significant retirement planning and savings options.
• Opportunity to shape the future of a growing, innovative company on a global scale.