Chief Operations Officer (COO) - Global Tech Firm

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

Benefits offered by this job

Executive coaching

Home office budget

Global health coverage

Equity compensation

Unlimited PTO

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a visionary Chief Operations Officer to steer global operations for a rapidly scaling technology firm. This fully remote executive role requires a proven record in managing distributed teams, optimizing processes, and delivering resilient platforms across geographies.

You will shape strategy, oversee budgets, and partner with the CEO to drive growth, risk management, and compliance while fostering a culture of innovation in a remote-first environment.

Qualifications

• 15+ years in senior operational leadership roles.
• At least 10 years as COO or VP of Operations in global tech.
• Proven scaling experience for hyper-growth tech companies.
• Experience in SaaS, cloud computing, or related tech sectors.
• Deep knowledge of lean, agile, and IT service management.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making.
• Outstanding leadership with distributed teams and board-level communication.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a global operations strategy aligned with long-term growth.
• Oversee daily operations including product delivery, IT, and processes.
• Lead and mentor a diverse global remote workforce.
• Drive efficiency, scalability, and cost-effectiveness across units.
• Implement advanced operational technologies and automation.
• Maintain risk management and business continuity plans.
• Collaborate with the CEO on budgeting and resource allocation.
• Foster continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Manage significant operational budgets and financial performance.
• Build relationships with partners, vendors, and stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with international regulations and data privacy.
• Lead transformation initiatives to scale operations with market opportunities.
• Drive cross-functional integration with product, sales, and marketing.
• Monitor KPIs and report performance to the board.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Change management

Budget management

Executive communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Decision making

Leadership at board level

Education

Master's in Business Administration or Operations Management

Ph.D. or advanced technical degree (plus)

Tools

Lean principles

Agile methodologies

IT service management

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly innovative and rapidly scaling global technology firm, is seeking an exceptional Chief Operations Officer (COO) to lead and transform its entire operational landscape. This executive position is pivotal to the company's strategic growth, requiring a visionary leader with a proven track record in managing complex, global operations within the tech industry. The COO will be responsible for all aspects of operational strategy, execution, and efficiency, ensuring seamless integration across departments and geographies. As a fully remote, executive-level role, you will architect and lead distributed teams, drive operational excellence, and foster a culture of innovation and agility. This is a career-defining opportunity to shape the future of a cutting-edge technology company and make a profound impact on its global success. Your expertise in scaling operations, optimizing processes, and leveraging technology will be critical. We are committed to building a world‑class remote work culture that attracts and retains top talent. Embrace the ultimate flexibility and autonomy of a senior remote leadership position while spearheading operational initiatives that define our market leadership. You will be instrumental in ensuring our operations can support exponential growth and maintain a competitive edge.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive global operations strategy aligned with the company's long-term vision and growth objectives.
• Oversee and optimize all aspects of daily operations, including product delivery, customer support, IT infrastructure, and internal business processes.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire a diverse, global, and remote workforce, fostering a high-performance and collaborative culture.
• Drive operational efficiency, scalability, and cost-effectiveness across all business units and functions.
• Implement and manage advanced operational technologies and systems to enhance productivity, visibility, and automation.
• Ensure robust risk management frameworks and business continuity plans are in place to mitigate operational disruptions.
• Collaborate closely with the CEO and other executive leaders on strategic planning, budgeting, and resource allocation.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence throughout the organization.
• Manage significant operational budgets and financial performance, ensuring profitability and sustainable growth.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key external partners, vendors, and stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant international regulations, data privacy laws, and industry standards.
• Lead major transformation initiatives to scale operations effectively in alignment with market opportunities.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration to ensure seamless integration of operations with product development, sales, and marketing efforts.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and provide regular, insightful reports on operational performance to the board and executive team.
• Drive initiatives focused on talent development, employee engagement, and retention within the global operational teams.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field.
• A Ph.D. or advanced technical degree is a significant plus.
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in senior operational leadership roles, with at least 10 years as a COO or VP of Operations in a global technology company.
• Proven track record of scaling operations for hyper-growth tech companies and managing complex international operations.
• Extensive experience in SaaS, cloud computing, or other relevant technology sectors.
• Deep understanding of operational best practices, including lean principles, agile methodologies, and IT service management.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Outstanding leadership, team-building, and change management skills with experience leading large, distributed teams.
• Strong financial acumen, with extensive experience in budget management and financial strategy.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and influencing skills, with the ability to engage effectively at the board level.
• Proven experience in implementing and leveraging advanced operational technologies and automation.
• Demonstrated ability to drive innovation and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Adaptability and resilience in navigating the dynamic global technology landscape.
• Strong understanding of global compliance, cybersecurity, and data privacy regulations.
• Proven ability to attract, develop, and retain top operational talent worldwide.
• Experience working effectively in a fully remote leadership capacity.

Benefits

• This is an executive-level position offering a highly competitive compensation package, including a substantial base salary, significant performance-based equity, and substantial annual bonuses tied to company performance.
• Benefits include comprehensive global health coverage, executive retirement plans with generous matching, and an unlimited paid time off policy.
• We provide executive coaching, access to leadership development programs, and a dedicated home office budget.
• This role offers the ultimate in remote work flexibility and the opportunity to lead operations for a global leader in the technology space.