Director of Operations

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary package

Impactful humanitarian work

Direct influence in Durban area

Health insurance & retirement plan

Generous leave policy

Leadership development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Director of Operations to lead and optimize operational functions for a prominent humanitarian aid organization headquartered in Durban. You will drive strategy, manage logistics, procurement, facilities, and admin support while cultivating a high-performance operations team.

The role emphasizes risk management, compliance, and cost-effective resource allocation to enhance humanitarian delivery across KwaZulu-Natal and beyond.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Logistics, or related field.
• 10+ years in operations management with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven experience managing complex supply chains in non-profit/humanitarian sectors.
• Strong financial acumen with budget development and management.
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Strategic operational planning and risk management experience.
• Proficiency with operations software and systems.
• Commitment to humanitarian principles and mission.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement operational strategies and policies aligned with the organization's mission and goals.
• Oversee logistics, supply chain management, and procurement processes.
• Ensure efficient management of facilities, equipment, and organizational assets.
• Develop and manage operational budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness and resource optimization.
• Lead and mentor the operations team, fostering a culture of high performance and accountability.
• Implement and maintain robust safety and security protocols for all operations.
• Manage relationships with key vendors, suppliers, and service providers.
• Oversee administrative functions, including HR support and IT infrastructure.
• Conduct regular operational reviews and identify areas for improvement and efficiency gains.
• Ensure compliance with relevant local and international regulations and standards.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Logistics & procurement

Budget management

Vendor management

Safety & security

IT infrastructure

People management

Risk management

Education

Master's degree in Business Administration / Operations Management / Logistics

Tools

Operations software & systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent humanitarian aid organization with a significant presence in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA, is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Director of Operations. This senior leadership position is responsible for overseeing all operational aspects of the organization, ensuring efficient and effective delivery of services and programs. The Director of Operations will manage logistics, supply chain, facility management, and administrative functions critical to the organization's mission. This role requires a hands-on approach and a deep understanding of operational management within a challenging and dynamic environment. You will be instrumental in driving operational excellence and ensuring the organization can effectively respond to humanitarian needs in the region and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement operational strategies and policies aligned with the organization's mission and goals.
• Oversee and manage all aspects of logistics, supply chain management, and procurement processes.
• Ensure efficient management of facilities, equipment, and organizational assets.
• Develop and manage operational budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness and resource optimization.
• Lead and mentor the operations team, fostering a culture of high performance and accountability.
• Implement and maintain robust safety and security protocols for all operations.
• Manage relationships with key vendors, suppliers, and service providers.
• Oversee administrative functions, including human resources support and IT infrastructure.
• Conduct regular operational reviews and identify areas for improvement and efficiency gains.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant local and international regulations and standards.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Logistics, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in operations management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience in managing complex supply chains and logistics, preferably in the non-profit or humanitarian sector.
• Strong financial acumen and experience in budget development and management.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to develop and implement strategic operational plans.
• Experience with risk management and security protocols.
• Proficiency in relevant software and systems for operations management.
• Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
• Commitment to humanitarian principles and the mission of the organization.

Benefits

• Attractive executive-level salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to lead operational strategy for a impactful humanitarian organization.
• Direct influence on the delivery of critical services in Durban and surrounding areas.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement plan.
• Generous leave policy.
• Professional development opportunities and leadership training.