Expansion & Operation Manager - South Africa

Black Pen Recruitment; Mbombela; Remote; ZAR 1 000 000 - 1 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking an Expansion & Operation Manager to establish and grow their operations in South Africa. The role involves market research, compliance, and team leadership. Ideal candidates should possess a strong background in operations management, a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, and the ability to navigate local regulations. This position offers a full-time role with expectations of transitioning to an office-based setup after initial remote work.

Qualifications

• 8-10 years of senior experience in operations management.
• Demonstrable experience in launching or scaling a new business unit.
• Deep understanding of the South African business environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct market research for go-to-market strategy.
• Build partnerships to accelerate market penetration.
• Lead legal entity establishment and compliance.

Skills

P&L management

Business development

Market research

Regulatory compliance

Leadership

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Commerce, or Economics

MBA or relevant postgraduate degree

Job description

Role Overview

Our client believes in the power of Virtual Advancement—leveraging digital innovation and strategic foresight to help businesses excel in a rapidly evolving world.

With a focus on agility and adaptability, they work alongside organisations to simplify complexity, enhance operations, and implement strategies that foster long‑term success.

Their team partners with startups, SMEs, and large enterprises across various industries, enabling clients to harness technology, data, and strategic insight to gain sustainable competitive advantage.

From expanding into new markets to building resilient financial roadmaps, our client serves as a trusted advisor committed to creating meaningful impact. Whether the goal is operational optimisation or future‑focused growth, our client delivers the clarity and capability needed to navigate change and lead with confidence.

Our client is seeking a dynamic, entrepreneurial, and results‑driven Expansion & Operation Manager to pioneer their entry and growth in the South African market.

This is a foundational leadership role for an individual who thrives on building businesses from the ground up.

You will be responsible for the entire lifecycle of their South African operations, from developing the initial market entry strategy and navigating the regulatory landscape to establishing a physical presence, hiring a team, and scaling day‑to‑day operations.

The ideal candidate is a hands‑on leader with exceptional business acumen and a profound understanding of the local market.

Job Type: Full time / Permanent
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Work Place: Remote (Initial remote work within Cape Town is supported during the setup phase, with the expectation of transitioning to an office‑based role.)

Responsibilities

• Market Expansion & Strategy
  Conduct in‑depth market research to develop and execute a comprehensive go‑to‑market strategy for South Africa. Identify key target segments, competitive advantages, and growth opportunities.
• Business Development & Partnerships
  Build and nurture a network of local strategic partners, suppliers, and key stakeholders to accelerate market penetration and support operational needs.
• Regulatory & Legal Compliance
  Lead the process of establishing the company's legal entity in South Africa. Ensure full compliance with all local regulations, including company registration (CIPC), tax obligations (SARS), industry‑specific licensing, and Broad‑Based Black Economic Empowerment (B‑BBEE) requirements.
• Launch Project Management
  Oversee the entire launch process, including sourcing and setting up an office space in Cape Town, establishing relationships with local vendors, and managing the initial setup budget and timeline.
• Operations & Team Leadership
  Once established, assume full ownership of day‑to‑day operations, ensuring seamless execution, efficiency, and high‑quality service delivery. Recruit, train, and lead the local team and foster a high‑performance culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• P&L and Budget Management
  Hold full responsibility for the South African P&L, including developing annual budgets, managing expenses, and driving profitability.
• Process Optimization
  Design and implement scalable operational processes and workflows tailored to the local market. Monitor performance using key metrics and drive initiatives for operational excellence.
• Stakeholder Reporting
  Provide regular, clear reports to global headquarters on business performance, market developments, and strategic initiatives in South Africa.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Commerce, Economics, or a related field. An MBA or other relevant postgraduate degree is highly advantageous.
• 8‑10 years of senior experience in operations management, general management, or business expansion.
• Demonstrable experience launching or scaling a new business unit, market, or major project.
• Deep intrinsic understanding of the South African business environment, including cultural nuances, consumer behaviour, and economic trends.
• Proven experience navigating South African regulatory frameworks, including company law, labour laws, and B‑BBEE principles.
• Strong P&L management and budgeting skills.
• A natural leader who can inspire and motivate a team, set a clear vision, and lead by example.
• A proactive, self‑starting mindset with the ability to operate independently, make critical decisions, and thrive in an unstructured, fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and communication skills (both written and verbal) in English. Proficiency in other official South African languages is an advantage.