Expansion & Operation Manager South Africa

Black Pen Recruitment; Remote; ZAR 1 000 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking an Expansion & Operation Manager to drive entry into the South African market. This foundational role focuses on developing market entry strategies, establishing operations, and leading a local team. Ideal candidates have 8-10 years of experience in operations management and a strong understanding of the South African business environment and regulatory requirements. This role offers a chance to build a business from the ground up with flexibility to work remotely initially before moving into an office-based position.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8-10 years in a senior role focusing on operations management or business expansion.
• Strong understanding of South African business environment and culture.
• Experience navigating regulatory frameworks in South Africa.

Responsibilities

• Conduct market research to develop go-to-market strategy for South Africa.
• Build partnerships and networks to support market penetration.
• Oversee establishment of the company's legal entity in South Africa.
• Manage day-to-day operations and ensure quality service delivery.

Skills

Operations management

Business development

Leadership

Financial acumen

Regulatory compliance

Market analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Commerce, Economics

MBA or relevant postgraduate degree

Job description

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.

Role Overview

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.)

Requirements

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

Responsibilities

Market Expansion & Strategy

• Market Analysis & 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‑BEE) 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

• Day‑to‑Day Operations: Once established, assume full ownership of the day‑to‑day operations, ensuring seamless execution, efficiency, and high‑quality service delivery.
• P&L and Budget Management: Hold full responsibility for the South African P&L, including developing annual budgets, managing expenses, and driving profitability.
• Team Building & Leadership: Recruit, train, and lead the local team. Foster a high‑performance culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• 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.