General Manager / Head of Operations

Vine Recruitment; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking a dynamic General Manager / Head of Operations in Cape Town to oversee operational excellence and growth. Responsibilities include strategic leadership, project oversight, and financial management while leading a cross-functional team. Candidates should have a degree in Business or related fields, with 4–8 years in management, ideally in construction or project delivery.

Qualifications

• 4–8 years in operational or management roles, ideally in project delivery, construction, or development.
• Proven ability to manage concurrent projects and lead teams.
• Experience optimizing internal systems and processes for scale.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day business operations and project workflows.
• Track and coordinate multiple projects to ensure delivery on time and on budget.
• Lead financial management, including cash flow and forecasts.

Skills

Project management

Financial fluency

Team leadership

Business development

Operational optimization

Education

Degree in Business, Operations, Property Development, or Engineering

Job description

General Manager / Head of Operations – Cape Town.

Our client is looking for a dynamic and highly organised General Manager / Head of Operations to oversee the delivery, growth, and operational excellence of the company.

This is a pivotal leadership role, responsible for managing multiple concurrent projects, driving business development, refining internal systems, and serving as the central operational anchor between directors, clients, subcontractors, and suppliers.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Strategic & Operational Leadership:
  • Translate company vision into measurable operational objectives and project roadmaps
  • Oversee day-to-day business operations, incl. internal systems, team performance, and project workflows
  • Lead strategic planning, OKRs, and reporting for board meetings
• Project Oversight & Delivery:
  • Track and coordinate multiple court builds across different stages
  • Monitor procurement, logistics, timelines, and installation teams to ensure delivery on time and on budget
  • Build and maintain standard operating procedures for scale
• Business Development & Client Relations:
  • Support pipeline growth through proposal review, pricing strategy, and client engagement
  • Serve as the point of contact for key clients and strategic partners
  • Represent the company in investor, club, and commercial partner meetings
  • Identify and capitalise on market opportunities to keep it at the forefront of the industry
• Financial Management:
  • Collaborate with directors and accounts to manage cash flow, forecasts, and P&L performance
  • Ensure accurate reporting of project margins, commission structures, and cost allocations
  • Support budget preparation and financial compliance
• Team Management & Culture:
  • Lead and support a lean, cross-functional team including project managers, site teams, operations staff, and core portfolio leads: Architecture, Procurement, Logistics, Construction & Installation.
  • Create a culture of clarity, accountability, and high performance
  • Identify gaps and lead recruitment or upskilling as needed

Requirements:

• Degree in Business, Operations, Property Development, or Engineering
• 4–8 years in operational or management roles, ideally within project delivery, construction, or development
• Strong track record of managing concurrent projects and leading teams
• Proven ability to optimize internal systems and processes for scale
• Strong financial fluency and commercial negotiation skills
• Passion for experience in the sports development industry is a plus.