Head Of Data Strategy & Operations

Istaff Recruitment; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking a senior-level leader to enhance data governance and drive business growth in educational services. The candidate will execute strategic initiatives, oversee compliance and data integrity, and develop impactful marketing strategies. This role involves extensive travel and offers a unique chance to influence the educational data services landscape in South Africa.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of senior-level leadership experience.
• Deep knowledge of data governance, digital platforms, and business operations.
• Exceptional communication and people management strengths.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of robust data policies and procedures.
• Create and execute data-driven sales and marketing strategies.
• Collaborate with the Finance Manager to drive profitability.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Stakeholder Engagement

Communication

Emotional Intelligence

Marketing Acumen

Education

BCom degree

Postgraduate qualification

Job description

Minimum Requirements : BCom degree (required); postgrad qualification (preferred).At least 10 years of senior-level leadership experience.Deep knowledge of data governance, digital platforms, and business operations.Strategic planning, budgeting, and financial oversight capabilities.Strong leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.Marketing acumen and a customer-centric mindset.Exceptional communication and people management strengths.High emotional intelligence and ability to manage demanding clients.

Duties and Responsibilities : Data Governance & InnovationLead the development of robust data policies and procedures.Maintain high data quality and integrity across all platforms.Ensure regulatory compliance, particularly with POPIA.Oversee data services for a range of stakeholders : universities, students, banks, credit bureaus, and verification agencies.Build and maintain strategic vendor relationships to support evolving technical needs.Sales, Marketing & Business GrowthCreate and execute data-driven sales and marketing strategies to achieve business targets.Expand and strengthen relationships with existing and new clients across public institutions and private sectors.Promote companys solutions at forums and industry events.Supervise the CRM database and ensure accuracy in client records.Strategic & Financial LeadershipCollaborate with the Finance Manager to drive profitability and sustainable financial strategies.Review operational budgets and financial reports for performance optimisation.Identify cost-saving opportunities and revenue diversification channels.Operational ExcellenceEstablish and update organisational policies to maximise performance.Ensure efficient internal processes aligned with business goals.Lead cross-functional teams and build high-performing departments.

What to ExpectNational travel to university and TVET college sites.Engagement with diverse institutions and industry players.A fast-paced environment where innovation is encouraged.The chance to influence the future of data services in education.

Note : This is a 3 year renewable contract position.

PLEASE NOTE : Thank you for your interest in this position, we will review and be in touch if you are suitable.

Due to the amount of applications we receive for each position, we are unable to respond to each one individually.

Please accept your application as unsuccessful if you had no feedback within 7 days of applying.

Your CV will remain on our database and we will be in touch for other suitable positions.