Head of Operations

Placements24; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 1,600,000 - 2,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary & bonus

Health, life, disability insurance

Stock options / equity

Relocation assistance

Professional development

Modern office facilities

Pension contributions

Company car or travel allowance

Job summary

Placements24 in Centurion is seeking a visionary Head of Operations to lead the firm's operational strategy from our Centurion headquarters. This on-site role demands a strategic leader with deep experience in high-growth technology environments and a strong grasp of financial management.

You will oversee IT infrastructure, service delivery, customer support, and facilities, build budgets, KPIs, and vendor relations, and mentor a diverse operations team while driving scalable, compliant

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business Administration or Operations Management.
• 10–12 years in operations with ≥5 in a senior leadership role.
• Experience in technology/cloud or SaaS operations.

Responsibilities

• Define and oversee the operational strategy aligned with growth plans.
• Manage IT infrastructure, customer support, service delivery, and facility management.
• Lead and mentor operational managers and staff.
• Develop and manage operational budgets and ROI.
• Establish KPIs and monitor performance.
• Oversee vendor relationships and negotiations.
• Drive process improvements for efficiency and scalability.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and security standards.
• Collaborate with executives on strategic planning.
• Champion innovation and technology adoption.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Budgeting

P&L management

Vendor management

Negotiation

Team leadership

Cybersecurity awareness

IT infrastructure

Strategic planning

Education

MBA or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding technology firm specializing in cloud solutions, is seeking a visionary and highly accomplished Head of Operations to lead their operational strategy and execution from their Centurion headquarters. This pivotal role demands a strategic leader with extensive experience in managing complex, high-growth environments. You will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the company's operations, ensuring scalability, efficiency, and alignment with the overall business vision. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of technology operations, a strong command of financial management, and a proven ability to lead diverse teams. This is a demanding, on-site role requiring significant presence at the company's main office, working closely with executive leadership to drive transformative change and operational excellence. We are looking for a proactive and decisive leader who can navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities in a competitive market, contributing to the sustained success and innovation of our client.

Key Responsibilities

• Define, implement, and oversee the company's overall operational strategy, ensuring alignment with business objectives and growth plans.


• Manage and optimize all operational functions, including IT infrastructure, customer support, service delivery, and facility management.


• Lead and mentor a team of operational managers and staff, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.


• Develop and manage operational budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness and maximizing return on investment.


• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational metrics; monitor performance and implement corrective actions as needed.


• Oversee vendor relationships and contract negotiations to secure optimal terms and service levels.


• Drive process improvements and implement best practices to enhance operational efficiency and scalability.


• Ensure compliance with all relevant industry regulations, security standards, and legal requirements.


• Collaborate with executive leadership on strategic planning, risk management, and resource allocation.


• Champion innovation and technology adoption to streamline operations and improve service delivery.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field.


• Minimum of 10-12 years of progressive experience in operations management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., Director, VP).


• Proven experience in managing operations for a technology company, preferably in the cloud or SaaS sector.


• Demonstrated success in scaling operations for rapid business growth.


• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and P&L management.


• Expertise in IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and service delivery management.


• Exceptional leadership, team management, and motivational skills.


• Excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.


• Strong negotiation and vendor management skills.


• Residency or willingness to relocate to the Centurion area for consistent on-site presence.

Benefits

• Highly competitive executive salary and bonus structure.


• Comprehensive executive health, life, and disability insurance.


• Significant stock options or equity participation.


• Generous relocation assistance package.


• Executive-level professional development opportunities.


• Access to state-of-the-art office facilities.


• Pension fund contributions.


• Potential for company car or travel allowance.