Head of Operations

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Executive benefits

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Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Head of Operations to lead the firm’s operational functions from our Sandton, Gauteng HQ. This senior role shapes strategic direction, drives performance, and builds scalable processes across client services, trading operations, compliance, and IT infrastructure.

You will oversee budgets, mentor a high‑performing team, implement robust controls, and partner with executive leadership to seize strategic opportunities while maintaining regulatory adherence and client

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Operations Management, or related field.
• 12+ years in operations management within financial services, with 5+ years in senior leadership.
• Proven track record scaling complex operations in financial services.
• Deep understanding of FAIS, FICA and regulatory requirements.
• Strong strategic thinking, leadership and change-management skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the overall operational strategy in line with growth plans.
• Oversee all operational departments including client onboarding, trade execution, back-office and IT support.
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations and industry standards.
• Drive continuous improvement to enhance efficiency, reduce costs and improve service quality.
• Manage budgets, resources, and risk management frameworks.
• Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing team of operational professionals.
• Implement robust policies, procedures, and control mechanisms.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to identify strategic opportunities and challenges.
• Oversee selection and implementation of technology solutions to support objectives.
• Foster a culture of operational excellence and client focus.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Change management

Stakeholder mgmt

Budgeting

Regulatory knowledge

Trading operations

Education

Master's degree

Tools

Trading platforms

Financial systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly growing financial services firm, is seeking a strategic and accomplished Head of Operations to lead and transform their operational functions in Sandton, Gauteng . This senior leadership role will be responsible for the overall strategic direction, management, and optimization of all operational aspects of the business, including client services, trading operations, compliance, and IT infrastructure. The Head of Operations will play a pivotal role in driving efficiency, scalability, and innovation across the organization, ensuring the highest standards of service delivery and regulatory adherence. This is a critical leadership position within our client's Sandton headquarters.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the overall operational strategy in alignment with the company's business objectives and growth plans.
• Oversee and manage all operational departments, including client onboarding, trade execution, back-office operations, and IT support.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations and industry standards, working closely with the compliance team.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve service quality.
• Manage operational budgets, resource allocation, and risk management frameworks.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of operational professionals.
• Implement and maintain robust operational policies, procedures, and control mechanisms.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to identify strategic opportunities and challenges.
• Oversee the selection and implementation of technology solutions to support operational goals.
• Foster a culture of operational excellence, accountability, and client focus throughout the organization.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Operations Management, or a related field.
• 12+ years of progressive experience in operations management within the financial services industry, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership capacity.
• Proven track record of successfully managing and scaling complex operations in a financial services environment.
• Deep understanding of financial markets, trading operations, client services, and regulatory requirements (e.g., FAIS, FICA).
• Exceptional strategic thinking, leadership, and change management skills.
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing significant operational budgets.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Proficiency in relevant financial systems, trading platforms, and operational software.
• Demonstrated ability to drive innovation and implement technological solutions.
• Experience in a hybrid working environment, managing both on-site and remote teams.

Benefits

Our client offers an exceptional remuneration package, including a highly competitive base salary, significant performance-based bonuses, and executive-level benefits such as comprehensive medical and retirement plans, and share options. This role provides unparalleled opportunities for professional growth and strategic impact within a leading financial services firm. You will be working from our prestigious Sandton, Gauteng office, contributing to a dynamic and innovative work environment. This hybrid role offers flexibility while ensuring key leadership presence.