Head of Operations (iGaming)

Initiate International; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Initiate International in Cape Town seeks a seasoned Head of Operations to lead day-to-day operations and scale performance across iGaming platforms. You will shape and execute marketing and customer growth strategies, oversee budgets, and align cross-functional teams from Marketing, Product, Finance and Support to drive revenue.

The role requires strategic, analytical leadership, a hands-on approach, and a commitment to compliance and responsible gambling as the business expands across African

Qualifications

• 8+ years’ professional experience in senior management or leadership positions.
• Proven experience leading business operations, ideally within iGaming, online betting or digital-first environments.
• Strong understanding of digital marketing and customer acquisition.
• Data-driven approach with the ability to interpret KPIs and performance analytics.
• Experience managing operational and marketing budgets with clear commercial accountability.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations of the business, ensuring processes, systems and teams operate efficiently and at scale.
• Develop and execute marketing and growth strategies aligned with commercial objectives, focusing on customer acquisition, LTV and revenue.
• Oversee and optimise key marketing channels including Paid Media, Affiliates, CRM, SEO, Social Media, Content and Partnerships.
• Monitor operational and commercial KPIs, using data and insights to identify opportunities and improve performance.
• Manage and develop high-performing teams with clear objectives, accountability and a strong performance culture.

Skills

Operations leadership

iGaming knowledge

Marketing strategy

Data analytics

Cross-functional leadership

Job description

Head of Operations (iGaming) required in Cape Town.

Are you an experienced Operations leader with a strong understanding of Marketing and commercial growth?

We are seeking a commercially minded Head of Operations to take ownership of the operational performance of a growing iGaming business, while playing a key role in shaping and executing its marketing and customer growth strategy.

This is a senior leadership role suited to someone who understands that successful iGaming businesses require more than efficient operations. You will be expected to connect operations, marketing, customer acquisition, retention, people and commercial performance to drive sustainable growth.

The ideal candidate will be strategic, analytical and hands‑on, with the ability to lead teams, optimise processes, manage performance and identify opportunities across the customer lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the day-to‑day operations of the business, ensuring processes, systems and teams operate efficiently and at scale.
• Develop and execute marketing and growth strategies aligned with commercial objectives, with a focus on customer acquisition, FTDs, retention and revenue.
• Oversee and optimise key marketing channels including Paid Media, Affiliates, CRM, SEO, Social Media, Content and Partnerships.
• Monitor operational and commercial KPIs, using data and customer insights to identify opportunities and improve performance.
• Manage and develop high‑performing teams, establishing clear objectives, accountability and a strong performance culture.
• Own and manage operational and marketing budgets, ensuring spend is aligned with performance and delivering strong ROI.
• Work closely with senior leadership and cross‑functional teams including Marketing, Product, Finance, Customer Support and Compliance.
• Drive process improvements, operational efficiencies and scalable ways of working as the business grows.
• Support market expansion, product launches and strategic initiatives across African markets.
• Ensure operational activities remain aligned with regulatory, compliance and responsible gambling requirements.

Requirements:

• 8+ years’ professional experience, with significant experience in senior management or leadership positions.
• Proven experience leading business operations, ideally within iGaming, online betting or another digital‑first environment.
• Strong understanding of digital marketing and customer acquisition.
• Data‑driven approach with the ability to interpret KPIs and performance analytics.
• Strong budgeting, forecasting and financial management skills.
• Ability to identify operational challenges and implement practical, scalable solutions.
• Highly analytical with a strong focus on ROI, profitability and business performance.
• Demonstrable experience across multiple acquisition and retention channels, including Paid Media, Affiliates and CRM.
• Experience managing operational and marketing budgets with clear commercial accountability.
• Strong understanding of the iGaming customer lifecycle, including acquisition, registration, FTD conversion, retention, reactivation and customer value.
• Experience working with iGaming operators, betting brands, gaming providers or related technology businesses.
• Exposure to African markets and an understanding of the regional iGaming landscape would be highly advantageous.
• Experience working within a regulated industry, with an understanding of compliance and responsible gambling requirements.
• A proven track record of delivering measurable improvements in revenue, customer acquisition, retention, operational efficiency or profitability.