Head of People & Operations (Senior Manager)

The Legends Agency; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established media organisation in Johannesburg seeks a Head of People & Operations (Senior Manager) to ensure stability and operational excellence. In this senior role, you will oversee HR administration, manage compliance, and contribute to strategic discussions. The ideal candidate has over 8 years of experience in operations and people management, a strong HR background, and financial acumen to guide decisions. This position offers a hybrid work model with a focus on collaboration and continuity.

Qualifications

• 8+ years' experience in operations, people management, or a senior support role.
• Strong HR and operational management background with a stable, detail-oriented approach.
• Proven ability to work cross-functionally and build credibility with established teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior oversight of HR administration and recruitment support.
• Ensure continuity and stability across operations during a period of transition.
• Oversee accounts function with focus on technical review and financial judgement.

Skills

Operations management

People management

Financial acumen

HR administration

Compliance management

Job description

Head of People & Operations (Senior Manager)

About the job Head of People & Operations (Senior Manager)

Head of People & Operations (Senior Manager)
A newly created senior role focused on stability, continuity, and operational excellence
Johannesburg | Hybrid | Market-related salary

About Our Client
Our client is a well-established, fast-moving organisation operating in the media and content space. They have an experienced team, mature systems, and a strong culture built on collaboration, respect for institutional knowledge, and pragmatic decision-making. This is a confidential appointment for a business that values thoughtful leadership, operational stability, and long-term impact over rapid transformation.

The Role: Head of People & Operations
This newly created senior management role exists to provide stability, coordination, and operational oversight across key support functions. The immediate priority is ensuring continuity following the departure of the HR Manager, while developing a deep understanding of existing processes, systems, and team dynamics before introducing any changes.

The role spans people operations, finance oversight, compliance, office operations, and IT support, while also contributing practical operational input into broader product and strategic discussions.

Key Responsibilities

Provide senior oversight of HR administration, recruitment support, and people processes

Ensure continuity and stability across operations during a period of transition

Oversee the accounts function with a focus on technical review and financial judgement (not bookkeeping)

Manage compliance requirements and operational risk

Oversee facilities, reception, office operations, and internal IT support within operations

Build strong working relationships with existing teams through understanding and collaboration

Contribute operational insight to strategic and product discussions, grounded in feasibility

About You

8+ years' experience in operations, people management, or a senior support role

Strong HR and operational management background with a stable, detail-oriented approach

Financial acumen to review technical accounts and contribute to sound business judgement

Proven ability to work cross-functionally and build credibility with established teams

Comfortable leading through continuity, not disruption

Collaborative, practical, and grounded in operational feasibility

Able to balance strategic input with hands-on management responsibilities