Operations and Strategy Manager

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity options

Hybrid work model

Professional development opportunities

Medical aid

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an analytical and strategic Operations and Strategy Manager to join its fast-growing fintech team in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. You will drive operational efficiency, develop strategic initiatives, and support key business decisions with data-driven insights.

The role blends operational expertise with strategic planning, requiring collaboration across product, engineering, marketing, and sales to deliver actionable recommendations and fuel growth in a dynamic hybrid

Qualifications

• MBA or master's degree in Finance, Business Administration, Economics, or related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 6 years in management consulting, strategy, operations, or analytical roles, preferably in tech or finance.
• Proven experience in developing and executing business strategies and operational improvement plans.
• Strong financial modeling, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent understanding of business operations and market dynamics.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and techniques.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication, with the ability to present complex information clearly.
• Strong project management and cross-functional initiative experience.

Responsibilities

• Analyze business operations to identify efficiency, scalability, and profitability improvements.
• Develop and implement strategic plans, roadmaps, and initiatives to support growth objectives.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify opportunities and threats.
• Create financial models and forecasts to support decision-making and investment planning.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align operational execution with strategic goals.
• Develop and track KPIs to measure the impact of initiatives and projects.
• Manage projects from conception to completion within budget and timelines.
• Prepare presentations and reports for senior management with actionable insights.
• Support fundraising activities with business cases and financial projections.
• Monitor competitive landscape and industry trends to inform strategic direction.

Skills

Financial modeling

Data analysis

Strategic planning

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Communication

Project management

Education

MBA or Master’s degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a fast-growing fintech startup, is seeking a highly analytical and strategic Operations and Strategy Manager to join their dynamic team in Stellenbosch, Western Cape . This pivotal role will involve driving operational efficiency, developing and implementing strategic initiatives, and supporting key business decisions through data-driven insights. The ideal candidate will possess a blend of operational expertise and strategic planning capabilities, with a proven ability to translate complex data into actionable recommendations. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of an innovative company in one of South Africa's most picturesque regions.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze business operations to identify areas for improvement in efficiency, scalability, and profitability.
• Develop and implement strategic plans, roadmaps, and initiatives to support company growth objectives.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify new opportunities and potential threats.
• Create financial models and forecasts to support strategic decision-making and investment planning.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (product, engineering, marketing, sales) to align operational execution with strategic goals.
• Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of operational initiatives and strategic projects.
• Manage projects from conception to completion, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to budget.
• Prepare presentations and reports for senior management, effectively communicating findings and recommendations.
• Support fundraising activities by developing business cases and financial projections.
• Continuously monitor the competitive landscape and industry trends to inform strategic direction.

Requirements

• MBA or Master's degree in Finance, Business Administration, Economics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in management consulting, strategy, operations, or a related analytical role, preferably within the tech or finance industry.
• Proven experience in developing and executing business strategies and operational improvement plans.
• Strong financial modeling, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent understanding of business operations and market dynamics.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and techniques.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly.
• Strong project management skills and experience managing cross-functional initiatives.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment in Stellenbosch, Western Cape .
• High level of intellectual curiosity and drive.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and equity options. Comprehensive medical aid and a generous pension fund contribution are included. Professional development opportunities, including access to industry conferences and advanced training programs, are readily available. This role offers a dynamic work environment with a hybrid model, allowing for a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work flexibility, situated in the beautiful Stellenbosch, Western Cape . Employee wellness programs and team-building events are also part of the package.