Operations Manager

Melsoft Academy; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading EdTech startup is seeking a Head of Operations in Johannesburg to oversee campus operations, mentor young talent, and ensure high standards in class delivery. The ideal candidate enjoys working with Gen Z and has experience in managing teams within a fast-paced environment. This full-time role offers significant authority in shaping the future of tech education in Africa and preparing students for global opportunities.

Qualifications

• Experience running operations in an EdTech or similar environment.
• Ability to mentor Gen Z students through their challenges.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations of the campus and student programs.
• Mentor young talent and enforce high standards of professionalism.
• Prepare graduates for the global workplace.

Skills

Youth Mentorship

High Empathy

Team Management

Crisis Management

Job description

Creating Future Rockstars | EdTech Startup of The Year 2024

THE CONTEXT

Melsoft Academy is a youth‑led institute training Africa’s next generation of tech talent. We move fast, care deeply about our people, and are scaling globally—starting with the US—while staying rooted in South Africa.

We need a Head of Operations to run the engine room in Johannesburg: someone who works well with young people, builds strong systems, enforces high standards, and protects our unique culture.

THE ROLE

You are the operational backbone of Melsoft Academy. Reporting directly to the CEO, you run the day‑to‑day reality of a campus full of ambitious young talent. You are the “adult in the room” who leads with empathy, not ego—ensuring that while we are youth‑led, our delivery is world‑class.

WHAT YOU WILL OWN

• The Engine Room (Campus Ops): Classes, schedules, stipends, facilities, vendors—you ensure the machine runs quietly and efficiently.
• The Standard (Culture & Discipline): You set the tone for punctuality, professionalism, and work ethic, mentoring young staff and students as they transition from “students” to “professionals.”
• The Bridge (US Readiness): You prepare our young talent for the global stage, coaching them to meet US standards in communication, ticket management, and professional delivery before placement.
• The Playbook (Systems): You build simple SOPs and dashboards. If a problem happens twice, you design a system so it doesn’t happen a third time.
• The Shield (Crisis Management): You handle escalations and student/staff issues quickly and calmly, shielding the CEO so he can focus on growth.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

• 100% Reliability: Classes and client deliverables happen on time, every time.
• Low Noise: Operational issues are resolved before reaching the CEO.
• US Ready: Graduates enter the workplace with professional polish—not just technical skill.

WHO YOU ARE

• A Youth Mentor: You genuinely enjoy working with Gen Z and can guide young talent through imposter syndrome and early‑career challenges.
• High Standards, High Empathy: You don’t lower the bar—you help people reach it, even through tough conversations.
• Tested: You’ve run operations, programs, or teams in a real‑world environment (EdTech, agency, startup, or similar).
• Present: You are Johannesburg‑based and lead from the front, in person.

WHY THIS ROLE

• No bureaucracy—fast‑moving, youth‑led environment
• Global impact—your work enables African talent to serve US clients
• Real authority—you are building the system, not maintaining someone else’s

How to Apply: Send your CV via LinkedIn or email it to [e-mail], along with a short note on why you’re the right operator to run the Melsoft engine.

Position Details

• Seniority level: Director
• Employment type: Full‑time
• Job function: Management and Manufacturing
• Industry: Higher Education