Operations Manager – Clinic & Laboratory Expansion

WellNest; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

WellNest is seeking an Operations Manager to lead the clinic and laboratory expansion on Bree Street, Cape Town. You will align clinical, laboratory and commercial teams, drive fit-out, procurement and readiness, and ensure regulatory and safety standards are met as you scale services.

In this leadership role, you’ll own delivery plans, supplier contracts and project milestones, while embedding WellNest operational playbooks.

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualification in operations, business, management, healthcare or a related discipline.
• Evidence of personally delivering a healthcare or laboratory launch, expansion or substantial improvement.
• Practical supplier, budget, staffing and project-management experience, including adoption of digital workflows.
• Sound judgement around safety, quality, confidentiality and delegated authority.
• Clear communication and on-site availability in Cape Town.

Responsibilities

• Own delivery plans, premises and contractor coordination, milestones, risks and weekly decisions.
• Evaluate suppliers and total costs; manage procurement, contracts and project commitments within approved authority, alongside the finance lead.
• Coordinate applications, hiring, training and readiness evidence with accountable clinical, laboratory and other specialists.
• Translate workflows into requirements for the WellNest technology team; prioritise improvements, organise acceptance testing and lead staff adoption.
• Test appropriate AI-assisted scheduling, procurement and operational reporting.
• Measure impact and maintain human review, privacy controls and qualified clinical oversight where relevant.
• Build and continually improve group playbooks, readiness checks and operating standards beyond project handover.
• Bridge local teams and our overseas sister company, sharing operational learning and coordinating requirements for international growth, with local approvals and data governance respected.

Skills

Operations management

Procurement

Project management

Budget management

Education

Bachelor's degree in operations/healthcare management

Job description

# Operations Manager – Clinic & Laboratory Expansion* Operations & Growth* Bree Street, Cape Town* Leadership appointment* On-site## About the roleHelp build WellNest’s holistic approach to healthcare and healthspan: medicine, diagnostics, prevention and recovery connected under one roof and one group.You will lead expansion planning, fit-out, procurement and operational readiness. After opening, you’ll maintain group operating standards and support new services and further expansion.We aim to become a market leader through care founded on technology and AI. With the WellNest technology team, you’ll translate operational needs into measurable improvements.You own expansion execution and operating-process development. The Operations & Finance Manager owns ongoing financial control and commercial operations; together, you’ll manage project commitments and the transition into everyday delivery.Apply with your CV, a brief cover letter and the five application answers. Include your exact qualification, awarding institution and field of study; expected annual cost to company (CTC) in ZAR; notice period; earliest start; and Cape Town availability or relocation needs. A photograph and current CTC are optional and are not required for assessment. We are seeking near-term availability and will discuss a realistic start date with you.## This role is likely to suit you if you* You enjoy building services and solving practical problems.* You move quickly, meet tight deadlines and take excellence personally.* You learn continuously, test ideas and help colleagues adopt better ways of working.* You bring clinical, technical and commercial teams together and communicate setbacks early.## Key responsibilities* Own delivery plans, premises and contractor coordination, milestones, risks and weekly decisions.* Evaluate suppliers and total costs; manage procurement, contracts and project commitments within approved authority, alongside the finance lead.* Coordinate applications, hiring, training and readiness evidence with accountable clinical, laboratory and other specialists.* Translate workflows into requirements for the WellNest technology team; prioritise improvements, organise acceptance testing and lead staff adoption.* Test appropriate AI-assisted scheduling, procurement and operational reporting. Measure impact and maintain human review, privacy controls and qualified clinical oversight where relevant.* Build and continually improve group playbooks, readiness checks and operating standards beyond project handover.* Bridge local teams and our overseas sister company, sharing operational learning and coordinating requirements for international growth, with local approvals and data governance respected.## Essential requirements* Relevant tertiary qualification in operations, business, management, healthcare or a related discipline.* Evidence of personally delivering a healthcare or laboratory launch, expansion or substantial improvement.* Practical supplier, budget, staffing and project-management experience, including adoption of digital workflows.* Sound judgement around safety, quality, confidentiality and delegated authority.* Clear communication and on-site availability in Cape Town.## Advantageous, not compulsory* Experience at Lancet, PathCare, Ampath or comparable diagnostic laboratories.* Laboratory fit-out, accreditation-readiness or clinical-system implementation.* Experience adapting operating standards across sites or countries.## What success looks like* Priorities develop with agreed scope, approvals and business growth.* Now and during transition: establish an achievable plan, clear ownership and controlled commitments while maintaining clinic continuity.* Through launch: deliver coordinated teams, suppliers and tested systems; base readiness and opening decisions on evidence and appropriate professional approvals.* Next 12 months: embed operating standards, improve technology adoption and demonstrate gains in reliability, efficiency and patient experience.* Longer term: adapt proven methods for further services and locations, working with the overseas sister company and local specialists to support international growth.## Why join WellNest* Join our clinicians, innovators and technology team to help shape the future of medicine. Bring curiosity, passion and a commitment to continual learning. Your scope can grow with the business and your demonstrated contribution. Our longer-term ambition is better healthcare that becomes more inclusive and accessible.## Hiring process1. ### Apply online Complete the application for the role that fits you.2. ### Initial application review We review every application against the requirements of the role.3. ### Introductory conversation A short conversation with a member of the WellNest team.4. ### Role-specific assessment Depending on the role, a practical assessment and verification of any qualifications or credentials.5. ### Panel interview A panel interview with the WellNest leadership team. Candidates who reach this stage should be confident representing WellNest.6. ### References, decision and offer Final references, our decision, and, if we are a match, an offer.Stages may vary by role. Only shortlisted candidates may be contacted for an interview.## Fair recruitmentWellNest is committed to fair, role-relevant recruitment and equal opportunity. Candidates are assessed on capability, relevant experience, professional requirements and alignment with our patient-first values. Applications are processed in accordance with our Privacy Notice.Apply for this roleDepartment: Operations & GrowthLocation: Bree Street, Cape TownEmployment type: Leadership appointmentWorking arrangement: On-site in Cape TownPosted: 8 October 2026 · Open until filledCompensation: Market-related remunerationApply for this role