Operations Manager : Grant Making

Mergon; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 700 000; Full time

Job summary

A charitable organization in Stellenbosch is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee strategy execution and operational functions. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in operations management, particularly in philanthropic environments, and will actively contribute to team culture. This role offers the opportunity to make an impact in Africa while working in a values-driven team.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years' experience in Operations Management.
• Experience in nonprofit, philanthropic, or faith-based sectors is advantageous.
• Strong systems thinker with practical experience in strategic planning.

Responsibilities

• Drive strategy execution by translating vision into operational plans.
• Oversee and refine grantmaking and governance processes.
• Support budget planning and manage service provider accounts.

Skills

Operations Management

Strategic Planning

Budget Oversight

Team Management

Communication Skills

Job description

OPERATIONS MANAGERMergon Foundation is seeking to employ an experienced Operations Manager to join our team - someone with a heart for impact, a mind for strategic execution, and a track record of operational excellence.

About MergonMergon is a foundation that invests to bring about lasting change in Africa.

As a resource partner, we strategically partner with Christian ministries that focus on the spiritual and social transformation of lives and communities across Africa.

At our core, we value stewardship, trust-based relationships, and innovation.

The Role

As Operations Manager, you will play a critical role in strategy execution, enabling our multi-faceted team to flourish.

This role ensures smooth implementation and integration of organisational processes, delivery of ad-hoc strategic initiatives and supports leadership in building a healthy organisational culture. Reporting to the executive leadership, you will lead key operational functions that ensure the organisation runs effectively and that our partners are supported with excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive Strategy Execution : Translate vision & strategy into operational plans & processes.
• Create organisational alignment and integration to deliver on strategies.
• Implement Grantmaking Processes & Governance : Oversee, refine and align grantmaking and governance processes and frameworks to deliver a consistent high quality experience for our growing network of partners.
• Financial & Operational Implementation : Support budget planning and control, manage service provider accounts, and guide operational planning across the Grantmaking team.
• Enable Team Culture & Growth : Manage functional people processes, oversee onboarding and offboarding, and promote knowledge sharing across teams.
• Project & Change Management : Champion special projects, lead change initiatives, and ensure effective team rhythms and reporting systems are in place.

Qualifications

You’ll know you’re the right person for the job if :

• You have a minimum of 7 years' Operations Management specific experience in business or in the nonprofit,philanthropic, or faith-based sector.
• You thrive in innovative, multi-faceted environments and are open to implementing new solutions.
• You’re a strong systems thinker with practical experience in strategic planning, operational execution,budgetary oversight and team management.
• You are comfortable with using technology in the execution of workflows, operational processes andmanagement reporting.
• You are a mature individual with excellent relational and communication skills, and are able to lead with both humility and confidence.
• There is deep alignment with Mergon's Christian values and Kingdom-focussed vision.

Why Join Us?

You’ll be part of a values-driven, purpose-centred team that is contributing to shaping Africa's redemptive future.

To Apply

Please send an updated CV and cover letter to

Closing date : 5 September