Operations Manager – Ohr Somayach

Staffwise; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary 13th cheque

Job summary

Ohr Somayach Cape Town, based in Sea Point, seeks an experienced Operations Manager for full-time, permanent work. You will lead office, facilities and projects, develop operational plans, manage budgets, and coordinate community programs. Strong leadership, budgeting and CRM skills are essential.

Hours are standard with a discretionary 13th cheque based on performance. Applications close 07 September 2026.

Qualifications

• Experience in operations, office, facilities or organisational management at management level.
• Proven ability to manage staff, budgets, projects and competing priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational leadership, systems and reporting.
• Develop and monitor operational plans aligned with strategic priorities.
• Maintain centralised information and dashboards, improve processes for efficiency.
• Manage budgets, supplier relationships, and procurement.
• Coordinate events, communications, and stakeholder engagement.

Skills

Operational leadership

Staff management

Budgets & reporting

Communication skills

Project management

CRM & SharePoint

Tools

Microsoft 365

CRM systems

Job description

About The Organisation And The Role

Ohr Somayach Cape Town is a vibrant and growing Orthodox Jewish community based in the heart of Sea Point. The Shul provides a warm and welcoming environment for meaningful Jewish connection, Torah learning, spiritual growth, chesed and communal involvement.

Full-time, Permanent, Work

Atlantic Seaboard, Cape Town

Reporting to: Rabbi and Management Committee

Hours of work: 8am – 4pm / 9am – 5pm (Mon – Thurs) 8am – 3pm (Fridays)

Salary range: Market related commensurate with skill and experience; plus + discretionary 13th cheque, based on performances and the Shul’s finances

Closing date for applications: 07 September 2026

Main Duties & Responsibilities

• Operational leadership, systems and reporting
• Develop, implement and monitor operational plans aligned with the Shul’s strategic priorities.
• Translate strategic objectives into clear processes, responsibilities, timelines and measurable outcomes.
• Maintain centralised information, documentation and internal knowledge-sharing systems, including SharePoint.
• Review workflows and identify opportunities to improve service delivery, efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Hold a weekly operational meeting with the Rabbi and facilitate weekly operational team meetings.
• Prepare a monthly written report for the Management Committee, together with operational dashboards and performance summaries as required.
• Ensure that minutes, decisions, action items and follow-ups from key meetings are accurately recorded, circulated and completed.
• People and team management
• Lead and support office, grounds and kitchen staff, ensuring clear accountability, effective task allocation and consistent service standards.
• Take direct line-management responsibility for office staff, including performance management, coaching, development and regular performance reviews.
• Build the capability of the office team through training, improved systems and ongoing skills development.
• Promote collaboration and effective communication among staff, the Rabbi, leadership, portfolio heads and volunteers.
• Financial, procurement and supplier management
• Prepare and manage operational budgets, monitor expenditure and support the effective allocation of resources.
• Oversee office spending, quotation processes and approvals in consultation with the Accountant’s, Treasurer and Chairman.
• Manage supplier and service-provider relationships, including sourcing quotations, negotiating contracts and monitoring performance.
• Oversee procurement of office, event and Shul supplies.
• Serve as an effective liaison between the Accountant’s and Treasurer, ensuring that financial information and supporting documentation are supplied timeously.
• Manage payments of fees and donations by maintaining proper records and spreadsheets.
• Process or coordinate supplier invoices and payments for approval.
• Manage and be responsible for the petty cash, cash donation and fee payments as well as the donations pushke.
• Project, digital and communications coordination
• Plan and coordinate operational and digital projects, including CRM, website and online-system improvements.
• Assits with fundraising initiatives and projects, including the annual fundraising campaign
• Oversee day-to-day social media coordination and ensure content is scheduled and published appropriately.
• Brief and manage freelance designers and website developers when design or website work is required.
• Track project timelines, deliverables and budgets, ensuring that work is completed to a high standard.
• Assist with the drafting and circulation of the weekly newsletter and all other ad hoc communications, ensuring accurate information is communicated to the members/congregants.
• Events, functions and community coordination
• Support the development of the annual events calendar and oversee the planning, logistics and delivery of Shul programmes, projects and functions.
• Coordinate staff, suppliers, facilities and volunteers to ensure events run smoothly and professionally.
• Recruit and coordinate volunteer members to assist with functions and community initiatives.
• Build productive relationships with neighbouring schools, communal organisations and other stakeholders to encourage collaborative programmes and events.
• Property and facilities oversight
• Oversee the day-to-day upkeep, cleanliness, safety, presentation and operational readiness of the Shul building and property.
• Coordinate routine maintenance and minor repairs, appointing and supervising suitable service providers where required.
• Maintain a planned maintenance schedule and ensure that building-related issues are identified, prioritised and resolved timeously.
• Oversee cleaning and grounds staff and ensure that facilities are appropriately prepared for services, programmes and functions.
• Manage facilities-related suppliers, contracts, stock and equipment, escalating significant repairs or capital requirements to the relevant leadership member.

Required Skills & Experience

• Work experience and industry exposure
• Relevant experience in operations, office, facilities or organisational management, ideally at a management level.
• Proven experience managing staff, suppliers, budgets, projects and competing operational priorities.
• Experience coordinating events, functions, fundraising initiatives or community programmes is desirable.
• Strong Communication and Interpersonal skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage professionally with staff, congregants, volunteers, leadership, suppliers and community partners.
• Confident people manager who can set expectations, hold others accountable and address difficult situations calmly and constructively.
• Collaborative and service-oriented, with the ability to work effectively with the Rabbi, Chairman, Management Committee and volunteer portfolio heads.
• Hard-working, reliable and hands-on, with high standards of quality, service and efficiency.
• Excellent Administration and Organisational Skills
• Highly organised, systematic and detail‑oriented, with strong planning, prioritisation and follow-through.
• Able to manage multiple projects, deadlines and operational demands in a busy, community‑facing environment.
• Strong project-management, budgeting, procurement and reporting capabilities.
• Analytical and solutions-focused, with the ability to improve processes and use resources efficiently.
• Able to work independently, use initiative and maintain accurate records and documentation.
• A practical understanding of building upkeep, maintenance coordination, supplier management and workplace safety.
• Specific Requirements
• Strong digital literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft 365 and online collaboration and CRM systems
• Experience using or implementing CRM, website, social media and reporting systems is advantageous.
• Financial acumen and confidence working with budgets, quotations, contracts and operational expenditure.
• High levels of integrity, discretion and sound judgement.
• Flexibility to support Shul services, events or functions outside standard office hours when required.