Remote Head of Strategic Operations and Planning

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work arrangement

Executive leadership training

Excellent health insurance

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a visionary Head of Strategic Operations and Planning to drive major initiatives and optimize performance from a remote setting. The role leads strategic planning, operational efficiency, and cross-department alignment to achieve ambitious goals.

Ideal candidates will have a strong background in business strategy, analytics, and leading complex projects in a remote environment, shaping the company’s future direction and sustainable success.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in MBA, Operations Management, or related field.
• 10–12 years of progressive experience in strategic planning, operations, or consulting.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful business strategies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and articulate the long-term strategic operational vision and roadmap.
• Lead planning and execution of cross-functional strategic initiatives.
• Analyze market trends, competition, and performance data to identify opportunities and risks.
• Oversee annual operating plans and financial forecasts.
• Drive continuous improvement in processes, efficiency, and effectiveness.

Skills

Strategic planning

Operations management

Data analytics

Leadership

Remote team leadership

Education

Master's degree in MBA or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a visionary and highly experienced Head of Strategic Operations and Planning to drive key initiatives and optimize organizational performance from a remote setting. This critical leadership role will be responsible for developing and executing long-term strategic plans, overseeing operational efficiency, and ensuring alignment across all departments to achieve ambitious business goals. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional analytical skills, a deep understanding of business strategy, and a proven ability to lead complex projects and initiatives in a remote-first environment. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the future direction of the company, identifying opportunities for growth, and implementing best practices to foster sustainable success. This is a unique opportunity to make a profound impact on our client's strategic direction and operational excellence, working flexibly from anywhere.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and articulate the company's long-term strategic operational vision and roadmap.
• Lead the planning and execution of cross-functional strategic initiatives.
• Analyze market trends, competitive landscapes, and internal performance data to identify strategic opportunities and risks.
• Oversee the development of annual operating plans and financial forecasts.
• Drive continuous improvement in operational processes, efficiency, and effectiveness across the organization.
• Collaborate closely with executive leadership to ensure strategic alignment and effective implementation of plans.
• Manage a portfolio of strategic projects, ensuring timely and successful delivery.
• Develop and implement key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress against strategic objectives.
• Foster a data-driven culture and promote the use of analytics in decision‑making.
• Communicate strategic plans and updates effectively to all levels of the organization.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10-12 years of progressive experience in strategic planning, operations management, or consulting.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful business strategies.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong leadership and influencing abilities, with experience managing remote teams and stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Deep understanding of financial planning, budgeting, and performance management.
• Experience with project management methodologies and tools.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic, and remote environment.
• A strategic mindset with a strong focus on execution and results.

Benefits

• Highly competitive executive compensation with substantial performance-based bonuses.
• Fully remote work arrangement offering unparalleled flexibility and autonomy.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous retirement savings plan with employer matching.
• Significant opportunities for professional development and executive leadership training.
• Access to advanced analytical tools and resources.
• Opportunity to shape the strategic direction of a growing company.
• Work with a globally distributed, high-performing team.