Senior Operations Manager - Strategic Initiatives

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement fund

Professional development

Work‑life balance

Job summary

Placements24 in Midrand, Gauteng, seeks a Senior Operations Manager to lead strategic initiatives and drive operational excellence. You will oversee major projects, optimize processes, and mentor a high-performance team to deliver growth and profitability.

The ideal candidate has 7–10 years in operations management, with strong leadership and data-driven decision-making abilities. This role offers significant impact and collaboration with senior leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field.
• 7–10 years of progressive experience in operations management with strategic project focus.
• Proven ability to lead large initiatives and improve processes.
• Strong business sense, budgeting, and cross‑functional collaboration.
• Experience in Gauteng region is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic operational plans aligned with company goals.
• Oversee multiple complex projects from inception to completion within budget.
• Analyze data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Implement KPIs and monitor operational performance.
• Lead and mentor a team of operational staff.
• Collaborate with cross-functional departments to align strategies.
• Manage budgets and resources to meet objectives.
• Identify and mitigate operational risks.
• Stay abreast of industry trends to drive innovation.

Skills

Strategic planning

Leadership

Project management

Data analysis

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or Operations Management

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Project management software

Data analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and rapidly expanding organization in the management sector, is seeking an experienced and visionary Senior Operations Manager to spearhead strategic initiatives within their Midrand, Gauteng operations. This pivotal role demands a leader with a proven track record in driving operational excellence, optimizing processes, and successfully implementing complex projects. You will be instrumental in shaping the future direction of our client's business, ensuring alignment with overarching corporate objectives and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional analytical skills, robust leadership capabilities, and a strategic mindset to navigate the evolving business landscape. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact within a thriving enterprise and to contribute to its sustained growth and success. You will work closely with senior leadership to identify areas for enhancement and implement solutions that drive efficiency and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic operational plans that align with company goals.
• Oversee and manage multiple complex projects from inception to completion, ensuring they are delivered on time and within budget.
• Analyze operational data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.
• Implement and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure operational success.
• Lead and mentor a team of operational staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment.
• Collaborate with cross-functional departments to ensure seamless integration of operational strategies.
• Manage budgets and resources effectively to achieve operational objectives.
• Identify and mitigate operational risks.
• Stay abreast of industry best practices and emerging trends to drive innovation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field. A Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in operations management, with a significant focus on strategic project implementation.
• Demonstrated success in managing large-scale projects and driving operational improvements.
• Strong understanding of business processes, supply chain management, and financial principles.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in project management software and data analysis tools.
• Ability to think strategically and translate complex ideas into actionable plans.
• Proven ability to influence and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience working in the Gauteng region is advantageous.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive remuneration package, including a generous annual salary and performance-based bonuses. Employees also benefit from a comprehensive health insurance plan, a retirement savings fund, and opportunities for professional development and career advancement. We believe in work-life balance and provide a supportive work environment. This role offers exposure to high-level decision-making and the chance to shape strategic direction. Further details will be provided during the interview process. We are committed to fostering employee growth and well-being.