Strategic Operations Director

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Stock options

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Strategic Operations Director for its Pretoria-based fintech division. You will design and execute the operational strategy, aligning with growth plans and regulatory requirements.

You will lead critical functions including payments, compliance, risk, and customer support, while guiding cross-functional teams and optimizing processes for scale.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent in business/finance/operations.
• Minimum 9 years in operations management within fintech or financial services.
• Proven strategic planning and execution in high-growth settings.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the company's operational strategy.
• Oversee payment processing, customer support, compliance and risk management.
• Lead cross-functional teams to deliver strategic projects and process improvements.
• Identify and mitigate operational risks in line with financial regulations.
• Drive efficiency and scalability to support rapid growth.
• Develop and manage operating budgets and forecasts.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Regulatory compliance

Payment processing

Risk management

Team leadership

Analytics

Stakeholder management

Education

Master's degree in Business Administration/Finance/Operations

Tools

CRM systems

Project management tools

Financial software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding fintech startup focused on digital payment solutions, is seeking a highly experienced Strategic Operations Director for their Pretoria, Gauteng office. This senior leadership role is crucial for developing and executing the company's operational strategy, ensuring scalability, efficiency, and regulatory compliance. You will be responsible for overseeing key operational functions, driving process improvements, and managing cross-functional projects to support rapid business growth. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in financial services operations, a proven ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes, and exceptional strategic planning capabilities. This is an opportunity to shape the operational backbone of a dynamic and innovative company in the heart of South Africa's administrative capital. You will work closely with executive leadership to align operational capabilities with ambitious business objectives, driving sustainable growth and market leadership in the fintech space.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the company's overall operational strategy, aligning with business goals and market opportunities.
• Oversee and optimize key operational functions, including payment processing, customer support, compliance, and risk management.
• Lead and manage cross-functional teams to execute strategic projects and process improvements.
• Identify and mitigate operational risks, ensuring compliance with all relevant financial regulations and industry standards.
• Drive operational efficiency and scalability to support rapid business growth.
• Develop and manage operational budgets, forecasting resource needs and controlling costs.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for operational effectiveness and report findings to executive leadership.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence.
• Manage relationships with key external partners and vendors.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and regulatory changes affecting the fintech sector.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 9 years of progressive experience in operations management, with a significant focus on the fintech or financial services industry.
• Proven experience in strategic planning and execution within a high-growth environment.
• Deep understanding of payment processing, regulatory compliance (e.g., POPIA, FICA), and risk management in financial services.
• Exceptional leadership and team management skills, with a track record of building and motivating high-performing teams.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency in relevant financial software, CRM systems, and project management tools.
• Experience in managing budgets and financial performance.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic startup environment.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Stock options package.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
• Dynamic and innovative work culture.
• Centrally located office in Pretoria .