Strategic Operations Director

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive bonus potential

Comprehensive benefits

Hybrid work model

Executive training

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an accomplished Operations Director for its Sandton, Gauteng operations. This strategic leader will shape and execute operational strategies to drive growth, efficiency, and regulatory compliance within the financial sector.

The role combines on-site leadership with remote flexibility, overseeing budgets, P&L, and KPI-driven performance across departments while guiding digital transformation initiatives and vendor relationships.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Finance, or related field.
• 10–12 years of progressive operations management experience.
• At least 5 years in a senior leadership role within financial services.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic operational plans aligned with business objectives.
• Oversee day-to-day operations of key departments to ensure efficiency and service quality.
• Lead and mentor operations managers and staff to foster a high-performance culture.
• Identify and drive process improvements, automation initiatives, and digital transformation projects.
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations and risk management policies.
• Manage operational budgets, P&L, and resource allocation to optimize performance.
• Collaborate with executive leadership and cross-functional teams to achieve strategic goals.
• Develop and implement KPIs to measure operational effectiveness.
• Manage relationships with key vendors and service providers.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and best practices in financial operations and technology.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Change management

Stakeholder management

Digital transformation

Education

MBA / Finance degree

Job description

About the Role Our client, a leading financial services institution, is seeking a highly strategic and accomplished Operations Director to drive operational excellence across its Sandton, Gauteng operations. This senior leadership role is responsible for shaping and executing operational strategies that support business growth, enhance efficiency, and ensure regulatory compliance within the financial sector. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of financial operations, a strong strategic mindset, and exceptional leadership abilities. This hybrid role offers a dynamic work environment, allowing for essential on-site strategic engagement and remote work flexibility. You will play a crucial role in modernizing and optimizing our client's operational framework.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic operational plans to align with the company's business objectives.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of key departments, ensuring efficiency, productivity, and service quality.
• Lead and mentor a team of operations managers and staff, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Identify and drive process improvements, automation initiatives, and digital transformation projects.
• Ensure strict adherence to financial regulations, compliance standards, and risk management policies.
• Manage operational budgets, P&L, and resource allocation to optimize financial performance.
• Collaborate with executive leadership and cross-functional teams to achieve strategic goals.
• Develop and implement key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure operational effectiveness.
• Manage relationships with key vendors and service providers.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and best practices in financial operations and technology.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA), Finance, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10-12 years of progressive experience in operations management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role within the financial services industry.
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful operational strategies.
• Deep understanding of financial services operations, compliance, and regulatory frameworks (e.g., FICA, POPIA).
• Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and change management skills.
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing large budgets and P&L.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Demonstrated experience in leading digital transformation and process optimization projects.
• Ability to thrive in a hybrid work environment, balancing strategic on-site presence with remote work efficiency.
• Experience within the Sandton, Gauteng financial hub is highly advantageous.

Benefits

• Executive-level compensation package with substantial bonus potential.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and retirement benefits.
• Hybrid work model offering significant flexibility and work-life balance.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development and executive training.
• Performance-driven incentives and long-term wealth creation opportunities.
• Access to cutting-edge financial technology and resources.
• Generous leave entitlement and paid holidays.
• Prestigious role within a leading financial institution.