Strategic Operations Lead - Full-time

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based incentives

Health & wellness benefits

Generous paid time off

Professional development budget

Remote-first with occasional site-visi

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly strategic Strategic Operations Lead to drive operational excellence. The role is remote-first with occasional site visits to Stellenbosch, SA, and involves translating strategic objectives into actionable operational plans.

You will analyze performance data, design scalable processes, and lead cross-functional initiatives with senior management to improve efficiency and profitability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field; MBA preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in strategic planning, operations management, or business analysis.
• Proven remote-work experience with strong self-management.
• Ability to develop and execute complex strategic initiatives.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Strong project management skills and track record of delivery.
• Proficiency with BI tools and project management software.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine strategic operational plans and roadmaps aligned with goals.
• Analyze operational data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Design and implement new processes to enhance productivity and scalability.
• Lead cross-functional teams on strategic projects and ensure timely delivery.
• Collaborate with department heads to align strategies with objectives.
• Develop and track KPIs for strategic initiatives.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to inform decisions.
• Manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Prepare reports and presentations for senior leadership.
• Drive innovation and best-practice adoption across operations.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Project management

Communication

Problem-solving

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field

MBA preferred

Tools

Business intelligence tools

Project management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly strategic and innovative Strategic Operations Lead to join their team, operating remotely with an expectation of occasional site visits to Stellenbosch. This role is critical in defining and executing operational strategies that align with the company's long-term vision. The successful candidate will be responsible for analyzing current operations, identifying areas for improvement, and developing actionable plans to enhance efficiency, productivity, and profitability. You will work closely with senior management to translate strategic objectives into operational realities. This position requires a strong analytical mindset, exceptional problem-solving skills, and a proven ability to drive change and manage complex projects. As a remote-first role with ties to Stellenbosch, you'll leverage cutting-edge technology to collaborate effectively and deliver outstanding results. We are looking for a proactive leader passionate about operational excellence and continuous improvement. This is a unique opportunity to shape the strategic direction of operations for a growing organization. Our client values forward-thinking individuals who can contribute to a dynamic and evolving business environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and refine strategic operational plans and roadmaps in alignment with company goals.
• Analyze operational performance data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.
• Design and implement new operational processes and systems to enhance productivity and scalability.
• Lead cross-functional teams on strategic projects, ensuring timely and successful completion.
• Collaborate with department heads to align operational strategies with departmental objectives.
• Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for strategic initiatives.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to inform strategic operational decisions.
• Manage relationships with key stakeholders, both internal and external.
• Prepare reports and presentations for senior leadership on operational strategies and progress.
• Drive innovation and best practice adoption across the operations function.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field; MBA preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in strategic planning, operations management, or business analysis.
• Demonstrated experience in a remote work environment, with strong self-management skills.
• Proven ability to develop and execute complex strategic initiatives.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong project management skills with a track record of successful project delivery.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in business intelligence tools and project management software.
• Willingness to travel to Stellenbosch for occasional meetings and site visits.
• Ability to influence and lead without direct authority.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Generous paid time off and flexible holidays.
• Professional development budget and access to online courses.
• Fully remote work arrangement with support for home office setup.
• Pension plan contributions.
• Opportunities for significant career growth and impact.
• Regular virtual team-building events and collaborative tools.
• Annual performance reviews and recognition programs.
• Access to cutting-edge software and analytical platforms.