Chief Operating Officer - Fintech/ Banking - Strategic Executive Leadership

SUMMARY:
We’re seeking a visionary COO to shape the operating model, drive transformation, and deliver measurable impact in Fintech / Banking

POSITION INFO:
We're looking for a seasoned COO to drive enterprise strategy, operational excellence, and readiness for a major 2027 launch. This role offers the chance to shape the operating model of a high‑growth, technology‑enabled organisation and lead transformation at scale. Location: Cape Town, South Africa Department: Operations Reports to: Chief Executive Officer About the Role We are seeking a highly experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join the executive leadership team. This pivotal role is accountable for translating the organisation's strategy into measurable execution and building a scalable operating model that enables sustainable growth, efficiency, and resilience. As COO, you will act as a key strategic partner to the CEO and Exco, providing enterprise‑wide leadership across operational performance, organisational effectiveness, business readiness, governance, and continuous improvement. A critical initial priority will be ensuring enterprise and operational readiness for the organisation's planned 2027 launch, while establishing a platform for long‑term success. Key Responsibilities Enterprise Strategy & Execution Partner with the CEO and Exco to translate strategic priorities into clear execution plans, objectives, milestones, and measurable outcomes. Drive organisational alignment and accountability for delivery. Operating Model & Organisational Effectiveness Own and continuously evolve the enterprise operating model. Align people, processes, systems, technology, and governance to strategic objectives. Establish clear ownership, accountability, and decision rights. Enterprise & Operational Readiness Lead readiness for the 2027 launch. Ensure people, processes, systems, controls, and governance are prepared. Establish readiness criteria, milestones, and escalation mechanisms. Enterprise Performance & Operational Excellence Define and monitor KPIs, SLAs, and strategic delivery metrics. Identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies, driving corrective action where performance falls short. Business Transformation & Continuous Improvement Sponsor major transformation initiatives. Drive continuous improvement across business processes, efficiency, scalability, and customer outcomes. Operational Risk, Resilience & Control Partner with the Chief Risk Officer to ensure operational risks are identified and managed. Embed controls within critical processes and oversee remediation of incidents. Governance & Compliance Ensure operations support regulatory and compliance obligations. Work closely with Risk, Compliance, Legal, and Audit functions. Customer & Service Experience Ensure the operating model delivers a consistent, efficient customer experience. Resolve customer‑impacting operational issues and monitor service quality. Technology & Digital Enablement Partner with Technology and Product leadership to ensure operational requirements are incorporated into technology solutions. Third‑Party & Vendor Management Oversee material third‑party dependencies. Ensure performance standards, service levels, and governance arrangements are met. Financial & Resource Optimisation Contribute to enterprise resource allocation and investment decisions. Oversee the Operations budget and identify opportunities for productivity and cost efficiency. People & Organisational Capability Build and maintain a high‑performing Operations function. Establish structures, roles, responsibilities, and accountability aligned to strategic requirements. Key Performance Areas Delivery of strategic priorities and execution milestones Achievement of 2027 launch readiness Effectiveness and scalability of the operating model Achievement of KPIs, SLAs, and operational performance targets Effective management of operational risk and resilience Service quality and customer experience Delivery against operational budget and productivity improvements Organisational capability, employee engagement, and retention Candidate Profile Education: Minimum: Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations, Finance, Commerce, Information Systems, Risk Management, or related discipline Preferred: Postgraduate qualification (MBA or equivalent) Experience: 10+ years' professional experience, with at least 5 years at senior executive level Proven track record in operational leadership, transformation, and execution Experience in regulated financial services, fintech, payments, or similarly complex environments Demonstrated ability to design and implement scalable operating models Strong commercial and financial acumen Experience managing large operational teams and cross‑functional dependencies Skills & Values: Strategic leadership and enterprise thinking Strong execution capability and commercial awareness High integrity, ethical conduct, and executive maturity Analytical and problem‑solving skills Ability to thrive under pressure and ambiguity Collaboration, influencing, and stakeholder management Customer orientation and continuous improvement mindset Languages English Why Join? This is a rare opportunity to shape the operating model of a high‑growth, technology‑enabled organisation at a critical stage in its journey. You will play a central role in ensuring enterprise readiness for launch and building a sustainable platform for long‑term success. 📩 Application: Interested candidates should submit a detailed CV and cover letter highlighting relevant experience and achievements to .