Chief Operations Officer - COO - JHB

SUMMARY:
Our client seeks a Chief Operations Officer (COO) to lead their team.

POSITION INFO:
Location: JHB East

Requirements:

1. BA degree in business administration, marketing, finance, or business management (or equivalent qualification).
2. At least 10 years in the Industry and 5 years of working experience in a leadership role.
3. In-depth knowledge of diverse business functions and principles (e.g. supply chain, finance, customer service etc.).
4. Managerial experience and demonstrated ability to develop and lead others.
5. High level of proficiency with Microsoft Office.
6. Data and financial analytics.
7. Cost, revenue and cash management.
8. Knowledge of Basic Conditions of Employment and Industrial Relations.
9. Ability to extract meaning from numbers and present analysis clearly and concisely to people with varying degrees of financial knowledge.
10. Strong project management and organisational skills with a record of developing and strengthening systems and processes.

• After-hours work centred around decision-making is regularly required regarding various industry operational challenges.
• Leadership
• Compliance Management
• Operations Management
• Business Risk Management
• Strategic Business Management
• Financial systems and controls
• Working with people of diverse backgrounds, cultures and perspectives.
• Strong alignment with the company’s mission and values.
• Ability to self-direct, take ownership and see projects to completion on time.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Strong critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively, exercising sound judgement, decision-making, and problem-solving skills to achieve shared goals.
• Ability to periodically participate in meetings and events outside of core business hours.

• Collaborate with the CEO and the Executive team in setting and driving the organisational vision including the operational strategy.
• Meet continuously with the organisation’s leadership team to reevaluate action plans and adjust if the market, economy, or competition warrants changes for sustainability and growth.
• Develop business strategies and plans that align with the short- and long-term objectives developed with the CEO.
• Oversee company operations and employee productivity, building a highly inclusive culture that ensures team members can thrive and meet organisational goals.
• Set clear performance expectations and provide coaching and mentorship to drive professional growth.
• Monitor progress, evaluate performance, and adjust strategies to ensure successful execution.

• Develop and lead operational strategies supporting the organisation's objectives and growth plans.
• Coordinate efforts of team members to ensure that objectives align with the organization’s strategies.
• Lead, streamline and optimize operational processes across the organization to improve efficiency, productivity, and cost-effectiveness.
• Identify areas of improvement, drive continuous process enhancements, and implement best practices.
• Foster effective communication and collaboration across departments to facilitate smooth operations and enhance organisational performance.
• Review and manage (establish as needed) internal systems, controls, processes, and procedures to ensure the integrity, accuracy and compliance of information and reporting in all operational departments.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and implement measures to achieve optimal financial results.
• Work closely with the finance team to develop and manage operational budgets, ensuring efficient allocation of resources.
• Sustain financial stability by controlling all expenses necessary for operations, considering the budget and BEE requirements.

• Establish and analyse management reports and information to assist with sound business decisions to drive business growth.
• Continuously monitor the macro-environment to identify risks, discuss them with the leadership team, and agree on and implement mitigating action plans.
• Monitor operational and financial performance, identify potential risks, and implement mitigation strategies.
• Implement robust systems and processes to manage operational risks and maintain business continuity.
• Conduct internal reviews to test procedural compliance of all operational departments.
• Conduct data analytics about operations and initiate corrective action plans through the various departments.
• Review workforce productivity analysis and discuss with relevant heads of departments.
• Review various departmental reports and ensure that direct reports are meeting objectives.
• Monitor the achievement of direct report deadlines to ensure that numerous required outcomes are reached on time.

• Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.
• Monitor regulatory and legislative updates/changes and ensure they are communicated to the leadership team for implementation.
• Compile relevant policy documents for the organisation that are in line with legislative/compliance/regulatory requirements.
• Maintain the integrity and compliance of legislative and regulatory documents.
• Negotiate supplier agreements related to the area of responsibility and review and approve contracts.
• Review and approve Service Level Agreements (SLA) presented by direct reports with suppliers or vendors after consulting with internal stakeholders to implement the organisation’s strategy within the capabilities of the supplier or vendor.

• Negotiate and manage partnership agreements, ensuring mutually beneficial terms and conditions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing customers by understanding their needs and providing exceptional customer service and solutions.
• Conduct regular client/service provider meetings, presentations, and business reviews to identify opportunities for upselling, cross-selling, and expanding services.
• Develop account management strategies to maximise customer satisfaction and retention.
• Lead the team in developing joint customer service initiatives to expand business opportunities.

• Partner with the CEO and Management team to foster an organisational culture and values focused on equity, results, learning, and improvement.
• Continuously review market-related technology to enhance business needs and efficiencies in all areas (operations, customer service, workplace safety, etc.).