Senior Operations and Finance Manager - Irene

SUMMARY:
Role Purpose
The Senior Manager: Finance & Operations is responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership across the organisation, ensuring effective business execution, financial sustainability and operational excellence. The role oversees finance, supply chain, procurement, distribution and service delivery, while driving scalable operating models, process optimisation, cost efficiency and sustainable business growth.
The incumbent will lead financial planning, cash flow and treasury management, working capital optimisation, inventory investment, capital expenditure and balance sheet performance. The role also supports executive decision-making through financial analysis, risk management and performance reporting, ensuring operational activities align with financial targets and long-term business objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic & Operational Leadership

• Provide strategic and operational leadership to ensure effective execution of business strategy.
• Oversee day-to-day operations across functional areas, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives and performance targets.
• Develop and implement scalable operating models to support growth of the direct selling network and associated business activities.
• Optimise supply chain, procurement, distribution and service delivery functions.
• Drive operational excellence through process optimisation, automation, cost management and continuous improvement.
• Monitor operational budgets, resource allocation, productivity and performance metrics.
• Establish performance management frameworks, KPIs, reporting systems and operational dashboards.
• Support the Managing Director in executing strategic initiatives and organisational change programmes.
• Drive accountability, productivity and operational efficiency across all business functions.

• Lead financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and performance measurement across the business.
• Ensure robust financial controls and effective financial reporting processes.
• Drive accountability for financial outcomes across operational functions.
• Ensure operational decisions support profitability, cash generation and long-term shareholder value.
• Monitor financial performance and identify opportunities to improve margins, efficiency and returns.
• Provide commercial finance support and business insights to operational leaders.
• Support the Executive Committee and Board with analysis of financial performance, business risks, investment opportunities and cash flow trends.

• Maintain healthy liquidity through effective cash flow forecasting and treasury management.
• Develop strategies to optimise working capital and improve cash conversion.
• Monitor cash flow trends, funding requirements and liquidity risks.
• Drive inventory optimisation and appropriate supplier payment strategies.
• Identify opportunities to improve cash generation and the efficient use of financial resources.
• Establish controls to support sustainable cash flow and working capital performance.

• Oversee balance sheet performance and ensure efficient utilisation of assets.
• Manage liabilities and identify opportunities to optimise return on capital employed.
• Evaluate and govern major capital expenditure projects to ensure alignment with strategic priorities and expected financial returns.
• Assess business investments, capital allocation decisions and strategic growth initiatives.
• Monitor investment performance and ensure appropriate financial accountability.
• Ensure capital is deployed effectively to support business growth and long-term value creation.

• Develop and implement inventory management strategies that balance customer service, stock availability, inventory investment and obsolescence risk.
• Optimise inventory levels and improve stock management practices.
• Monitor supply chain economics and identify opportunities to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
• Align procurement, distribution and inventory decisions with financial and operational objectives.
• Establish controls to minimise stock losses, excess inventory and obsolete stock.
• Improve coordination between supply chain activities, cash flow requirements and customer demand.

• Ensure compliance with internal policies, governance frameworks and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Identify operational and financial risks and implement appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Maintain effective internal controls and risk-management processes.
• Ensure financial reporting and compliance requirements are met.
• Protect business continuity through proactive risk identification and management.
• Promote sound financial governance, accountability and ethical business practices.

• Lead, develop and manage high-performing Finance and Operations teams.
• Establish clear performance expectations and accountability across functional areas.
• Drive organisational change initiatives and ensure effective execution of strategic priorities.
• Promote collaboration, continuous improvement and a culture of operational excellence.
• Develop team capabilities and support succession planning.
• Manage competing priorities and ensure effective resource allocation across the business.

POSITION INFO:
Role Requirements Qualifications Relevant tertiary qualification in Business Administration, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management or a related discipline. Postgraduate qualification advantageous. Experience Extensive senior management experience in operations leadership within retail, FMCG, distribution, direct selling or a similar environment. Proven experience scaling operations and delivering measurable efficiency improvements. Demonstrated experience managing large operational budgets and accountability for financial performance and return on investment. Strong experience in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and performance analysis. Proven experience in cash flow and treasury management, working capital optimisation and liquidity management. Demonstrated experience managing and improving balance sheet performance. Experience evaluating capital expenditure projects, business investments and strategic growth initiatives. Strong knowledge of inventory optimisation, stock management and supply chain economics. Experience leading finance and operations teams. Proven ability to translate operational strategies into measurable financial outcomes. Technical Requirements Strong understanding of cash flow management, working capital optimisation and treasury principles. Knowledge of balance sheet management, asset utilisation, liabilities and return on capital employed. Strong financial acumen, profitability analysis and commercial finance expertise. Experience in capital allocation, CAPEX evaluation and investment governance. Understanding of inventory investment, stock availability, obsolescence and supply chain cost drivers. Knowledge of financial controls, reporting, risk management and regulatory compliance. Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities. Valid driver's licence and willingness to travel as required. Key Competencies Strategic and commercial thinking. Financial acumen and business performance management. Strong analytical, numerical and problem-solving skills. Cash flow, working capital and capital management. Operational excellence and process optimisation. Leadership and team development. Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement. Planning, organisation and execution. Sound judgement and decision-making. Risk awareness and governance. Results orientation and accountability. High integrity, resilience and professional maturity. Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage competing priorities. Change management and continuous improvement. Should you not receive a response within 10 working days, please consider your application unsuccessful.