706 Chief Operating Officer Seeking A New Direction jobs in South Africa

Responsibilities

• Design and execute on customer support strategies that elevate service quality.
• Lead the development and implementation of innovative products processes and systems to ensure positive customer outcomes.
• Oversee and enhance all post-sales insurance operations including customer service claims and retention strategies.
• Develop and implement operational policies and procedures to significantly improve efficiency and compliance.
• Lead and mentor a high-performing team of managers and professionals fostering engagement and continuous development.
• Drive significant process improvements through automation best practices and innovative solutions.
• Monitor and analyse key performance metrics identifying and implementing areas for operational enhancement.
• Collaborate effectively with stakeholders across departments to align operational goals with broader business objectives.
• Ensure strict adherence to industry regulations and company policies proactively mitigating risks and ensuring compliance.
• Work closely with IT and digital teams to enhance technology solutions that support and optimize operations.
• Develop and execute strategies to dramatically improve customer satisfaction and policyholder retention.
• Manage budgets resource allocation and cost optimization for all operational functions.
• Work closely with executive leadership on key strategic partner management and discussions.

Chief

Anti Money Laundering, Marketing & Sales, Gas Turbine, CNC, Jpa

Full-Time

years

1

Overview

A leading South African-based fresh produce business is seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join its executive leadership team, based near Kimberley in the Northern Cape. The company is a key player in the agriculture sector, supplying both local and international markets, with operations spanning multiple large-scale production units and advanced packhouse facilities.

This is a rare opportunity for a seasoned operational leader to step into a pivotal role, driving performance, growth, and innovation in a fast-moving, high-impact environment.

• Executive leadership: Lead and inspire a senior management team, set operational strategies, and ensure seamless execution of business objectives
• Operational excellence: Oversee daily operations, assets, and packhouse processes while ensuring compliance with food safety and quality standards
• Staff development: Build a performance-driven culture by empowering teams, fostering accountability, and supporting professional growth
• Sales and marketing support: Partner with the commercial team to strengthen market presence, develop new opportunities, and build long-term client relationships
• Logistics & supply chain: Manage transport, storage, and distribution to ensure efficiency and cost-effectiveness
• Engineering & technical collaboration: Work closely with technical and engineering teams to optimise processes and equipment performance
• Financial & strategic oversight: Monitor performance metrics, ensure cost control, and contribute to strategic planning, expansion, and investment activities
• Stakeholder management: Maintain strong relationships with key partners, suppliers, and stakeholders

• At least 15 years’ senior management experience, ideally in agribusiness, food production, or large-scale industrial operations
• Proven track record in strategic planning, financial management and risk oversight
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Industrial Engineering, Process Engineering or related fields
• MBA qualification will be a distinct advantage
• A genuine passion for agriculture is essential

• A competitive executive remuneration package, including performance-based incentives
• The chance to play a central role in shaping the future of one of South Africa’s most significant agribusinesses
• A career-defining opportunity to lead at scale and make a lasting impact in the fresh produce industry

• Closing Date: 23 September 2025
• If you do not receive a response within 30 days after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for developing strategy and overseeing the optimization of post-sales insurance operations, including customer service, retentions, and claims management. This role requires a strategic leader with a strong operational background in insurance, focused on driving efficiency, compliance, and customer satisfaction across all post-sales functions. The COO will play a key role in enhancing processes, improving service delivery, and ensuring the business leverages technology to achieve desired customer outcomes. A thorough and value-adding understanding of data management to improve business results is essential.

Experience And Skills Required

• Minimum of 8-10 years experience in insurance operations, with at least 5 years in a managerial or leadership role
• In-depth knowledge of post-sales insurance processes, including customer service, claims management, and retention strategies
• Strong understanding of regulatory and compliance requirements in the insurance industry
• Proven experience in process improvement, operational efficiency, and performance optimization
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and drive informed decision-making
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing large-scale operational initiatives
• Proficiency in insurance-related systems and CRM tools
• Experience participating in key partnership management and discussions
  
  

• Design and execute customer support strategy
• Design and implement products, processes, and systems that lead to positive customer outcomes
• Oversee and enhance post-sales insurance operations, including customer service, claims, and retention strategies
• Develop and implement operational policies and procedures to improve efficiency and compliance
• Lead and mentor a team of managers and professionals, ensuring high performance and engagement
• Drive process improvements through automation, best practices, and innovative solutions
• Monitor and analyze key performance metrics, identifying areas for operational enhancement
• Collaborate with stakeholders across departments to align operational goals with business objectives
• Ensure adherence to industry regulations and company policies, mitigating risks and ensuring compliance
• Work closely with IT and digital teams to enhance technology solutions supporting operations
• Develop and execute strategies to improve customer satisfaction and policyholder retention
• Manage budgets, resource allocation, and cost optimization for operational functions
• Work closely with the CEO and CFO regarding key strategic partner management
  
  

• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
• Problem-solving mindset with the ability to make data-driven decisions
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• High level of adaptability and resilience in handling operational challenges
• Customer-centric approach with a focus on service excellence
• Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to influence and drive change within an organization
• Strategic partnership management skills
  
  

• Qualified Chartered Accountant (CA) or Actuary
• Advanced degree (MBA or equivalent) is advantageous

Chief Operating OfficerLocation : Bryanston, South AfricaType : Permanent | Executive Leadership | Financial ServicesOptimise operations.

Drive customer excellence.This is a high-impact executive opportunity for a strategic, operational leader with deep experience in insurance.

If you're ready to transform post-sales operations, elevate customer service, claims, and retention, and embed best practice and technology, this is your chance to lead.About the RoleYou'll drive the strategy and performance of post-sales insurance operations — overseeing customer support, retention, claims, and process improvement.

You'll champion service excellence, compliance, and efficiency, working closely with leadership, cross-functional teams, and key partners to deliver outstanding customer outcomes.What You'll DoDesign and execute customer support strategies that deliver results.Oversee customer service, claims management, and retention.Develop products, processes, and systems to improve outcomes.Lead, mentor, and inspire operational teams for high performance.Drive process improvements through automation and innovation.Monitor KPIs and implement data-driven operational enhancements.Collaborate with IT and digital teams to leverage technology.Ensure full compliance with industry regulations and policies.Manage budgets, resource allocation, and cost optimisation.Build strategic partnerships with the CEO, CFO, and key stakeholders.What You BringBachelor's in Accounting, Actuarial Science, Business Admin, Insurance, Finance, or related (MBA is a plus).8–10 years in insurance operations, with 5+ years in a leadership role.Deep knowledge of post-sales insurance processes and compliance.Proven track record in process improvement and performance optimisation.Strong data management and analytical skills.Expertise leading large cross-functional teams and operational initiatives.Excellent people leadership, communication, and stakeholder management.What Success Looks LikeAn optimised, compliant, and efficient post-sales operation delivering customer satisfaction and retention — driven by data, best practice, and your strategic leadership.

Optimise operations. Drive customer excellence.

This is a high-impact executive opportunity for a strategic, operational leader with deep experience in insurance. If you’re ready to transform post-sales operations, elevate customer service, claims, and retention, and embed best practice and technology, this is your chance to lead.

About the Role

You’ll drive the strategy and performance of post-sales insurance operations — overseeing customer support, retention, claims, and process improvement. You’ll champion service excellence, compliance, and efficiency, working closely with leadership, cross-functional teams, and key partners to deliver outstanding customer outcomes.

What You’ll Do

Design and execute customer support strategies that deliver results.

Oversee customer service, claims management, and retention.

Develop products, processes, and systems to improve outcomes.

Lead, mentor, and inspire operational teams for high performance.

Drive process improvements through automation and innovation.

Monitor KPIs and implement data-driven operational enhancements.

Collaborate with IT and digital teams to leverage technology.

Ensure full compliance with industry regulations and policies.

Manage budgets, resource allocation, and cost optimisation.

Build strategic partnerships with the CEO, CFO, and key stakeholders.

What You Bring

Bachelor’s in Accounting, Actuarial Science, Business Admin, Insurance, Finance, or related (MBA is a plus).

8–10 years in insurance operations, with 5+ years in a leadership role.

Deep knowledge of post-sales insurance processes and compliance.

Proven track record in process improvement and performance optimisation.

Strong data management and analytical skills.

Expertise leading large cross-functional teams and operational initiatives.

Excellent people leadership, communication, and stakeholder management.

What Success Looks Like

An optimised, compliant, and efficient post-sales operation delivering customer satisfaction and retention — driven by data, best practice, and your strategic leadership.

We have an amazing opportunity for a Chief Operating Officer in Johannesburg!

We require a candidate with:

1. Demonstrable competency in strategic planning and business development
2. Working knowledge of data analysis and performance / operation metrics
3. At least 10 years of outbound call centre operations experience at a senior manager level
4. A matric qualification
5. Ability to work logically through processes, critique and optimize as necessary
6. Financial acumen, including understanding of profit & loss on company P&L as well as profitability of specific initiatives, and understanding of key metrics relevant to each part of a process

Chief Operating Officer
Location: Bryanston, South Africa
Type: Permanent | Executive Leadership | Financial Services

Optimise operations. Drive customer excellence.
This is a high-impact executive opportunity for a strategic, operational leader with deep experience in insurance. If you’re ready to transform post-sales operations, elevate customer service, claims, and retention, and embed best practice and technology, this is your chance to lead.

About the Role
You’ll drive the strategy and performance of post-sales insurance operations — overseeing customer support, retention, claims, and process improvement. You’ll champion service excellence, compliance, and efficiency, working closely with leadership, cross-functional teams, and key partners to deliver outstanding customer outcomes.

What You’ll Do

• Design and execute customer support strategies that deliver results.

• Oversee customer service, claims management, and retention.

• Develop products, processes, and systems to improve outcomes.

• Lead, mentor, and inspire operational teams for high performance.

• Drive process improvements through automation and innovation.

• Monitor KPIs and implement data-driven operational enhancements.

• Collaborate with IT and digital teams to leverage technology.

• Ensure full compliance with industry regulations and policies.

• Manage budgets, resource allocation, and cost optimisation.

• Build strategic partnerships with the CEO, CFO, and key stakeholders.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s in Accounting, Actuarial Science, Business Admin, Insurance, Finance, or related (MBA is a plus).

• 8–10 years in insurance operations, with 5+ years in a leadership role.

• Deep knowledge of post-sales insurance processes and compliance.

• Proven track record in process improvement and performance optimisation.

• Strong data management and analytical skills.

• Expertise leading large cross-functional teams and operational initiatives.

• Excellent people leadership, communication, and stakeholder management.

What Success Looks Like
An optimised, compliant, and efficient post-sales operation delivering customer satisfaction and retention — driven by data, best practice, and your strategic leadership.

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