200 Chief Operating Officers jobs in South Africa

About Kusini Water

Kusini Water is a social enterprise on a mission to end water poverty across Africa. Using

solar-powered kiosks and upcycled filtration technology, we provide clean drinking water while

creating jobs for youth and building community resilience.

We are now entering a high-growth phase—expanding nationally, refining our systems, and

demanding excellence from every part of the organization. That's why we're hiring a Chief

Operations Officer to help us operate at a new level of clarity, speed, and discipline.

The Role

As COO, you will be the second-in-command—responsible for driving day-to-day operations,

aligning teams, enforcing accountability, and translating vision into high-performance execution.

You will lead across functions (technical ops, kiosk delivery, marketing, M&E, finance, and

manufacturing) and build the operational foundation needed for national scale.

This role requires sharp thinking, decisive leadership, and a bias for action.

You'll build systems, push pace, and expect results.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Build and enforce company-wide operational rhythm (e.g. weekly team reviews, OKRs,

SLAs, reporting systems)

• Ensure department leads deliver on targets—from kiosk deployments to sales growth to

reporting quality

• Build and continuously refine the company's core operational systems (POS, ERP,

dashboards, etc.)

• Integrate impact measurement into operations—ensuring clean data collection on people

reached, litres sold, uptime, and community outcomes
Performance Management & People

• Lead and manage senior department heads across all functions
• Set clear expectations and hold people accountable—supporting where needed,

correcting where necessary

• Drive a culture of execution, responsibility, and results
• Lead hiring for operational and technical roles as needed

Strategic Execution

• Translate the CEO's vision and Kusini Water's strategy into clear roadmaps and

workstreams

• Anticipate operational risks and proactively solve them
• Oversee project implementation for new initiatives (e.g. mini-grids, manufacturing

scale-up, new tech rollouts)

• Partner with the M&E and Data teams to ensure impact insights inform strategy, donor

reporting, and storytelling

Social Impact Tracking & Data

• Oversee the company's social impact tracking systems to measure water access,

employment, and environmental sustainability

• Ensure reliable data flow from kiosks to dashboards—linking operational data (sales,

uptime) with human impact (people served, jobs created, litres produced)

• Work with M&E to set, monitor, and report KPIs aligned with funders, SDGs, and Kusini's

Theory of Change

• Champion evidence-based decision-making across departments—turning data into

strategy

You Are

• A builder, not a maintainer—you create systems, habits, and infrastructure from scratch
• Experienced in leading cross-functional teams through complexity and scale
• Obsessed with execution, clarity, and accountability—you don't tolerate excuses
• Able to see around corners, solve operational problems fast, and lead under pressure
• Passionate about impact—you believe clean water and jobs change lives
• Highly organized, tech-savvy, and strong in project management
• Bonus: Experience in water, energy, manufacturing, or FMCG/logistics environments;

exposure to social impact metrics or data systems (e.g. Power BI, Salesforce,

KoboToolbox, etc.)

Why Join Us

You'll lead the execution of a high-impact mission at scale

You'll lead a team that believes in dignity, access, and sustainability—not charity

Company Description

Tashie Training & Business Solutions specializes in training, skills development, legal compliance, learnerships, and certifications. We provide free, obligation-free Skills Gap Analysis, Legal Compliance audits & certification, and Workplace Skills Plans. Our goal is to help organizations achieve legal compliance and close skills gaps to enhance their operations.

Role Description

This is a full-time hybrid role for a Chief Operating Officer, located in Midrand with some work from home flexibility. The Chief Operating Officer will oversee daily operations, implement business strategies, and ensure efficient administration. Responsibilities include managing finance and budgeting, analyzing operational processes, optimizing business performance, and leading the team to achieve company goals.

Qualifications & Experience

• Experience in Business Planning and Operations Management
• Strong Analytical Skills for process improvement and decision-making
• Proficiency in Finance and Budgeting
• Exceptional leadership and management skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Proven ability to work in a hybrid environment
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, or related field
• Knowledge of the SETA / QCTO processes
• Possess strong leadership and management skils to lead, guide various teams.

A blue chip International player is seeking a seasoned and strategic operations professional with over 10 years of hands on experience in Alternative Investments to join the team and be part of EXCO.

This role is non negotiable in it's requirement for expertise in alternative investments and knowledge of fund structures, as the individual will be responsible for driving change and standardising processes.

The collaborative candidate will partner with the CEO and CFO whilst leading the scaling of a global asset management platform. This position can be based in either Johannesburg or Cape Town.

Please note: If you have not been contacted within 2 weeks of submission, kindly consider your application unsuccessful.

Chief Operations Officer (COO) (Aviation & Road Transport), Gauteng

Location:
Gauteng, Kempton Park

Industry:
Transport / Logistics / Freight (
Air and Road
transport)

Employment Type:
Full-time

Salary Range:
R100K – 120K per month, Fuel, Cell phone

As COO, you'll work closely with the CEO and Executive team to shape organisational strategy, drive operational efficiency, and ensure sustainable business growth. You'll oversee key business functions — from finance and operations to customer relationships, compliance, and risk management — while leading with integrity and fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and high performance.

Functional Training (Preferred)

• Leadership
• Compliance Management
• Operations Management
• Business Risk Management
• Strategic Business Management
• Financial Systems & Controls

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Business Management

• Collaborate with the CEO and leadership team to set and drive organisational vision, operational strategy, and long-term business objectives.
• Develop and implement business strategies and plans aligned with company goals.
• Oversee company operations and ensure teams are performing at peak productivity.
• Foster an inclusive, growth-oriented workplace culture.
• Set clear performance expectations and provide mentorship and coaching to management teams.

Operational Excellence

• Develop, lead, and execute operational strategies that enhance efficiency and support overall business objectives.
• Streamline workflows and implement best practices to improve productivity and cost-effectiveness.
• Identify and drive continuous process improvements across departments.
• Oversee financial systems, controls, and budgets in collaboration with the finance team.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining service excellence.

Customer & Partnership Management

• Build and maintain strong client relationships, ensuring customer satisfaction and long-term retention.
• Negotiate and manage partnership agreements and SLAs to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
• Lead customer service initiatives that enhance business growth through upselling and cross-selling opportunities.

Analytics, Risk & Performance Management

• Analyse operational and financial data to support informed decision-making.
• Monitor macroeconomic and industry trends to identify risks and opportunities.
• Implement strategies and systems to mitigate operational and financial risks.
• Oversee management reports, departmental objectives, and key performance indicators (KPIs).

Compliance, Governance & Auditing

• Ensure full compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.
• Oversee internal audits, regulatory adherence, and policy development.
• Maintain robust governance frameworks and ensure integrity of reporting and documentation.

Talent, Technology & Culture

• Lead and develop high-performing teams aligned with company values and vision.
• Partner with leadership to drive an organisational culture of learning, improvement, and results.
• Leverage technology and data-driven tools to enhance business efficiency and innovation.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in
  Business Administration, Marketing, Finance, or Business Management
  (or equivalent) –
  Completed OR in progress

Experience & Expertise

• Minimum
  10 years' experience
  in the
  Transport Industry
  , with at least
  5 years in a senior leadership role
  .
• Strong understanding of
  supply chain, finance, and customer service
  operations.
• Experience in
  aviation and road freight
  advantageous.
• Proven leadership in developing teams and managing multi-departmental operations.

Technical & Behavioural Competencies

• Advanced proficiency in
  Microsoft Office
• Data/financial analytics.
• Strong knowledge of
  cost, revenue, and cash management
  .
• Understanding of
  Basic Conditions of Employment
  and
  Industrial Relations
  .

Our client is seeking an accomplished Chief Operating Officer (COO) to drive operational excellence, build a globally scalable platform, and support ambitious growth within a leading organisation. This role calls for a dynamic leader who thrives on building structure, driving change, and fostering collaboration across complex, high-performing environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement a world-class operational platform that supports global scalability and meets institutional due diligence standards.
• Oversee fund establishment and management across multiple jurisdictions, ensuring full compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Manage and optimise relationships with fund administrators, legal counsel, and third-party service providers to ensure efficient, cost-effective delivery.
• Partner with the executive team to translate strategic goals into actionable operational plans and measurable KPIs.
• Lead risk and financial oversight in collaboration with the CFO and CRO, ensuring robust governance frameworks.
• Champion technology-driven efficiency, ensuring systems and processes are scalable, secure, and aligned to business objectives.
• Standardise investor reporting and data governance to meet global best practices and drive transparency.
• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing operations team, embedding a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Degree in Business, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years' senior leadership experience within alternative investments
• Proven expertise in developing and scaling operational platforms within global investment environments.
• Strong understanding of fund structures, regulatory compliance, and operational due diligence.
• Demonstrated success in managing external service providers and institutional investors.
• Exceptional strategic planning, leadership, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Track record of driving transformation and operational optimisation in complex organisations.

EE Disclaimer:

All positions will be filled in accordance with the company's Employment Equity plan. We encourage people with disabilities to apply.

Application Unsuccessful Disclaimer:

If you do not receive feedback within two weeks of your application, please consider it unsuccessful. Keep an eye on our website and other career sites for future opportunities.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) provides strategic and operational leadership of the South Africa business, ensuring sustainable growth, operational excellence, and strong financial performance. As a key member of the executive leadership team, the COO will oversee the full country operation, drive strategic execution, and ensure alignment with the organisation's multinational vision and performance standards.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

• Translate the group's strategic agenda into a focused country business plan, ensuring delivery of long-term growth and market leadership.
• Shape and drive strategic initiatives to strengthen competitive positioning and operational capability.
• Contribute to multinational strategy and decision-making as a member of the executive leadership team.

Operational & Commercial Performance

• Lead the end-to-end operation of the country business, ensuring consistent delivery of operational excellence, brand standards, and customer experience.
• Own profit and loss and deliver on revenue, margin, and profitability objectives.
• Drive market expansion, network optimisation, and commercial growth initiatives.
• Ensure robust governance, compliance, and risk management across all operational areas.

People & Organisational Leadership

• Build, develop, and lead a high-performing leadership team capable of delivering against strategic and operational goals.
• Foster a culture of accountability, agility, and performance.
• Champion leadership development and succession planning to support sustainable growth.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with key stakeholders, including government departments, suppliers, regulators, and industry partners.
• Influence key business decisions and advocate for country-specific priorities at the group level.

REQUIREMENTS

• 10+ years of senior leadership experience, including broad P&L and operational accountability.
• Proven success in leading a large, complex business, ideally in QSR, retail, or FMCG.
• Demonstrated ability to drive strategic transformation and operational excellence at scale.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, with a track record of delivering sustainable business performance.
• International or emerging market experience preferred.

COMPETENCIES

• Strategic vision and commercial insight.
• Enterprise leadership and execution.
• Operational excellence and transformation.
• Financial stewardship and governance.
• Leadership and organisational capability building.
• Stakeholder influence and board-level communication.

AN INTRODUCTION TO HUNGRY LION

Hungry Lion's journey began with a single store in Stellenbosch, Cape Town, in 1997, with a simple vision: to serve great food with genuine warmth and energy. Over the years, that vision has grown into a powerful business with a strong and expanding footprint, with hundreds of restaurants across multiple African countries.

We're growing fast and building for the future. Our ambitious expansion strategy is opening doors to new countries, new communities, and new possibilities for our teams. This means real career growth, exposure to a dynamic multinational business, and the chance to be part of a brand that's making a powerful impact in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry.

Our success is powered by people; passionate, driven individuals who bring energy, creativity, and excellence to everything they do. From our restaurant teams to our corporate leadership, every person plays a vital role in delivering exceptional service and growing our brand. Joining Hungry Lion means being part of a fast-paced, dynamic, and supportive environment where your ideas, skills, and ambition can make a real impact.

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Who are we?
Sanlam Investment Group
The Sanlam Investment Group is uniquely equipped and positioned to deliver on its purpose of empowering generations to be financially confident, secure and prosperous. Through our vast in-house expertise and strategic partner networks, we can access all asset classes across the globe, private and public, actively and passively managed, to develop investment solutions that are in our clients' best interests and have a positive impact on society. Backed by the Sanlam Group's balance sheet, the Sanlam Investment Group has a true competitive advantage in its ability to invest alongside clients, particularly in private markets where impact investing drives the agenda.

The Sanlam Investment Group is one of the largest, most diversified financial services and investment firms in Southern Africa with assets under management and administration of more than R2 trillion. It is a B-BBEE level 1 contributor and one of the largest black-empowered asset managers on the African continent.

Sanlam Alternative Investments (SAI)
The purpose Sanlam Alternative Investments (SAI) business is to help build the African continent and make a real sustainable difference in the emerging economies in which we operate in, aligning to the Sanlam Group's mission of financial inclusion. The SAI business has a broad range of capabilities that include Private Equity, Specialised Finance, Property, Infrastructure and Partnerships. Sanlam is the biggest non-banking financial institution on the continent, operating in Africa for over 100 years.

What will you do?
The ideal candidate will be responsible for building out the current platform into a robust, global, and scalable operational platform that can support SAI's ambitious growth strategy and meet the rigorous due diligence standards of global institutional investors, underpinning our commitment to transparency and reliability. This platform will be critical in enabling SAI's growth trajectory by streamlining core business processes, enhancing data integrity and ensuring seamless integration across all operations. This role requires a seasoned, dynamic and hands on leader who can drive change, standardize processes, and build strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities Include
Strategic Operations

• Operational Platform Development: Design and implement best-in-class, globally ready operational platform that can meet the stringent requirements of institutional investor operational due diligence. This includes transitioning operations from an internally focused model to one capable of supporting a significant increase in third-party investments.
• Fund Establishment and Management: Oversee the establishment of new funds, both in South Africa and globally. This requires a strong understanding of various fund structures, as well as the regulatory and compliance requirements of targeted fund jurisdictions.
• Service Provider Management: Manage and optimize relationships with key third-party service providers, including fund administrators, external legal counsel, and outsourced service providers. Ensure these relationships are structured to provide efficient, high-quality, and cost-effective services.
• Strategic Planning and Execution: Collaborate with the CEO and executive team to define and execute the company's strategic vision. Translate strategic goals into actionable operational plans and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Project Management: Lead and manage critical projects, driving operational enhancements and new initiatives from conception to successful implementation.

Operations Management

• Financial and Risk Oversight: Work closely with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Chief Risk Officer (CRO) to ensure a unified approach to budgeting, financial management, and risk oversight. Collaborate on financial planning, forecasting, and the implementation of robust risk management frameworks. Ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulations.
• Technology and Infrastructure: Leverage and optimize technology solutions provided by the wider Sanlam Group. Work with internal and external technology partners to ensure that the operational platform is secure, scalable, and supports the strategic objectives of SAI. Review SAI technology/systems to ensure that they are best suited for the business and that all licenses (including valuation and information management software) that are key to the operation of the underlying businesses are regularly checked and updated or renewed timeously.
• Change Management: Drive and effect internal change where required to align operational functions with strategic goals. Build strong, collaborative relationships across different teams, including fund product managers, SAI executives, and various Sanlam Group stakeholders.
• Investor Reporting and Integration: Standardize and enhance investor reporting to meet global best practices. Ensure seamless operational integration from initial governance and approval processes all the way through to investor relations and reporting.
• Data Governance: Responsible for data governance oversight of SAI in line with regulatory and Sanlam group forums and policy. Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements and data stewardship best practices is essential. Streamline SAI operational processes and ensure that processes and methods in use are properly documented. Management of the Portfolio Management and Client Report unit, ensuring that all client queries are managed, followed up timeously and addressed accordingly.

More Responsibilties
Team Management

• People Management: Build a high-performing team that can meet the evolving needs of the business. Oversee talent acquisition, training, and professional development for operational team.
• Leadership and Mentorship: Provide strong leadership to the operational team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Performance Management: Establish clear performance metrics and conduct regular reviews to ensure the operational team meets its goals and contributes to the business success.

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of experience in a similar senior leadership position within the asset management industry.
• Demonstrable experience in establishing and scaling a global asset management platform.
• Proven track record in fund establishment, including a deep knowledge of different fund structures and regulatory frameworks in various jurisdictions.
• Expertise in managing third-party service provider relationships, including fund administrators and legal teams.
• Experience in standardizing and improving investor reporting to meet global institutional standards.
• Strong understanding of operational due diligence processes and requirements.

Ability to
drive internal change management
and build consensus across multiple teams and stakeholders.

Qualification
Degree with 10 years related experience.

Knowledge And Skills
Strategic operations planning and implementation

Attraction of new and retention of current business

Stakeholder management

Competitor analysis of technologies and operational processes

Risk analysis and budget management

Attributes

• Strategic Vision: Ability to think strategically and translate business goals into actionable operational plans.
• Execution-Oriented: A pragmatic and results-driven approach with a focus on operational excellence.
• Strong Communicator: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
• Influential Leader: The ability to inspire, motivate, and manage both internal teams and external partners.
• Resilience and Adaptability: A resourceful problem-solver who can navigate complexity and thrive in a dynamic, high-growth environment.
• Integrity and Professionalism: An unwavering commitment to the highest ethical standards.

Personal Attributes
Strategic mindset - Contributing strategically

Builds effective teams - Contributing strategically

Business insight - Contributing strategically

Manages complexity - Contributing strategically

Build a successful career with us
We're all about building strong, lasting relationships with our employees. We know that you have hopes for your future – your career, your personal development and of achieving great things. We pride ourselves in helping our employees to realise their worth. Through its business clusters – Sanlam Life and Savings, Sanlam Investment Group, Sanlam Emerging Markets and Santam – the group provides many opportunities for growth and development.

Core Competencies
Cultivates innovation - Contributing strategically

Customer focus - Contributing strategically

Drives results - Contributing strategically

Collaborates - Contributing strategically

Being resilient - Contributing strategically

Turnaround time
The shortlisting process will only start once the application due date has been reached. The time taken to complete this process will depend on how far you progress and the availability of managers.

Our commitment to transformation
The Sanlam Group is committed to achieving transformation and embraces diversity. This commitment is what drives us to achieve a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace as we believe that these are key components to ensure a thriving and sustainable business in South Africa. The Group's Employment Equity plan and targets will be considered as part of the selection process.

Are you a visionary leader with a proven track record of operational excellence in the freight forwarding, logistics, and supply chain industry? This is your chance to take a successful group from
Good to Great.

Company and Job Description:

A highly respected player in the international logistics and freight forwarding space is looking for an accomplished
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
to drive strategy, scale operations, and deliver on an ambitious growth journey across Africa and the Middle East.

This is a rare opportunity to join a high-performing executive leadership team at a pivotal moment. With over 50 years of success behind them, the organisation is investing in the future – and you could be at the helm of it. As COO, you'll be a key strategic partner to the CEO and board, overseeing group operations, enhancing performance, and championing a culture of innovation, accountability, and customer obsession.

If you're passionate about transforming strategy into results, leading diverse teams, and setting industry standards, this opportunity will speak to your career ambitions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic, operational, and leadership oversight of the full value chain – from freight forwarding to transport and contract logistics
• Champion operational excellence across all divisions, using data-driven decisions to drive growth, improve KPIs, and unlock new revenue streams
• Lead the senior executive team with a hands-on approach, cultivating a high-performance culture and talent pipeline
• Drive and support new business development, sales, and marketing initiatives to grow market share and improve customer retention
• Oversee innovation, digital transformation, and compliance across IT, financials, and operational areas to futureproof the business

Job Experience and Skills Required:

• CA(SA) accreditation is preferred
• 20+ years in freight forwarding, logistics, customs clearing, and transport, with at least 5 years in an executive leadership role; proven experience driving turnaround and growth strategies
• Deep operational and strategic leadership experience;
• Non-negotiables: Must be willing to travel locally and internationally; must possess deep knowledge of the logistics value chain and commercial operations

Apply now

For more exciting Finance vacancies, please visit:

I also specialise in recruiting in the following:

• Chartered Accountants CA(SA)'s
• Taxation

If you have not had any response in two weeks, please consider the vacancy application unsuccessful. Your profile will be kept on our database for any other suitable roles / positions.

A leading force in the
iGaming and betting industry
is seeking an accomplished
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
to drive operational excellence and scale across its South African business. This is a rare opportunity for a seasoned leader with deep
iGaming experience
, proven
strategic acumen
, and the ability to execute with precision in a fast-paced, regulated market.

About the Role:

Based in
Cape Town
, you will take full ownership of day-to-day operations while shaping and executing the company's operational strategy. The COO will partner closely with the CEO and senior leadership to ensure sustainable growth, operational efficiency, and continued market leadership in South Africa's dynamic iGaming landscape.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the design and execution of the operational strategy across all divisions.
• Oversee daily operations, ensuring alignment with regulatory standards and business objectives.
• Develop and implement robust systems, processes, and performance frameworks to drive operational excellence.
• Inspire and lead cross-functional teams, cultivating a culture of accountability and high performance.
• Monitor operational KPIs, identify gaps, and deliver continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure full compliance with
  South African iGaming legislation and regulatory frameworks
  .
• Partner with the executive team to drive innovation, scalability, and profitability.
• Manage budgets, resource allocation, and operational risk with financial discipline.
• Represent the business at key industry events and strategic stakeholder engagements.

Requirements:

• Extensive operational leadership experience
  within the South African iGaming and betting sector.
• Strong technical understanding of
  gaming platforms, product operations, and digital infrastructure
  .
• Proven track record of
  scaling operations
  in high-growth, technology-driven environments.
• Deep knowledge of
  local market trends, player behaviour, and regulatory dynamics
  .
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Strong financial literacy and a history of delivering operational efficiency and cost control.
• Strategic thinker with a results-oriented mindset and sound commercial judgement.
• Experience balancing short-term operational demands with long-term transformation initiatives.

Why Apply

This is an opportunity to shape the future of one of South Africa's most exciting iGaming brands. If you are a
strategic operator
, a
natural leader
, and thrive in environments where precision meets innovation, this role offers the platform to make a lasting impact.