5 Operations Leadership jobs in South Africa

Operations Assistant to Senior Leadership (Remote | English & German)
Location
: Fully Remote (European/African Time Zones Only, Between UTC-1 and UTC+3)

Employment Type
: Full-Time

Languages Required
: English and German proficiency (both mandatory)

Experience Required
: 3+ years as Operations Assistant, Executive Assistant, or Administrative Assistant

Salary Range
: Competitive, based on experience

Reports to
: Head of People (as Manager)

Works Closely With
: Head of Finance

Work Travel Requirements
: None

Start Date Goal
: October/November 2025

About Us
We're a remote-first, mission-driven, registered non-profit, comprising around 50 highly-skilled and motivated professionals from all around the world Our culture is built on trust, autonomy, and collaborative professionalism.

We thrive in a fast-paced, distributed environment, where communication is clear, empathy is second nature, and each of us takes full ownership of our work. We work independently, but also collaborate easily when appropriate.

Open Energy Transition (
OET
) is a non-profit organisation advancing the global energy transition by developing innovative
open-source
tools and data solutions for energy and grid planning.

Our vision is to make open approaches the global standard by 2030, enabling energy planning that is more accessible, transparent, and effective.

This shift is
essential
to better guide trillion dollar worth public and private investment toward affordable, sustainable, and secure energy systems. This is not a distant aspiration; our work is
already
being adopted by leading system operators, regulators, and philanthropic partners.

We are currently looking for an Operations Assistant to support 2 of our senior leadership members - our Head of People and our Finance Manager.

To
learn more
about OET and our team, you can visit our website, and browse around our Handbook.

About the Role
As an Ops Assistant to 2 of our Directors, you will be the right hand to very busy members of our senior leadership team—supporting their daily operations, optimizing time management, and ensuring a smooth flow of information across the company.

You will be the trusted point of contact between them and a variety of internal and external stakeholders. You will also perform various administrative tasks, sometimes on tight deadlines, and will be required to manage your workflow autonomously across the 2 Directors, prioritizing and reprioritizing as necessary.

This is a remote-first position that requires a high degree of discretion, initiative, self-management, professionalism, and confidentiality. Language proficiency in English is required, as our working language is English. Proficiency in German is also required, for comms with some of our external stakeholders.

We're all about transparency, and want to give you the best possible opportunity to prepare for any potential interviews. To learn a bit more about the people you'll be working most closely with, click here:

• Our Head of People (aka your future Manager), Quintin Coetzee
• Our Finance Manager, Andris Prindulis

Your Key Responsibilities

• Calendar & Time Management: Proactively manage complex calendars across multiple time zones, prioritize and process scheduling requests, and protect leadership focus time.
• Meeting Coordination: Prepare agendas, manage logistics, take comprehensive notes (minutes), and follow up on action items. Sometimes you'll attend meetings on behalf of someone else.
• Communication Management: Draft, translate, and respond to professional correspondence from internal and external stakeholders (emails, documents, memos), liaising with other staff to get input where required. This includes keeping our CRM up-to-date, as well as responding timeously to queries and flagging any potential issues to relevant parties.
• Travel Planning: Organize international and domestic travel, accommodations, and itineraries, for things such as conferences, client pitches, and in-person meetings.
• Documentation & Filing: Keep administrative platforms and records up to date, including presentations, contracts, and other and sensitive documents.
• Event Assistance: Helping to organize events that OET may host or take part in.
• General Admin: Help fill in and format applications, project briefs, tenders, internal and external presentations, research documents, grant applications, and historical (archival) documents for internal use.
• Stakeholder Liaison: Act as a communication hub between leadership and internal teams, including our various Heads of Department, Team Leads, and Lead Maintainers.
• Project Assistance: Provide project support (e.g., setting up workflows on tools like Asana, following up on tasks, etc.) This requires oversight of all tasks that are being worked on by the leadership team members in question, so that you have good context with which to make decisions.
• Other Assistance: various other ad hoc administrative tasks, including those relating to our Business Development activities, e.g., finding the right person at a potential client a business developer should talk to.

You'll Be a Great Fit If You Are/Have.

• 3+ years experience
  as an Ops, Executive or Administrative Assistant or supporting senior managers in fast-paced, highly-autonomous, fully-remote environments.
• Bonus points if you've supported multiple such individuals simultaneously, and worked across numerous departments at once. Further bonus points if you've worked at a startup, in the energy sector, have supported business development professionals, and/or in a similarly-sized team (around 50 people).
• Are fluent in English and German
• Have some experience with financial management, accounting, and/or payroll systems and reports
• Bonus points if you have experience with drafting and submitting tender and grant applications, and working with compliance and risk-related matters
• Thrive in a highly self-managed, remote, transparent work culture, where you don't wait around to be told what to do by your manager but show initiative and ownership, and where you give and receive honest feedback to help all, regardless of their role, grow and develop.
• Are detail-oriented, proactive, and exceptionally organized.
• Handle sensitive information with integrity and confidentiality.
• Have a strong sense of ownership and the ability to juggle multiple leaders' needs effectively, including prioritizing on the fly, as operational requirements change over time (even daily).
• Are tech-savvy (and familiar with tools such as LLMs, Google Workspace, Discord, HubSpot CRM, Asana, Microsoft 365, Adobe, DocuSign, and other office and project/task management tools).
• Have excellent interpersonal skills—warm, professional, confident, and diplomatic.

A university degree is not required—your experience, communication skills, and work ethic matter most. However, if you happen to have a degree in business or a similar field, that may be considered a bonus.
What We Offer

• A flexible, fully-remote work environment where you're trusted to work very autonomously. Zero micro-management, as that goes against our culture.
• The opportunity to support hardworking, passionate, busy leaders who value and respect your contributions, and are working to create positive societal change in the energy sector.
• A culture that values transparency, empathy, trust, humility, diversity, collaboration, and recognition.
• We have an open-door policy, and value reciprocal feedback. You'll always know where you stand, and always have the ability to have your voice heard, simply by reaching out.
• A pretty flat hierarchical structure, where titles are not emphasized, and all contributions are valued.
• Competitive salary with growth potential. Any relevant benefits depend on your region of residence.
• Supportive onboarding and training, tailored to your strengths, interests, and career ambitions.
• The ability to be part of our formation We're still growing, changing, and improving. Anyone who is part of our team now is able to meaningfully contribute towards our culture, and processes. We're open to all suggestions, and take them seriously

What Our Hiring Process Entails
We take hiring seriously, and want to bring on candidates who will contribute positively towards our culture just as much as they will succeed in their roles.

Also, we don't only want to have good outcomes from you. We also want you to feel happy and fulfilled in your position. That means we have a structured process to determine best fit. Our hiring process is as follows:

• Candidates apply via Greenhouse, and include as much information as possible and comfortable.
• Various team members of OET will shortlist candidates in our ATS.
• Certain shortlisted candidates will be contacted to arrange a screening call.
• Screening calls
  are conducted, and feature a max. 30 minute chat with our People Team.
• Certain candidates will go through to a first-round interview, of max. 1 hour, with our People Team. This interview will screen for a combination of competency and culture fit.
• Finalists will go through to a second-round interview, of max. 1 hour, with the OETers with whom they'll work most closely.
• Bonus round - there may be a short written assignment, depending on the role.
• The chosen candidate will be provided with an offer letter, and opportunity to ask any questions.
• Onboarding
  with our People Team begins.
• Your start date arrives

How to Apply
If you're excited to bring clarity and efficiency to the chaos of the lives of our senior leadership team, we'd love to hear from you

Please submit an application via Greenhouse (our ATS), and include the following:

• Your CV (in English), including information about prior work and education, and current skills
• A short cover letter explaining why this role is a great fit for you (please add a bit of personality if you wish)
• A link to your LinkedIn profile, and any other social profiles you wish to include
• Any relevant written references or testimonials (optional, but appreciated, and may give your application a boost)
• Your gross salary expectations, annually, in Euros (EUR)
• Your notice period/available start date
• Any special needs requirements that may apply

If you have any questions about OET or the role, we'd be happy to answer them should we invite you to take part in a screening call or interview.

Please note
that due to the volume of applications we receive, we are not able to respond to individual emails or LinkedIn requests. Kindly submit your application via Greenhouse, and we will shortlist and reach out to candidates.

If you have not received a response within 2 weeks of submitting your application, please consider it unsuccessful at this point in time. We may, however, still reach out in future. Our team maintains Talent Pools, containing candidates shortlisted for contact for future roles that may arise.

Deadline to apply: None (
ongoing
, so long as this role is live on our website)

We look forward to meeting the next person who will become an invaluable part of our team Thank you for your time, and for considering joining OET.

If this role is not for you, feel free to check back later for any
future positions
that may have been posted.

Requisition ID:

• Relocation Authorized: None
• Telework Type: Full-Time Office/Project
• Work Location: Yanacocha

Since 1898, we have helped customers complete more than 25,000 projects in 160 countries on all seven continents that have created jobs, grown economies, improved the resiliency of the world's infrastructure, increased access to energy, resources, and vital services, and made the world a safer, cleaner place.

Differentiated by the quality of our people and our relentless drive to deliver the most successful outcomes, we align our capabilities to our customers' objectives to create a lasting positive impact. We serve the Infrastructure; Nuclear, Security & Environmental; Energy; Mining & Metals, and the Manufacturing and Technology markets. Our services span from initial planning and investment, through start-up and operations.

Core to Bechtel is our Vision, Values and Commitments. They are what we believe, what customers can expect, and how we deliver.

Located 800 km northeast of Lima, Peru, Yanacocha is South America's largest gold mine. The WTP Project consists of two of the largest acid water treatment plants in South America (the West one with capacity of 3,000 m3/hour and the East one with 2,700 m3/hour). Early works are currently being performed on site, preparing the permanent platforms and laydown areas for the East and West plants, in addition to the Class 2 estimate, Level 3 schedule and Execution Plan.

In this role, you will coordinate Environmental, Safety, and Health (ES&H) training and awareness of a project's ES&H program. You will work with experts to review course materials and awareness strategies and assist with the processes for content delivery. Your efforts to optimize training and communication will help the ES&H program achieve continuous improvement goals for health and safety on the job.

• Developing and coordinating process improvement activities, including drafting learning, training, and marketing materials, and obtaining cost-effective quotes for external printing and copying of corporate bulletins, brochures, poster designs, and other marketing materials ready for computer design.
• Maintaining and modifying the departmental intranet and its contents, including the creation and maintenance of team websites.
• Responsible for developing and implementing proposed revisions and additions to the departmental website architecture.
• Creating forms and other web-based technology methods to improve user effectiveness and responsiveness.
• Researching activities related to process improvement, such as database functionality and web design.
• Gathering the necessary data to prepare reports on critical elements and other supplementary reports, as needed.
• Participating in departmental staff meetings and status tasks as required.
• Coordinating with the Senior Process Improvement Specialist, the Process Improvement Manager, and/or the corporate ES&H management to obtain approval for work as it is completed.
• Supporting Senior Process Improvement Specialists in developing training and launching, and promoting corporate ES&H initiatives and campaigns.

Requires a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Mining Engineering, Industrial Enginnering (or international equivalent) related to environmental, safety, health, education, or a science-related discipline and less than 1 year of relevant experience.

• Technical knowledge of computer-based training development software, Ms Office package.
• Technical knowledge of desktop publishing software Adobe Suite, web developer SharePoint, FrontPage programming code, and incorporation of Flash in training products.
• Knowledge of learning and development systems, applications for both ES&H and automation methods, and the application of computers to associated process improvement tasks.
• Knowledge of regulatory and industry standards and criteria relevant to ES&H learning and development needs.
• Good knowledge of computer illustrations and web design packages.
• General knowledge of writing and producing training, marketing, and communication tools.
• Work familiarity with Bechtel's environmental, safety, and health processes and procedures (for internal or former Bechtel candidates).
• Demonstrated skill in oral and written communication and in preparing clear and complete correspondence.

For decades, Bechtel has worked to inspire the next generation of engineers and beyond Because our teams face some of the world's toughest challenges, we offer robust benefits to ensure our people thrive. Whether it is advancing careers, delivering programs to enhance our culture, or providing time to recharge, Bechtel has the benefits to build a legacy of sustainable growth.

As a global company, Bechtel has long been home to a vibrant multitude of nationalities, cultures, ethnicities, and life experiences. This diversity has made us a more trusted partner, more effective problem solvers and innovators, and a more attractive destination for leading talent.

We are committed to being a company where every colleague feels that they belong-where colleagues feel part of "One Team," respected and rewarded for what they bring, supported in pursuing their goals, invested in our values and purpose, and treated equitably.

Bechtel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, disability, citizenship status (except as authorized by law), protected veteran status, genetic information, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Applicants with a disability, who require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, may e-mail their request to .

Job description:

DISCOVER A BRIGHTER FUTURE:

At South32, we're meeting the challenge of enabling a sustainable future through our focus on responsibly producing commodities critical for a low-carbon world.

As a collaborative, caring and inclusive company, there's no better place to make a genuine difference. Together we're making a positive, global impact that has the potential to change lives.

Whatever career path you choose, we'll support you every step of the way to learn, grow and succeed. So, join us, step towards a brighter future and leave your legacy.

ABOUT HILLSIDE

Our Hillside Aluminium smelter in Richards Bay produces high-quality, primary aluminium for the domestic and export markets.

WHAT SOUTH32 OFFER:

Annual short-term incentive bonus that recognizes both your individual performance and the overall success of the business.

Eligible employees will receive an employer contribution towards the company-elected retirement fund.

South 32 will support assistance for part-time studies aligned to role requirements and business needs at accredited institutions to eligible employees.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

This role is a permanent full-time position.

As a Specialist Process Control and Improvement, you will be responsible to administer the production standards, operating procedures and control systems that ensure critical controls of the production processes exist and are effective. To conduct the production system monitoring and analysis and execute improvements to production systems and practices to achieve and maintain the predictable, stable and required levels of operating performance within HSECQ requirements.

Other key responsibilities include, but aren't limited to:

• Execute strategies to analyse performance and initiate improvement actions (e.g. dispatch control and analysis; plant / fleet statistical process control; production execution improvement);
• Adhere to standards and critical controls required to manage HSECQ and operational material risks, legal obligations and South32 and ISO Standards;
• Conduct investigations of relevant Events. Execute the production equipment work strategies for SAP;
• Assist to develop, review and maintain standard operating procedures to support the safe execution of production work;
• Execute all duties in line with statutory legislation, and South32 standards and requirements;
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting of all events and hazards and participate in workplace investigations or observations as required;
• Contribute to building a cohesive working environment;
• Actively participate in all people performance and development initiatives to ensure the team's performance meets the required standards;
• Build, support and maintain healthy diverse internal (peers / team members / managers) as well as external (service providers etc.) relationships and implement remedial actions were required to ensure achievement of organisational goals.

ABOUT YOU:

You will have experience and demonstrate capability in the following:

• A minimum of 4 – 6 years' work experience;
• Production / Process Control Improvement experience within a heavy industry environment;
• Valid Code B (08) Driver's license is essential.

Qualifications for this role are:

• Degree/BTECH in Mechanical Engineering/ Chemical Engineering.

South32 is committed to building and maintaining an inclusive and diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we operate.  We provide a recruitment process that is fair, equitable and accessible for all and we encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Please apply online by entering the preferred position reference number on our website 

This advertisement will close on  16 October 2025.

Profile description:

As a Specialist Process Control and Improvement, you will be responsible to administer the production standards, operating procedures and control systems that ensure critical controls of the production processes exist and are effective. To conduct the production system monitoring and analysis and execute improvements to production systems and practices to achieve and maintain the predictable, stable and required levels of operating performance within HSECQ requirements.

Core Responsibilities:

a. Conducting research oversight into best practices associated with the functionality and determining

b. The appropriateness of specific policies/procedures for implementation;

c. Performance reporting, M&E and annual report draft oversight management; and

d. Strategic planning coordination and administrative duties for finalisation of the Strategic plan and the Annual Performance Plan (APP).

e. To provide effective direction and support to the Office of the CEO in terms of Performance Management issues and requirements.

f. Plan, manage and coordinate the Office of the CEO's priority-based strategic planning processes for program development and monitoring.

g. Evaluate and report on program performance against pre-determined indicators and targets.

h. Lead strategy stakeholder management and compliance.

i. Practice good governance and risk management.

j. To control, consolidate, analyse and submit various reliable reports to oversight bodies.

k. Implement uniform norms and standards for management reporting to support accountability reporting.

Job Types: Permanent, Temporary

Contract length: 6 months

Pay: R60 000,00 per month

Education:

• Bachelors (Required)

Experience:

• M&E environment: 3 years (Required)

Location:

• Johannesburg, Gauteng (Preferred)

Work Location: In person