Job Description

Collaborates with: All internal departments, contractors, freelancers, partners, and  collaborators 

Core Responsibilities 

Strategic Operations Management 

– Oversee day-to-day business processes to ensure efficiency and alignment with company  goals.  

– Translate company vision into clear operational milestones (monthly, quarterly, yearly). • Build and maintain KPI frameworks for departments and staff.  

– Track performance against targets to ensure accountability and measurable progress. 

People & Performance Oversight 

– Conduct regular health checks with employees, contractors, and freelancers.  • Identify underperformance early and implement corrective action plans. • Ensure remuneration and incentives align with value delivered and sustainability. • Act as a strong leader, able to handle difficult conversations and enforce standards. 

Partner & Collaborator Engagement 

– Maintain regular check-ins with partners and collaborators to strengthen relationships.  • Identify opportunities for co-creation, joint ventures, and ecosystem expansion.  • Ensure partner deliverables are met and Suitable Focus remains a trusted collaborator. 

Growth & Scaling Strategy 

– Work with CEO to define operational roadmaps for expansion into Kenya, Rwanda, and  Tanzania.  

– Align internal processes with funder expectations and reporting requirements.  • Ensure incubation hubs, workshops, and corporate programmes deliver measurable impact. •  Monitor profitability across projects to support financial sustainability. 

Risk & Compliance Oversight 

– Ensure contracts, partnerships, and operations comply with legal/IP protections.  • Identify operational risks and propose mitigation strategies. 

– Maintain transparency and clarity across all business units. 

The compensation package is structured in two segments: an initial probationary stage followed  by a permanent stage.  

During the probationary period, the focus is on assessing capability, ensuring alignment with  cash flow, and confirming role fit.  

Once probation is successfully completed, the permanent stage reflects market-aligned  compensation for Operations/General Manager in Cape Town, recognizing the added  responsibilities and proven performance. This structure provides both a fair entry point and a  clear pathway for growth within the role.

Benefits & Incentives

– Annual performance bonus: Linked to company growth milestones, profitability, and  operational efficiency. 

– Quarterly incentives: Based on achieving departmental KPIs and successful partner  collaborations. 

– Hybrid flexibility: Office presence required for leadership visibility, with flexibility for  strategic planning tasks. 

– Growth path: Potential progression into Chief Operating Officer (COO) role within 24–36  months, especially as Suitable Focus scales regionally.

Required Skills & Qualifications

Educational Background 

– Diploma or degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field. 

– Professional certifications in project management, leadership, or compliance (e.g.,  PMP, Lean Six Sigma) advantageous but not mandatory. 

Technical Skills 

– Strong knowledge of operations management frameworks and KPI tracking. • Proficiency in CRM, ERP, or project management tools. 

– Ability to design and implement performance dashboards and reporting systems. • Understanding of compliance, contracts, and risk management processes. 

– Competence in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace for reporting and  communication.

Core Competencies 

– Excellent organizational and strategic planning skills. 

– Ability to translate vision into measurable operational milestones. 

– Strong analytical ability to monitor profitability and efficiency. 

– Skilled in risk identification and mitigation strategies. 

– Capacity to manage multiple priorities across departments. 

Interpersonal & Communication Skills 

– Clear and professional communication with employees, partners, and stakeholders. • Strong leadership skills to enforce standards and handle difficult conversations. • Ability to foster collaboration across teams and external collaborators. • Skilled in building trusted relationships with partners and funders. 

Experience 

– Minimum 4–6 years in operations, business management, or strategic leadership roles. (especially working in a growing SME environment). 

– Proven track record of managing KPIs, reporting frameworks, and team performance. • Experience in scaling operations within SMEs or regional expansion contexts. • Exposure to compliance oversight and ecosystem partnerships. 

– Background in managing multi-stakeholder projects and programmes. 

Personal Attributes 

– Integrity and accountability in managing operations and compliance. • Resilient leader with adaptability to fast-changing environments. 

– Results-driven, with focus on measurable impact and sustainability.  • Growth-oriented, with interest in progressing into senior executive leadership.