Group Operations Manager

Position: Group Operations Manager (progressing to Chief Operations Officer)
Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Salary: Negotiable
About the Role
A specialist financial-legal services group is seeking a senior Group Operations Manager to assume full executive operational responsibility across its multi-entity structure. This is a rare opportunity for the right leader to step into a well-documented, structured operational platform and progress to Chief Operations Officer within 6 months of appointment.
This position reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer.
The Role
The Group Operations Manager will lead operations across four functional pillars: Group HR and People Management, ICT and Systems Oversight, Legal, Compliance and Governance, and Operational Processes and Reporting.
Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate daily operations across all group entities
• Develop, implement and continuously improve operational systems, controls, SOPs and accountability frameworks
• Lead, mentor and manage operational and legal support teams including HR, ICT and Compliance function heads
• Ensure compliance with SA labour legislation (LRA, BCEA, EEA) and relevant UK employment law
• Prepare and present operational reports, KPI dashboards and risk updates to the CEO
• Oversee POPIA compliance (SA) and GDPR compliance (UK entities)
• Manage the ICT function including infrastructure, vendor management and cybersecurity
• Oversee company secretarial functions and governance frameworks across all entities
• Lead group-level special projects including restructuring and process transformation
• Act as a trusted operational advisor to the CEO

• Minimum 10 years senior operational leadership experience in a legal, financial services or professional services environment
• Demonstrable experience managing a multi-entity or group company structure
• Proven oversight of HR, ICT, legal/compliance and process management across concurrent functions
• Admitted Attorney OR equivalent senior compliance, governance or legal management background
• Strong financial literacy: management accounts, KPIs, budgeting and forecasting
• Demonstrated cross-border or multi-jurisdiction operational experience
• SA citizenship or permanent residency

• Experience with UK entities, UK employment law or IR35 awareness
• Understanding of litigation funding structures and legal practice economics
• Postgraduate qualification in Business Management, Law or related field (MBA advantageous)
• Familiarity with POPIA and GDPR compliance frameworks