OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

About the Role:

The role is ideally suited to a values-driven leader who combines strategic insights with operational rigour, and who is motivated by purpose as much as performance. At Wits Business School, operations is not a back-office function but rather a critical enabler of impact, excellence, and long-term relevance.

Key responsibilities include:
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Strategic leadership of WBS operational functions including finance, human resources, facilities, marketing, academic programme management •

Driving operational efficiency, service excellence, and continuous improvement across the School •

Overseeing and supporting the delivery and scaling of degree programmes, research and Executive Education initiatives •

Ensuring sound financial management, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting, including oversight of donor-funded projects and centres. •

Strengthening systems, processes, and digital enablement to support business transformation •

Managing compliance, governance, and audit requirements in line with the University and regulatory frameworks •

Leading and developing high-performing professional and administrative teams •

Acting as a strategic partner to the Head of School, faculty leadership, and key internal and external stakeholders. •

Supporting resource mobilisation initiatives through effective stakeholder engagement, donor liaison, partnership support, and operational oversight of externally funded initiatives. •

Providing operational leadership and governance support to donor-funded centres, including reporting, compliance, sustainability planning, and stakeholder coordination. •

Leading within a complex and evolving higher education environment by demonstrating adaptability, resilience, strategic agility, and the ability to navigate uncertainty and institutional complexity. •

Develop and manage the School’s annual budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources, monitoring, and controlling expenses, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and maintaining financial sustainability •

Identify and mitigate operational risks by implementing appropriate protocols, and developing and maintain business continuity plans •

Oversee the management and utilisation of technology infrastructure and information systems to support teaching, research, and administrative functions. •

Identify opportunities to leverage technology for operational efficiency and effectiveness •

Oversee the management of the School’s facilities, including classrooms, offices, and other infrastructure. Ensuring a safe, functional, and conducive learning and work environment for students, faculty, and staff •

Oversee the development and implementation of HR strategies, policies, and practices, performance management, employee relations and talent development •

Develop and execute a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy to enhance the visibility and reputation of the School. •

Provide effective and efficient customer service to all stakeholders. •

Effective management of direct reports and set out performance outputs and measurements.

Knowledge Skills and Attitude
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Leading transformation •

Courage and decisiveness •

Empowerment •

Strategic agility to pivot when required •

Business Acumen •

Judgment •

Relationship building •

Results driven •

Tenacity •

Adaptability and resilience •

Ability to lead through ambiguity and complexity •

Stakeholder and donor relationship management •

Systems thinking and change navigation

Minimum academic and job requirements
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Post-graduate qualification in Operations Management / Business Administration / related field •

10 Years of relevant operational management experience, including 5 years in a senior leadership role in a large organisation •

Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and oversee functions such as human resources, facilities, technology, marketing, administration and service delivery. •

Demonstrated experience in managing complex operational environments, preferably including donor-funded programmes, partnerships, or centres. •

Management experience in a university or higher education environment would be advantageous.

Additional details
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Understanding of Facilities Management Principles •

Understanding and/or exposure to Information Technology •

Understanding of Marketing Management (Digital) •

Understanding of HR Industry Norms •

Understanding of Financial Principles •

Project Management Principles •

Demonstrated ability to build relationships, improve operational efficiency and lead transformation.

Detailed Description

Job Requirements

Additional Details

How To Apply

How to apply

Closing date: Wednesday, 28th October 2026.

Internal applicants are invited to apply by registering their profile on the Wits i-Recruitment platform located at https://irec.wits.ac.za to submit their application. This application is to have a covering letter with a CV that includes the name, address and contact details, (including email addresses) of three referees and the copy of identification.

Applications from suitably qualified women are particularly encouraged.

Email applications will not be accepted. Only those through the I-Recruitment platform will be considered.

The University is committed to employment equity. Preference may be given to appointable applicants from the underrepresented designated groups in terms of the relevant employment equity plans and policies of the University. The University retains the right not to make an appointment and to verify all information provided by candidates.

Please note that correspondence will only be entered into with shortlisted candidates. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment or to re-advertise.

Minimum Salary

Maximum Salary

Currency

Amount of Travel

Work At Home