Applications are invited for this permanent full – time
Head of Operations
JOB PROFILE
- DEPARTMENT: Executive Team
- REPORTS TO: Executive Director
- CLOSING DATE: 10 January 2025
Organizational Description
The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls (‘the Academy’) is a world-class educational platform for girls that is aimed at nurturing a new generation of dynamic women leaders. This residential boarding school is located in Gauteng (Meyerton) about 50 kilometers away from the Johannesburg City Centre and with just over 300 learners enrolled in Grades 8 -12. Grade 12 learners write the Independent Examination Board (IEB) – NSC Examination. The Academy is a member of the Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa.
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates. Applications must be accompanied by a cover letter, CV with names of three contactable references (including the most recent/ current immediate line manager), copy of certified highest qualification/s and/or proof of professional registration (where applicable) and; a certified copy of identity. Interested candidates must register their profile at http://www.pnet.co.za to submit their application. Further information about the Academy can be found on its website (www.owlag.co.za).
Purpose
- Provide strategic direction to the entire Operations Department which is comprised of Safety, Security and Transport, Catering and the Facilities Management Units.
- Ensure that the Academy’s operations and services are aligned to the overall strategy in terms of resources, people and processes.
- Provide leadership, planning and control, resources for all Academy operations and services.
- Direct the co-ordination, development, acquisition, implementation and support of all operations and services for all the Academy stakeholders.
- Direct and lead all operations to facilitate the maximisation of resources to achieve internal and external customer satisfaction, productivity, risk management, economic goals and adherence to relevant Academy policies and procedures.
Minimum academic requirements and experience
- A relevant Bachelor’s degree (NQF7) preferably in Business Administration, Management, Leadership, Renewable Energies or any other relevant field.
- A postgraduate degree in any relevant field will serve as an added advantage.
- A minimum of five years’ experience in a similar role coupled with strategy and policy development, implementation and monitoring experience is required.
- Proven track record of at least five years in a managerial role leading a medium to a large diverse team and managing resources preferably in an NPO and/or school environment.
- Proven experience in building cross-functional relationships and teams.
- Proven experience and background in solar and renewable energy would serve as an added advantage.
- Extensive project management experience.
- Proven procurement and contract management experience.
- Proven budgeting and financial forecast management skills.
Responsibilities
- Develop a well thought operations strategy which supports the productivity and effectiveness of the Operations Department in support of the OWLAG Board of Directors, EXCO and the Academy to advance the mission of the Academy;
- Plan and monitor the day-to-day running of Academy’s Operations Department;
- Contribute to address future operational needs and strategies as an integral component of the institutional planning process;
- Initiate and oversee the development and periodic review of policies and procedures and ensure legislative and organizational compliance and alignment with strategy and ensure implementation and adherence;
- Work with the Finance Manager to source new suppliers, review contracts and the performance of existing contractors in line with the Academy’s procurement policy.
- Ensure contracts are up-to date for all suppliers.
- Compile annual budgets and quarterly forecasts together with the Finance Manager.
- Continually scrutinise expenditure with a view of waste elimination and realisation of savings.
- Lead and manage the Operations Department and its performance thereof.
- Identify and report all issues related to risks within the Academy and adhere to all safety regulations and in particular the Occupational Health and Safety regulations.
Knowledge, Skills and Attitude
- Knowledge of relevant Business Processes and Project Management Systems, Processes and Procedures.
- Knowledge in developing and executing strategies, policies, systems and standard operating procedures.
- Demonstrated skill in reviewing and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.
- High level of computer literacy and presentation skills.
- Commitment to making services efficient and effective.
- Team player with strong interpersonal skills and commitment to motivating and developing staff and team building.
- Experience in managing budgets.
- Demonstrated experience in multitasking and managing priorities;
- Ability to synthesise complex and diverse information.
- Analytical and statistical skills.
- Ability to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner and gather and analyse information skilfully.
- Excellent communication skills including presentations and proposals.
- Attention to quality, accuracy and thoroughness.
- Innovator, initiator, exhibits enthusiasm, determined, hardworking.
- Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.
- Strategic leadership.
- Relationship and stakeholder management.
- Act with the highest integrity and always uphold the Academy’s standards and values (Respect, Honour, Compassion, Service, Responsibility and Accountability).
Regrettably, emailed, faxed, and hand-delivered applications will not be considered. Only applications submitted through the PNet portal will be considered. Only suitably qualified applications will be considered. Should you hear from us by 31 January 2025, please consider your application unsuccessful. The Academy reserves the right not to fill this position. The Academy’s boarding facilities are exclusively designed for learners. Regrettably, the Academy does not provide permanent accommodation to its employees.
The Academy is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer. The employment decision shall be informed by the Academy’s Employment Equity Plan. It is the Academy’s intention to promote equity (race, gender and, disability) through the filling of this position with a candidate whose promotion or appointment will promote representation in line with the numerical targets as contained in our Employment Equity Plan.
The Academy, in line with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), will attempt to ensure that the confidentiality of all applicants for this role is protected. All reasonable measures will be in place to protect personal information but will be used in the recruitment, selection, and reporting process. By submitting your application, you are recognising and accepting this disclaimer.