Cape Town/Johannesburg
Background
Siyavula Foundation is a South African EdTech Non-Profit. We are a high-impact team of educators, scientists and technologists, united by a bold mission: to champion a love of maths and science by creating rich, integrated learning experiences for people everywhere."
By building scalable, data-driven learning solutions, we're unlocking the continent's untapped human capital and creating pathways to sustainable economic growth. This is where social impact and market opportunity converge.
The core operations unit exists to keep the organisation running smoothly, so that our team of 30 can do their best work.
Purpose
The Operations Manager is the strategic driver of Siyavula's operational processes. As a member of the senior Management Team you will provide the operational oversight, systems and structure that allow the organisation to grow sustainably. You'll balance big-picture thinking with close attention to detail, managing the day-to-day operations and logistics execution, and providing oversight of Human Resources.
The successful candidate will be an experienced general manager, interested in the education landscape, demonstrating our values in how they lead and support.
Key Responsibilities
- Operations Strategy & Leadership Drive and consolidate the company's operations strategy, and ensure it is actioned effectively. Oversee day-to-day, monthly and annual operational processes, focused on continuity planning across the organisation. Report regularly to the Senior Management Team and the Executive Committee on operational progress, and manage the KPI framework, gathering and consolidating updates across departments.
- Processes, Policies & Governance Own Siyavula's Standard Operating Procedures and Policies: review, document, implement and update them annually. Manage procurement processes and maintain the contractor and supplier database. Ensure corporate governance is in order, that annual governance cycles are actioned on time, and manage contracting with external service providers.
- Human Resources Oversight Provide strategic oversight of HR, guiding and supporting the Operations Coordinator. Own the company's compensation philosophy and support its fair and consistent implementation. Champion staff wellness and professional development, drive the annual performance review cycle, and ensure HR policies are updated annually and understood across the team.
- Systems, Events & Logistics Manage company software systems at a strategic level, including Monday.com, Google Workspace and Clockify. Ensure robust processes are in place for events and travel logistics, and for the distribution and printing of materials, even where you are not executing these personally. Manage the calendar and cadence of meetings, and facilitate key meetings incl. SMT.
- Team Management & Development Set clear targets and performance standards for direct report (the Operations Coordinator) and hold them accountable for delivery. Support their growth through mentoring and skills development.
Requirements
Qualifications & Experience
- Minimum of an NQF level 6 qualification.
- At least five years in operations, general management or a related field, with a sound understanding of HR principles and practice.
- Previous management level experience gained within a non-profit or SME organisation
Skills & Attributes
- Excellent project management skills and competent user of relevant software
- Service Mindset – committed to supporting others
- Flexible and adaptable, with strong prioritisation skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Able to support multiple departments and keep calm under pressure
- Fast learner who can quickly understand existing processes, able to design new ones that scale as we grow.
- Valid driver's licence and personal vehicle (non-negotiable).
Closing date: 23 September 2026
Please upload your CV and a 1-page cover letter to https://wkf.ms/4yvDeUx with the subject line Operations Manager. For further information, go to https://www.siyavulafoundation.org/ and to view the platform and products please visit https://siyavula.com
Please accept your application as unsuccessful if you have not heard from us 4 weeks after the closing date.
Siyavula Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any employer/employee relations based on race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable discrimination laws.
Applicants must declare prior issues of sexual or other misconduct, termination of past employment, criminal records, and concerns registered with government authorities regarding contact with children, and must consent to the disclosure of any such information by their former employers during verification of references.
This position was originally posted by Siyavula Foundation and has been curated by PurposePhil Career. To apply, please visit the original listing on the "apply" link on the side. We are not affiliated with the employer organization of this job ad or consultancy, and provide this curated listing as a service to our users.
