Manager, Operations

Liberty, a prominent financial services organisation, is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to join their team in Cape Town. This role is crucial for ensuring the smooth functioning of daily operations within allocated regions, with a strong focus on optimising infrastructure and managing related projects. As an Operations Manager, you will play a pivotal part in supporting business objectives through effective operational planning and execution.

About the Role

This position offers a dynamic opportunity to contribute to Liberty's operational excellence. You will be responsible for providing essential support, guidance, and advice to regional teams, particularly concerning infrastructure optimisation. This involves understanding and addressing the daily operational needs of these regions. Furthermore, you will be tasked with managing infrastructure requirements, ensuring that resources are adequate and properly maintained. A significant aspect of this role will involve coordinating and overseeing various projects aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and effectiveness.

Your responsibilities will span a broad range, requiring a strategic as well as a hands-on approach. You will need to possess a deep understanding of banking processes and procedures, as well as a keen insight into customer needs, particularly within consumer banking. Effective data management and an awareness of infrastructure platforms and their support requirements are also key. Planning, forecasting, and budgeting will be integral to your role, alongside robust risk identification and workspace management.

The successful candidate will undertake a variety of tasks critical to the operational success of their designated regions. Key responsibilities include:

• Providing strategic advice and practical support regarding infrastructure optimisation to meet daily operational demands.
• Managing the infrastructure requirements of allocated regions, ensuring availability and functionality.
• Coordinating and overseeing operational projects from inception to completion.
• Applying a thorough understanding of banking processes and procedures to daily operations.
• Developing insights into customer needs and ensuring they are met through operational excellence.
• Implementing effective data management strategies for administrative and operational purposes.
• Ensuring reliable support for infrastructure and platforms.
• Engaging in meticulous planning, forecasting, and budgeting activities.
• Proactively identifying and mitigating operational risks.
• Maintaining efficient and effective workspace management practices.

What They're Looking For

Liberty is searching for a candidate with a proven track record in service and operational roles, ideally with 5-7 years of relevant experience. A solid working knowledge of the operational requirements of branches, from both a branch and client perspective, is essential. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong behavioural competencies such as the ability to articulate information clearly, challenge ideas constructively, embrace change, and follow procedures diligently. They should also be adept at generating innovative ideas, making sound decisions, providing insightful analysis, and resolving conflict effectively. A proactive approach, a willingness to seize opportunities, and the ability to work collaboratively within a team, while understanding people's needs, are also highly valued.

In terms of technical competencies, a strong grasp of banking processes and procedures, data management, and infrastructure support is required. Experience in planning, forecasting, and budgeting, coupled with risk identification and workspace management, will be a significant advantage. While a Secondary/High school qualification is the minimum requirement, a Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 07) in Generic Management, along with FAIS RE05 accreditation, would be highly beneficial. Previous experience in client coverage, particularly within Liberty Advisory Partners, would also be an advantage.

This role offers a compelling opportunity for an experienced Operations Manager to contribute to a leading financial services group in South Africa. Typical roles at this level in the industry often come with competitive remuneration packages, reflecting the responsibility and expertise required. Liberty, as part of the Standard Bank Group, is known for fostering professional growth and offering a purpose-driven work environment.

Type of Qualification: Secondary/High school/A levels/Matric
Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas [NQF Level 07] in Generic Management
FAIS Requirements
RE05
Key Individual- advantage 

Experience Required
Client Coverage
Liberty Advisory Partners
5-7 years
Previous experience in a service and operational role. Working knowledge of the operational requirements of branches from a branch and client perspective.