Position: Group Operations Manager (progressing to Chief Operations Officer)Location: Cape Town, Western CapeSalary: NegotiableAbout 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 Requirements 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 Highly Advantageous 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 If you do not receive feedback within 4 weeks of application, please consider your application unsuccessful.