Deputy Chief Operating Officer (COO Designate) – Western Cape, South Africa

Shape the Future of a High-Growth Investment Business

Our client is a well-established and growing investment management firm operating within the alternative investments sector. As the business continues to evolve and institutionalise its operating model, an exceptional opportunity has arisen for an accomplished executive to join the leadership team as Deputy Chief Operating Officer.

Reporting directly to the CEO and serving as a member of the Executive Committee, this is a pivotal leadership appointment with a clearly defined succession pathway to the Chief Operating Officer role. Working closely with the CEO and Chief Investment Officer, you will help shape the firm's operational strategy, strengthen governance and build the scalable operating platform required to support its next phase of growth.

This is not a traditional deputy role. It is a unique opportunity for an experienced executive who is ready to operate at C-suite level, influence strategic direction and ultimately assume the Chief Operating Officer position.

This appointment is suited to a commercially minded executive who combines strategic thinking with operational excellence and is motivated by building scalable businesses within a sophisticated investment environment.

This is a unique opportunity for a commercially astute investment operations leader to help transition a high-performing business from an entrepreneurial environment into a scalable, institutional investment platform.

Main Purpose of the Role

Reporting directly to the CEO and serving as a member of the Executive Committee, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the firm's operational strategy, governance framework and business infrastructure.

Working closely with the CEO, CIO and external service providers, you will ensure the business is positioned for sustainable growth while maintaining the highest standards of operational excellence, compliance and investor confidence.

This role demands a strategic operator who is equally comfortable engaging in executive-level decision-making, challenging the status quo and driving disciplined execution across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with the CEO and CIO to execute the firm's strategic growth agenda.
• Lead the evolution of operational processes, governance and business infrastructure to support a scaling investment management business.
• Drive continuous process improvement, operational efficiency and standardization across the organization.
• Oversee the firm's operational risk and compliance environment, ensuring adherence to FSCA regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
• Manage relationships with outsourced finance, fund administration, legal and operational service providers while maintaining effective oversight.
• Provide executive oversight of finance, fund accounting, reporting, budgeting and financial controls.
• Support investment operations across both listed and private market investment strategies.
• Contribute strategically to investment-related operational initiatives and organizational decision-making.
• Develop scalable policies, procedures, and operating frameworks that support future growth.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and high performance across the business.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Executive Committee while confidently navigating complex stakeholder conversations and organizational change.

The Ideal Candidate

You are a confident executive who combines strategic thinking with operational excellence. You thrive in high-performance environments, naturally take ownership and possess the credibility to operate alongside experienced investment professionals at C-suite level.

You are comfortable making difficult decisions, challenging constructively when required and leading transformational change in a growing organization.

Experience & Qualifications

• Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), or equivalent professional qualification.
• A Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA), Finance, Investments, Economics, or a related discipline would be highly advantageous.
• A strong foundation in fund management operations, ideally gained within private equity, infrastructure, private markets or alternative investment environments.
• Proven executive leadership experience within investment management, with a track record of scaling businesses, driving operational excellence and leading organisational transformation.
• Strong understanding of private equity fund structures, fund accounting, investment operations, and governance.
• Working knowledge of FSCA regulatory requirements and South African financial services legislation.
• Experience overseeing outsourced finance and operational service providers.
• Proven track record of implementing operational improvements and scalable business processes.
• Experience supporting businesses through periods of rapid growth and organizational transformation.
• Exceptional stakeholder management, communication, and leadership capabilities.

Personal Attributes

• Strategic and commercially astute.
• Assertive, confident and decisive.
• Self-starter with a strong sense of ownership.
• High levels of integrity and professional credibility.
• Resilient and comfortable having courageous conversations.
• Collaborative leadership style with strong influencing ability.
• Naturally analytical while remaining execution-focused.
• Calm under pressure with outstanding judgment.

To apply for this opportunity, please forward a detailed copy of your CV to Andrea Jones: ajones@elev8recruitment.co.za

Contact information

Lameez Dollie