General Manager / Operations Manager - South Africa

Job ID:42960
Location:Cape Town : K5 and K6 Centurion  
Position Category:Management
Position Type:Employee Regular

As the Operations Manager for South Africa, you will take ownership of both operational excellence and commercial growth across the region. This role combines P&L leadership, client engagement, and business development, positioning you as a key driver of LRQA’s success in the South African market.

You will lead a team of Service Delivery Managers and technical experts, ensuring high-quality delivery of assurance and inspection services. In addition, you will act as a commercial ambassador, identifying growth opportunities, strengthening client relationships, and enhancing LRQA’s market presence. This role requires a strong balance of people leadership, operational oversight, and commercial acumen.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team of managers and subcontractors across South Africa.
• Ensure service delivery meets budget, quality, and accreditation standards while aligning with LRQA’s values and strategic goals.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Commercial Strategy & Growth

• Drive commercial performance by identifying upselling and cross-selling opportunities with existing clients.
• Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to support new business acquisition and client retention.
• Monitor market trends and competitor activity to inform strategic decisions and maintain LRQA’s competitive edge.

Client Relationship Management

• Act as a senior point of contact for key clients, ensuring satisfaction and long-term partnerships.
• Resolve client issues and complaints swiftly, maintaining LRQA’s reputation for excellence.
• Represent LRQA at industry events, client meetings, and networking opportunities.

Operational Excellence

• Oversee resource planning, utilisation, and delivery efficiency across the region.
• Ensure compliance with internal procedures, legal requirements, and accreditation standards.
• Lead management meetings and training sessions to align teams and share best practices.

 People & Culture

• Promote a positive, inclusive, and high-performance team culture.
• Proactively manage wellbeing, performance, and development across the team.
• Support recruitment and onboarding of new talent in collaboration with the People team and regional leads.

Requirements

• Degree in a technical or business discipline (e.g., Engineering, Business Management).
• Proven experience in leading multidisciplinary teams in a service delivery or operational environment.
• Strong understanding of business strategy, client development, and financial performance.
• Knowledge of the Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) industry.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong client relationships.
• Familiarity with South African legal and regulatory frameworks relevant to assurance and inspection services.
• Excellent written and verbal communication in English; additional local languages are a plus.
• Experience in coaching, mentoring, and delivering training initiatives.

Diversity and Inclusion at LRQA:

We are on a mission to be the place where we all want to work and we are passionate about embracing different perspectives because we understand the value this brings to our business, our clients and each other. We are all about creating a safer and more sustainable future and our inclusive culture is right at the heart of our business.

Together our employees make our communities better and we want you to be part of our diverse team!

LRQA is a leading global assurance provider.  The integrity and expertise we bring to our partnership with clients support their journey to a safer, more secure and more sustainable future. (Group entities).

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