This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Fractional Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join a fast-growing, founder-led group operating across strategic communications, leadership, intelligence, and digital sectors. Working directly with the Founder, you will play a critical role in translating strategic priorities into operational delivery for institutional clients across Africa and globally.
This is not an advisory position. It is suited to a hands-on operator who enjoys execution, building systems, creating structure, and driving operational workstreams through to completion in a dynamic, multi-entity environment.
Fractional engagement, 2–3 days per week | Initial 6-month mandate with review at month five
Group Infrastructure & Governance
Lead the establishment and formalisation of legal and governance structures across multiple jurisdictions.
Manage relationships with legal, financial, and banking partners.
Ensure entities remain compliant, appropriately structured, and aligned within a cohesive group framework.
Oversee governance documentation and intercompany agreements.
Operational Systems & Shared Services
Build and implement scalable shared services across finance, legal, HR, and operations.
Evaluate and implement operational technology platforms, including finance, CRM, and project management systems.
Develop consolidated reporting frameworks that provide clear group-wide visibility.
Business Unit Enablement & Founder Support
Partner with business leaders to remove operational bottlenecks and strengthen independence across entities.
Support the activation and integration of new or dormant entities, alongside the onboarding of key hires.
Identify and reduce operational dependencies on the Founder by developing processes, documentation, and accountability structures.
Experience: Demonstrated experience building or managing operations within a multi-entity group, holding company, or professional services environment. Experience working in founder-led organisations is essential.
Knowledge: Strong understanding of South African legal, compliance, and financial environments.
Work Style: A builder mentality with a strong bias toward execution. Ability to operate independently, manage ambiguity, and make sound decisions in fast-moving environments.
Advantageous: Exposure to East African business environments (particularly Kenya), multi-currency/multi-jurisdiction operations, or holding company structures across African markets.
Suitability Note: This role may not suit advisory-only profiles or candidates from highly structured corporate environments who lack build-stage experience.
Our client is a fast-growing, founder-led group operating across strategic communications, leadership, intelligence, and digital sectors. The organisation works with high-profile institutional clients globally – including foundations, multinational organisations, corporates, and government stakeholders – and is committed to building an inclusive and diverse team.
Are you the brilliant candidate my client is looking for?
Please email your CV and Portfolio to joanne@jb-consulting.co.za. Drive your career forward and be part of their success.
Please only apply if you have the correct skill set and Agency experience. If you do not hear from us in 2 weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful.