Chief Operations Officer

The Cape Town International Convention Centre Company (RF) SOC Limited is so much more than just another convention centre. An exceptional centre requires exceptional staff and the culture of the CTICC is one of teamwork, recognition, personal accountability, and service excellence. We understand that it is only our people who make us the success we are and, as a result, we make every effort to ensure that we recruit and retain talented, qualified, and enthusiastic individuals, who are team players, able to embrace our values, fit in with our culture and recognise the value of hard work in a dynamic exciting environment.

The main purpose: The Chief Operations Officer (COO) will formulate and implement long-term strategies for the CTICC’s Operations Departments ensuring growth, success, and alignment with organisational goals. The COO provides leadership and direction to the management team, ensuring departmental objectives are achieved.

Reporting to the: Chief Executive Officer

Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

1) Strategic and Visionary Leadership

• Develop and direct long-term strategies aligned with CTICC’s mission and vision.
• Provide vision, insight, and direction to the management team.
• Deliver on the company’s strategic plan in a cost-efficient manner to optimise shareholder value.
• Report progress on strategic implementation to the CEO.
• Promote and embed company culture and values.
• Identify trends shaping customer needs and lead exploration of new business opportunities.
• Ensure that the Operations Department remains focused on long-term goals and vision.

2) Strategic Management and Business Planning

• Lead the development and execution of annual business plans for Operations.
• Cascade plans effectively throughout the department.
• Align CTICC’s business plan with strategic focus areas of the City of Cape Town.
• Oversee ICT (Information and Communication Technology), facilities management, safety and security, event logistics, and food and beverage operations, ensuring efficient service delivery, compliance, cost-effectiveness, and a high standard of operational excellence.
• Establish and monitor standard operating procedures and policies.
• Track monthly revenue, implement corrective actions, and ensure CAPEX budget is controlled.
• Align departmental strategies with company goals to maximise shareholder value.

3) People Management

• Translate strategic plans into workforce plans that meet business needs.
• Ensure effective middle management and optimal organisational structures.
• Align performance management systems with business objectives.
• Manage direct reports to achieve world-class performance standards.
• Manage Human Capital matters within the Operations portfolio, in alignment with the organisation’s Human Capital policies, procedures, and practices.
• Foster a rewarding work environment that promotes growth and contribution.

4) Risk Management

• Implement operational risk management strategies aligned with best practices and regulations.
• Assess departmental risks and balance business benefits with exposure.
• Ensure integrated risk management across CTICC.

5) Finance and Supply Chain Management

• Identify opportunities and threats in financial results and act accordingly.
• Ensure compliance with financial controls, policies, and standards.
• Adhere to supply chain management policies and the Preferential Procurement Act to meet BBB-EE objectives.
• Ensure procurement complies with MFMA provisions.
• Ensure that a commercially driven procurement function is in place and that the provisions of the MFMA are adhered to by ensuring the optimal procurement policies and procedures are developed and implemented.

6) CTICC Capital Projects

• Ensures that the capital projects required to maintain the CTICC as a venue of the highest international standard are budgeted for, approved, and implemented.
• Assumes overall responsibility for the development of the CTICC Capital projects and advises the CEO and Board on issues and plans relating to the completion of the project.
• Ensures that appropriate operational plans are in place to meet capital projects and expansion objectives.
• Ensure that the CTICC Capital projects remain on track.

Minimum qualifications and experience

• A relevant postgraduate qualification or honours degree in Business Administration, Business Management, Operations Management, Hospitality Management, Facilities Management, or a related field (NQF Level 8).
• At least fifteen (15) years of hospitality general management experience.
• At least five (5) years’ experience in an Executive Management role.
• At least five (5) years’ experience working in operations (Facilities and Food & Beverage operations).
• Experience overseeing or managing facility construction, expansion, or major renovations.
• Experience overseeing or managing food and beverage operations.
• Strong mastery of key business functions, including operations, business development, human capital, and financial administration.
• Experience working with and / or reporting to a Board.
• Ability to think strategically in a complex, evolving environment.

Skills and attributes

• Business acumen and strategic thinking.
• Leadership and people development.
• Communication and negotiation.
• Analytical and result orientated.
• Project and time management.

Kindly apply for this position through our applicant tracking system: https://cticc.recruitee.com/ before 17h00 on the 4 September 2026 by completing the Employment Application Form and submitting your highest qualifications and CV. Only shortlisted candidates and complete applications will be considered.

The CTICC is committed to Employment Equity and take the approved EE Plan into account during the recruitment process. Remuneration will be discussed with the successful candidate.

The CTICC reserves the right to close this advert at any given time and should you not hear from CTICC within 30 days consider your application unsuccessful.

For more information on the Cape Town International Convention Centre please visit: www.cticc.co.za