OPERATIONS MANAGER (AD.07)

Job Summary:

The Faculty of Science seeks to appoint an Operations Manager to manage the continued development and daily business operations of the Wits Sterkfontein Caves (WSC) complex. The Operations Manager will take on a senior management and leadership role in the development and implementation of operational policies and practices at the Sterkfontein Caves and fundamentally contribute to the efficient and effective functioning of this entity. The Operations Manager position is a five year, full-time- appointment, renewable subject to funding. Responsibilities will include:* Strategic planning in collaboration with the Head of Centre and exhibition coordinator to develop new fundraising initiatives, outreach projects, exhibits and events on site

• Affecting strategic operational plans with the Head of Centre and Exhibition Coordinator including cultivating business relationships with national and local governmental, institutional and private stakeholders
• Standing as proxy for Head of Centre in their absence
• Compilation and execution of the Operational Business Plan and reporting of operational activities to the Head of Centre, Management Committee and stakeholders
• Financial reporting for all operations related to the Sterkfontein and Swartkrans Complex in collaboration with Wits Faculty of Science financial infrastructure
• Operational personnel management at the Sterkfontein and Swartkrans Complex in collaboration with Wits Faculty of Science Human Resources infrastructure
• Implementation of staff training in collaboration with the Exhibition Coordinator and research team
• Management of the maintenance staff to ensure the upkeep of the property and the infrastructure, including the caves, museum, laboratories, grounds, researcher accommodations and security fencing
• Management of procurement related to all operations at the Sterkfontein and Swartkrans Complex (including tourist and research operations consumables, equipment, and infrastructural requirements)
• Management of the ticketing and cashiers on site
• Acting as direct liaison with Wits Central with respect to ICT, Security and Services, Infrastructure and Development, Communications and Marketing where relevant
• Acting as direct liaison with Faculty of Science Finance and Human Resources Units
• Oversight of the security guards on site
• Providing customer support on site where challenges are encountered Minimum Requirements:* At least 5 years’ experience in business/hospitality management and administration (experience within the University or tertiary educational sector will be advantageous)
• Bachelor's degree and honours (NQF 7-8) in hospitality/business management
• Two years’ experience in project planning and reporting
• Previous experience in heritage destination management
• Previous experience in science outreach activities and communications, or educational/museum/science center experience would be an advantage.

Remuneration: A competitive package is o¿ered that is commensurate with the level of appointment. Amount of Travel: Some travel required. Shortlisted candidates may be subjected to a competency assessment.

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How To Apply

Only applicants who meet the minimum requirements should apply by submitting their cover letter, detailed CV, certified copies of all educational qualifications and identity document with names and e-mail addresses of three referees.

External applicants are invited to apply by registering their profile on the Wits i-Recruitment platform located at https://irec.wits.ac.za and submitting applications. Internal employees are invited to apply directly on Oracle by following the path: iWits /Self Service application/”Apply for a job. Closing Date: 12 July 2026

By applying for this post the applicant acknowledges that their personal information will be processed by the University. The Applicant, by their conduct in proceeding with an application for this position, gives their consent to the processing of their personal information as required by the University’s Recruitment, Selection and Appointment Policy. Such processing includes logging their information on the University’s recruitment systems, conducting necessary background and reference checks including disciplinary and/or criminal records, and disclosing their personal information to university employees identified to take part in the selection and recruitment process. The Applicant consents to any processing of their personal information as may be required. The confidentiality of the Applicant's personal information will be maintained.

éCommitted to excellence and equity

The University is committed to employment equity. Preference may be given to appointable applicants from the underrepresented designated groups in terms of the relevant employment equity plans and policies of the University. The University retains the right not to make an appointment and to verify all information provided by candidates.

Please note that correspondence will only be entered into with shortlisted candidates. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment or to re-advertise.

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Work At Home