Senior Operations Manager - International

We’re Hiring: Senior Operations Manager | Lesaka International

Are you an operational leader with a passion for process optimisation, project execution, digital transformation, and driving operational excellence across multiple markets?

Lesaka International is looking for a Senior Operations Manager to join our Operations team. This role is ideal for a highly organised and influential professional who can drive cross-functional coordination, operational governance, process improvement, and strategic execution across multiple countries while supporting scalable growth within a fast-paced fintech environment.

Job Purpose

To drive operational coordination, governance, and execution across Lesaka International's operations, providing scalable operational support to in-country markets.

The successful candidate will act as a central integration point across Operations, Corporate POS, Risk & Compliance, Customer Care, and Group Shared Services, ensuring alignment, visibility, governance, and continuous improvement. The role supports operational excellence through process optimisation, project delivery, AI and automation enablement, operational reporting, and ownership of the International Operations Playbook.

Key Responsibility Areas

Cross-Functional Operational Coordination

• Act as the central coordination hub across Operations, Corporate POS, Technical Support, Service Delivery, Risk & Compliance, Customer Care, and Group Shared Services.
• Align stakeholders to ensure effective execution of operational priorities and initiatives.
• Identify and remove cross-functional bottlenecks impacting service delivery and operational performance.
• Maintain visibility of operational risks, dependencies, priorities, and execution plans.
• Drive collaboration and accountability across operational teams and markets.

Technical Support & Service Delivery Enablement

• Provide strategic support to Technical Support and Service Delivery teams.
• Support the management of major incidents, escalations, SLA adherence, and operational performance improvements.
• Drive root cause analysis and preventative actions for recurring operational challenges.
• Coordinate responses to cross-functional operational issues impacting service delivery.
• Promote proactive problem-solving and operational accountability across the business.

Product Pilots & Operational Rollouts

• Coordinate product pilots, operational testing, and field deployments across multiple markets.
• Define pilot objectives, success measures, readiness criteria, and operational requirements.
• Track and report on pilot execution and outcomes.
• Support controlled rollouts of new products, features, and operational enhancements.
• Ensure successful transition from pilot phase into business-as-usual operations.

Process Optimisation, AI & Digital Enablement

• Design, standardise, document, and optimise operational processes across markets.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency through digitisation, automation, and AI-driven solutions.
• Partner with Technology, Systems, and Data teams to deliver scalable automation initiatives.
• Drive operational excellence through process improvements and continuous improvement programmes.
• Promote adoption of digital tools and modern operational practices.
• Support ongoing AI capability development across operational teams.

Project Management, Reporting & Insights

• Coordinate complex cross-functional operational projects involving Operations, Technology, Product, and Data teams.
• Ensure clear ownership, accountability, milestone tracking, and stakeholder alignment.
• Monitor project delivery and support post-implementation benefit realisation.
• Develop and maintain standardised operational reporting frameworks.
• Provide meaningful insights into performance trends, risks, operational challenges, and opportunities.
• Support leadership decision-making through accurate reporting and analysis.

Governance: Access, Vendors, Training & Documentation

• Manage operational access governance frameworks and controls.
• Conduct periodic access reviews and support audit and compliance activities.
• Support vendor governance and supplier performance management processes.
• Coordinate onboarding, training programmes, and readiness initiatives for employees and vendors.
• Own and maintain the International Operations Playbook.
• Ensure Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), process documentation, training guides, and operational manuals remain accurate, current, and accessible.

Qualifications & Experience

Matric is Mandatory.

Diploma or Degree in Business Management, Operations Management, Project Management, or a related field will be advantageous.

Minimum Experience

• 4–6+ years' experience within Operations, Service Delivery, Technical Support, or Operational Management environments.
• Proven experience coordinating cross-functional activities without direct authority.
• Experience leading operational projects and process improvement initiatives.
• Experience managing escalations, incidents, and stakeholder expectations.
• Exposure to digital transformation, automation, AI, or systems-related initiatives will be advantageous.
• Experience within fintech, banking, telecommunications, payments, or multi-country operational environments will be advantageous.

Why Join Lesaka International?

This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in driving operational excellence, digital transformation, governance, and scalability across multiple international markets. You will work closely with executive leadership and cross-functional teams to shape the future operating model of a rapidly growing fintech business.

Ready to drive operational excellence, support international growth, and help shape the future of Lesaka International?

Apply now or share this opportunity with a colleague who would be a great fit.

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