Senior Operations Manager - International

Job Description

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.

Closing Date 28 September 2026