Kaplo is Africa’s most innovative Human Resource & Business Support Solutions provider, serving clients with cutting-edge business advisory and human capital solutions across diverse sectors of the African economy. At Kaplo, we have proven expertise in business advisory and human resource capabilities targeted at productivity, profitability, sustainability, transformation and overall growth of your business.
Job Description
Our client is seeking a highly experienced, passionate, and deeply responsible Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead and scale the organization’s operational excellence. This role is for a strategic thinker with a strong execution mindset, proven leadership, and the ability to build systems that support sustainable growth.
Key Responsibilities
Provide strategic leadership and operational direction across all business units.
Design, implement, and optimize systems, processes, and structures that drive efficiency and profitability.
Lead and mentor cross-functional teams, ensuring clarity, accountability, and high performance.
Work closely with the CEO to translate vision into actionable operational plans.
Oversee financial planning, risk management, compliance, and performance tracking.
Drive expansion initiatives and support investor relations, key partnerships, and business development efforts.
Ensure world-class governance, operational standards, and business continuity.
Represent the company at high-level meetings, both locally and internationally.
Educational Qualifications
Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, or a closely related field is required.
A Bachelor’s degree with an advanced professional qualification (e.g., MBA + relevant postgraduate certification) may be considered in exceptional cases with demonstrable outcomes.
Professional certifications such as CFA, ACCA, CPA, CIPD, or equivalent are highly desirable.
Continuous professional development and executive education (leadership, risk, compliance, or strategy programs) will be an advantage.
Requirements:
Minimum of 15 years proven experience in operations leadership within finance, investments, or related sectors.
Demonstrable experience building, leading, and managing high-performing teams.
Strong strategic planning, financial acumen, and organizational development skills.
International travel exposure outside Africa is mandatory.
Exceptional communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
Passion-driven leader with a strong sense of responsibility, integrity, and ownership.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth, standards-driven environment.