Operations Manager – The Homestead

Full-time, Permanent, Work
Cape Town
Posted 3 months ago

ABOUT THE ORGANISATION AND THE ROLE

The Homestead is a child and youth care organisation dedicated to supporting vulnerable children and families through residential and community-based programmes.

This NGO is now seeking an experienced and highly organised Operations Manager to oversee and optimise organisational operations across multiple centres. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, this role plays a pivotal leadership function in ensuring operational coherence, compliance, facilities management, stock control, procurement, and project coordination.

This position requires a proactive, solutions-driven individual who can manage resources effectively while ensuring compliance with legislative and organisational standards.

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Operations and Administration

  • Streamline and optimise operational processes and procedures.
  • Manage procurement processes, including food, materials, and resource requisitions.
  • Oversee stock management and distribution to all centres.
  • Maintain and update procurement policies and administrative systems.
  • Ensure proper record management of donation and compliance documentation.
  • Manage petty cash withdrawals and operational disbursements.
  • Support driving services when required.
  • Oversee donation-in-kind administration.
  • Promote cost-effective procurement and supplier management practices.

2. Facilities and Vehicle Management

  • Maintain and develop all facilities to ensure safe, child-friendly environments.
  • Coordinate routine and emergency maintenance across all sites.
  • Manage alarm, security systems, and service providers.
  • Ensure vehicle inspections, servicing, licensing, insurance, and compliance.
  • Monitor operational finances including fuel, repairs, and maintenance.
  • Maintain asset and inventory registers.
  • Ensure compliance with Occupational Health & Safety requirements.
  • Manage insurance claims and follow up on damage or theft incidents.

3. Centre Compliance

  • Ensure compliance with all legislative and policy requirements.
  • Support NPO registration and Department of Social Development (DSD) compliance.
  • Implement DSD audit recommendations related to operations and maintenance.
  • Ensure all projects align with the Children’s Act and relevant regulations.
  • Maintain fire equipment, first aid supplies, and safety compliance standards.

4. Service Provider Management & Partnership Development

  • Maintain an up-to-date database of vetted service providers.
  • Source quotations and negotiate competitive pricing.
  • Oversee supplier vetting and compliance documentation.
  • Maintain strong relationships with landlords, security providers, and operational partners.
  • Represent The Homestead at relevant meetings and operational forums.
  • Ensure timely communication with stakeholders and partners.

5. In-Kind Donation & Stock Management

  • Ensure compliance with all legislative and policy requirements.
  • Support NPO registration and Department of Social Development (DSD) compliance.
  • Implement DSD audit recommendations related to operations and maintenance.
  • Ensure all projects align with the Children’s Act and relevant regulations.
  • Maintain fire equipment, first aid supplies, and safety compliance standards.

6. Project Management

  • Develop and coordinate operational and CAPEX project plans (e.g., building upgrades, refurbishments).
  • Identify and mitigate project risks.
  • Coordinate organisational events and logistics.
  • Work closely with the Executive Director and Programme Managers to deliver projects within approved budgets and timelines.

REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

The ideal applicant will have the following competencies: 

1. Work experience and industry exposure

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Non-profit Management, or a related field is essential.
  • Minimum 5 years’ experience in operations management, financial management or administration, preferably within an NGO or social development environment.
  • Experience managing procurement, facilities, compliance, and operational projects.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple sites or programmes simultaneously.

2. Strong Communication and Interpersonal skills

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
  • Ability to negotiate effectively with suppliers and service providers.

3. Excellent Administration and Organisational Skills

  • Strong time management skills with the ability to prioritise and handle a complex, varied workload.
  • Strong planning, coordination abilities.
  • High attention to detail and financial accountability.
  • Skilled in managing systems, policies, and compliance processes.

4. General

  • Knowledge of procurement processes and budget control.
  • Understanding of OHSA and relevant legislative compliance.
  • Valid driver’s licence essential.
  • Proficiency in MS Office and administrative systems.
  • Ability to work under pressure and respond effectively to emergencies.

Interested?

Click on the APPLY NOW / DOWNLOAD APPLICATION button below

Closing date for applications:  1 March 2026

If you have not been contacted within 2 weeks of submitting your application, kindly consider your application to have been unsuccessful

Job Features

Job CategoryFacilities Management, Finance, NGO/NPO, Project Management
Location:Khayelitsha, Cape Town, comfortable travelling to centres around the Cape
Reporting to:Executive Director
Hours of work:Full time
Nature of contract:Permanent
Salary range:CTC salary (commensurate with skill and experience)
Closing date for applications:1 March 2026
Interested?Click on the Apply Now / Download Application button above

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