Operations Manager – Ohr Somayach

Full-time, Permanent, Work
Atlantic Seaboard, Cape Town
Posted 1 month ago

ABOUT THE ORGANISATION AND THE ROLE

Ohr Somayach Cape Town is a vibrant  and growing Orthodox Jewish community based in the heart of Sea Point. The Shul provides a warm and welcoming environment for meaningful Jewish connection, Torah learning, spiritual growth, chesed and communal involvement.

Ohr Somayach is seeking a capable, hands-on and people-focused Operations Manager to oversee and coordinate the Shul’s day-to-day operations. The role is responsible for ensuring the effective management of staff, resources, systems, suppliers, events and the Shul property, while supporting the Rabbi, Chairman and leadership team.

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

This is a varied role requiring sound judgement, initiative and strong follow-through. The successful applicant will be equally comfortable guiding a team, improving systems, managing projects and budgets, coordinating community events and resolving practical operational matters.

1. Operational leadership, systems and reporting

  • Develop, implement and monitor operational plans aligned with the Shul’s strategic priorities.
  • Translate strategic objectives into clear processes, responsibilities, timelines and measurable outcomes.
  • Maintain centralised information, documentation and internal knowledge-sharing systems, including SharePoint.
  • Review workflows and identify opportunities to improve service delivery, efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
  • Hold a weekly operational meeting with the Rabbi and facilitate weekly operational team meetings.
  • Prepare a monthly written report for the Management Committee, together with operational dashboards and performance summaries as required.
  • Ensure that minutes, decisions, action items and follow-ups from key meetings are accurately recorded, circulated and completed.

2. People and team management

  • Lead and support office, grounds and kitchen staff, ensuring clear accountability, effective task allocation and consistent service standards.
  • Take direct line-management responsibility for office staff, including performance management, coaching, development and regular performance reviews.
  • Build the capability of the office team through training, improved systems and ongoing skills development.
  • Promote collaboration and effective communication among staff, the Rabbi, leadership, portfolio heads and volunteers.

3. Financial, procurement and supplier management

  • Prepare and manage operational budgets, monitor expenditure and support the effective allocation of resources.
  • Oversee office spending, quotation processes and approvals in consultation with the Accountant’s, Treasurer and Chairman.
  • Manage supplier and service-provider relationships, including sourcing quotations, negotiating contracts and monitoring performance.
  • Oversee procurement of office, event and Shul supplies.
  • Serve as an effective liaison between the Accountant’s and Treasurer, ensuring that financial information and supporting documentation are supplied timeously.
  • Manage payments of fees and donations by maintaining proper records and spreadsheets.
  • Process or coordinate supplier invoices and payments for approval.
  • Manage and be responsible for the petty cash, cash donation and fee payments as well as the donations pushke.

4. Project, digital and communications coordination

  • Plan and coordinate operational and digital projects, including CRM, website and online-system improvements.
  • Assits with fundraising initiatives and projects, including the annual fundraising campaign
  • Oversee day-to-day social media coordination and ensure content is scheduled and published appropriately.
  • Brief and manage freelance designers and website developers when design or website work is required.
  • Track project timelines, deliverables and budgets, ensuring that work is completed to a high standard.
  • Assist with the drafting and circulation of the weekly newsletter and all other ad hoc communications, ensuring accurate information is communicated to the members/congregants.

5. Events, functions and community coordination

  • Support the development of the annual events calendar and oversee the planning, logistics and delivery of Shul programmes, projects and functions.
  • Coordinate staff, suppliers, facilities and volunteers to ensure events run smoothly and professionally.
  • Recruit and coordinate volunteer members to assist with functions and community initiatives.
  • Build productive relationships with neighbouring schools, communal organisations and other stakeholders to encourage collaborative programmes and events.

6. Property and facilities oversight

  • Oversee the day-to-day upkeep, cleanliness, safety, presentation and operational readiness of the Shul building and property.
  • Coordinate routine maintenance and minor repairs, appointing and supervising suitable service providers where required.
  • Maintain a planned maintenance schedule and ensure that building-related issues are identified, prioritised and resolved timeously.
  • Oversee cleaning and grounds staff and ensure that facilities are appropriately prepared for services, programmes and functions.
  • Manage facilities-related suppliers, contracts, stock and equipment, escalating significant repairs or capital requirements to the relevant leadership member.

REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

The ideal applicant will have the following competencies:

1. Work experience and industry exposure

  • Relevant experience in operations, office, facilities or organisational management, ideally at a management level.
  • Proven experience managing staff, suppliers, budgets, projects and competing operational priorities.
  • Experience coordinating events, functions, fundraising initiatives or community programmes is desirable.

2. Strong Communication and Interpersonal skills

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage professionally with staff, congregants, volunteers, leadership, suppliers and community partners.
  • Confident people manager who can set expectations, hold others accountable and address difficult situations calmly and constructively.
  • Collaborative and service-oriented, with the ability to work effectively with the Rabbi, Chairman, Management Committee and volunteer portfolio heads.
  • Hard-working, reliable and hands-on, with high standards of quality, service and efficiency.

3. Excellent Administration and Organisational Skills

  • Highly organised, systematic and detail-oriented, with strong planning, prioritisation and follow-through.
  • Able to manage multiple projects, deadlines and operational demands in a busy, community-facing environment.
  • Strong project-management, budgeting, procurement and reporting capabilities.
  • Analytical and solutions-focused, with the ability to improve processes and use resources efficiently.
  • Able to work independently, use initiative and maintain accurate records and documentation.
  • A practical understanding of building upkeep, maintenance coordination, supplier management and workplace safety.

4. Specific Requirements

  • Strong digital literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft 365 and online collaboration and CRM systems
  • Experience using or implementing CRM, website, social media and reporting systems is advantageous.
  • Financial acumen and confidence working with budgets, quotations, contracts and operational expenditure.
  • High levels of integrity, discretion and sound judgement.
  • Flexibility to support Shul services, events or functions outside standard office hours when required.

Interested?

Click on the APPLY NOW / DOWNLOAD APPLICATION button below

Closing date for applications: 07 September 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 CategoryBusiness & Management, Facilities Management
Location:Sea Point, Cape Town
Reporting to:Rabbi and Management Committee
Nature of contract:Permanent
Hours of work:8am – 4pm / 9am – 5pm (Mon – Thurs) 8am – 3pm (Fridays)
Salary range:Market related commensurate with skill and experience; plus + discretionary 13th cheque, based on performances and the Shul’s finances
Closing date for applications:07 September 2026
Interested?Click on the APPLY NOW / DOWNLOAD APPLICATION button above

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