Chief Operating Officer

**Vacancy**

**Chief Operating Officer (5 year Fixed term)**

**Job Purpose**

Support the Chief Executive Officer in leading the organization in the successful pursuit of its vision, mission, and strategic objectives through effective and efficient management of the operational requirements delegated by the Chief Executive Officer.

Manages all aspects of functions reporting to the job. Coordinates and administers Sci-Bono Discovery Centre policies as approved by the Board. Develops operating policies and procedures and directs the work of all Senior Managers reporting to the COO. Oversees Sci-Bono Discovery Centre assets, including facilities and equipment.

The COO will be a vital member of the CEO's core staff, working with the CEO to develop and implement Sci-Bono Discovery Centre’s long-term strategy. In this capacity, the COO carries responsibility for integrating the strategic plan of the organization with the operations of Sci-Bono Discovery Centre. The COO will also interact extensively with Senior Managers to provide strategic leadership and direction for all business activities.

**Key Responsibilities**

**1.** **SCI-BONO STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION**
- Assist the CEO with the development and implementation of Sci-Bono’s 5-year strategy, annual performance plans, annual operational plan, and respective departmental operational plans.
- Assist all managers with the review and alignment of policies to the newly approved Strategic Plan.
- Develop and/or review all standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the whole organization to align with the new and/or amended policies to achieve the new Strategic Plan.

**2.** **MANAGEMENT**
- Build and lead the executive team to manage the daily functions of the organization in their respective areas.
- Assist the CEO in aligning the organization’s plans and activities with the relevant provincial and national education and skills development policies and priorities.- Assist the CEO in shaping and being responsible for implementing the organization’s vision, strategy, and plans.
- Ensures that the organization has an appropriate structure that is supportive of the organizational strategy.
- Assist the CEO in building consensus and relationships among executives, partners, and the workforce.
- Assist the CEO in leading Sci-Bono Discovery Science Centre on its transformational journey of new exhibit selection and development, marketing, outreach, and business initiatives to ensure revenue and market share growth, financial sustainability, and strong value for money.

**3.** **RISK MANAGEMENT**
- Review and improve Organization-wide and Departmental Operational Risk Registers
- Ensure all identified operational risks are mitigated and resolved.

**4.** **STRENGTHEN MONITORING AND EVALUATION (M&E)**
- Participate in the monitoring and evaluation of all organizational operations and activities using the approved Sci-Bono Monitoring and Evaluation Framework.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of implemented operations, SOPs, forms, and templates to improve organizational efficiency.

**5.** **STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT**
- Identifying and developing strategic business relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Assist the CEO in developing and building strategic partnerships to enable the development of opportunities for business value.
- Assist the CEO to enhance the stakeholder relationship management strategy.
- Develop and execute a strategic operational plan that meets or exceeds organizational expectations.

**6.** **OPERATIONAL PLANS DEVELOPED AND IMPLEMENTED**
- Develop the organization-wide operational plan,
- Ensure each department develops its operational plan aligned to the organization-wide operational plan and Strategic Plan of the organization.
- Implement and monitor all operational plans.
- Ensure all operational plans ensure programs and activities in core-business display all the elements of Sci-Bono vision of (i) a world-class science center, (ii) ensure participants acquire science knowledge, skills, and attitude, (iii) ensure participants use their acquired science knowledge, skills and attitudes to innovate new products and services that will improve the quality of life of all South Africans, and (iv) ensure participants use their innovated products and service to compete in the global world of science.

**7.** **PEOPLE MANAGEMENT**
- Oversee the manager’s team workforce to ensure that the workforce works as a team and remains motivated through operational plans and performance evaluations.
- Oversee Management and administration of the annual calendar of programs, activities, and events.
- Provide ongoing feedback to the team to ensure they develop the skills and competencies required for effective planning and individual professional and personal career growth.
- Driving the company’s operational capabilities to surpass customer satisfaction and retention.
- Establish and chair OPCO that is inclusive of both core