Junior Operations Manager

Purpose of the Role:

Dis-Chem Life is on a mission to transform financial services in South Africa by putting people, integrity, and innovation at the heart of everything we do. The Junior Operations Manager plays a critical role in ensuring that operational processes, systems, and initiatives run smoothly, efficiently, and in alignment with strategic business objectives.

By deeply embedding in the operations function, the Junior Operations Manager ensures the team executes effectively, enabling the business to scale responsibly, meet customer expectations, and deliver high-quality services.

This is more than a junior operations role, it is a launchpad for growth, influence, and long-term impact, offering the opportunity to shape operational excellence in a fast-growing, values-driven financial services business.

Role Summary

This role exists to support, streamline, and enhance operational workflows across the business, ensuring that processes are efficient, scalable, and aligned with company strategy. You will work closely with the Head of Operations, overseeing operational activities, supporting projects, and driving initiatives that improve efficiency and effectiveness across teams.

This position is designed for an ambitious, detail-oriented, and driven professional ready to make a meaningful impact early in their career. You will be entrusted with responsibilities that contribute directly to the success of the operations function and the business as a whole.

Benefits:

• Join a strategic, high-impact operations team within a fast-growing financial services business.
• Learn and be mentored by the Head of Operations.
• Gain hands-on experience across operational management, process improvement, project execution, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Contribute to decisions and initiatives that directly impact business efficiency, customer experience, and operational scalability.
• Build a strong foundation for a high-performing career in operations with growth and development opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

Enable Day-to-Day Delivery

• Ensure smooth day-to-day operations to support Dis-Chem Life's objectives.
• Efficiently manage client queries and issues to ensure seamless resolution.

Process Improvement and Customer Experience

• Work with your team to deliver best-practice operational processes and identify areas for process improvement.
• Help build a world-class customer experience at every client interaction.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with product, engineering, underwriting, and sales teams to develop, define, and document business requirements.
• Support the development and iteration of product enhancements and digital offerings.
• Test new product features and enhancements to ensure readiness for market.

Operational Expertise and Support

• Become a Dis-Chem Life product and system specialist, performing administrative duties and assisting internal and external service providers.
• Research, track, and report on market trends to inform business decisions.

Project and Team Support

• Assist in planning, coordinating, and executing operational projects.
• Monitor project progress, escalate risks, and provide updates to senior leadership.
• Support team leads in aligning operational priorities and workflows.

Governance and Compliance Support

• Help maintain operational documentation, reporting frameworks, and compliance with internal policies.
• Promote operational best practices across the business.

Soft Skills:

• Strong integrity, ethics, and professional judgment.
• Highly organised, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Analytical thinker with a proactive problem-solving mindset.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Collaborative and team-focused, yet able to work independently.
• Adaptable, resilient, and proactive in fast-paced environments.
• Ownership and accountability mindset.
• High emotional intelligence and professionalism under pressure.

Required Skills and Experience:

• 1–3 years' experience in operations, project management, or related roles.
• Experience supporting cross-functional teams or multiple stakeholders.
• Knowledge of operational frameworks, KPI management, and process improvement.
• Experience in financial services, insurance, or regulated industries advantageous.
• Strong proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and operational reporting tools.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field advantageous.
• Project Management or Operations certifications advantageous.