Job Summary:
The Faculty of Science seeks to appoint an Operations Manager to manage developing and daily operations of the Sterkfontein and Swartkrans Outreach and Research Laboratory for the Faculty of Science. The Operations Manager will take on a senior management and leadership role in the development and implementation of operational policies and practices at the Sterkfontein Caves, and fundamentally contribute to the efficient functioning of this entity. The Operations Manager position is a five year, full-time- appointment, renewable subject to funding.
Responsibilities will include:
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Strategic planning in collaboration with the Head of Center and exhibition coordinator to develop new fundraising initiatives, outreach projects, exhibits and events on site
• Affecting strategic operational plans with the Head of Center and Exhibition Coordinator including cultivating business relationships with national and local governmental, institutional and private stakeholders
• Standing as proxy for Head of Center in their absence
• Compilation and execution of the Operational Business Plan and reporting of operational activities to the Head of Center and stakeholders
• Financial reporting for all operations related to the Sterkfontein and Swartkrans Complex in collaboration with Wits Faculty of Science financial infrastructure
• Operational personnel management at the Sterkfontein and Swartkrans Complex in collaboration with Wits Faculty of Science Human Resources infrastructure
• Oversight and management of the guiding at the Sterkfontein and Swartkrans sites, including staff scheduling and staff development
• Implementation of staff training in collaboration with the Exhibition Coordinator and research team
• Management of the maintenance staff to ensure the upkeep of the property and the infrastructure, including the caves, museum, laboratories, grounds, researcher accommodations and security fencing
• Management of procurement related to all operations at the Sterkfontein and Swartkrans Complex (including tourist and research operations consumables, equipment, and infrastructural requirements)
• Management of the ticketing and cashiers on site
• Acting as direct liaison with Wits Central with respect to ICT, Security and Services, Infrastructure and Development, Communications and Marketing where relevant
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Acting as direct liaison with Faculty of Science Finance and Human Resources Units
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Oversight of the security guards on site
• Providing customer support on site where challenges are encountered
Minimum Requirements:
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At least 5 years’ experience in business/hospitality management and administration (experience at the University or tertiary educational sector will be advantageous)
• Bachelor's degree and honours (NQF 7-8) in hospitality/business management
• Two years’ experience in project planning and reporting
• Previous experience in heritage destination management
• Previous experience in science outreach activities and communications, or educational/museum/science center experience
Key Competencies:
• High level of administrative proficiency with respect to personnel and infrastructure management
• High level of competency in project and hospitality management, especially in terms of tourist destination and activity management
• Customer relations and Stakeholder management
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High level computer literacy with respect to Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint, Access (relational database) and business systems
• Proficiency in English and preferably other local languages
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Excellent communication skills and proficiency in communication, including digital communication, technology such as websites, newsletters, policy briefs, infographics etc.
• Considerable communication and interpersonal skills
• Leadership skills and abilities
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Remuneration: A competitive package is offered that is commensurate with the level of appointment.
Amount of Travel: Some travel required.
Shortlisted candidates may be subjected to a competency assessment.
Only applicants who meet the minimum requirements should apply by submitting their cover letter, detailed CV, certified copies of all educational qualifications and identity document with names and e-mail addresses of three referees.
External applicants are invited to apply by registering their profile on the Wits i-Recruitment platform located at https://irec.wits.ac.za and submitting applications. Internal employees are invited to apply directly on Oracle by following the path: iWits /Self Service application/”Apply for a job.
The University reserves the right not to make an appointment and continue searching after the closing date and only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
“The University is committed to employment equity. Preference may be given, to appointable applicants from the underrepresented designated groups in terms of the relevant employment equity plan and policies of the University. The University retains the right to verify all information provided by the candidate”
Applicants hereby provide consent to process personal information in terms POPIA.
Closing date: 25 August 2024
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Committed to excellence and equity