Duties/Pligte
The COO assumes overarching responsibility for:
Providing strategic and operational leadership to ensure the University functions as a sustainable, efficient, and future-ready institution.
Driving the implementation of institutional strategy through integrated operational planning, systems development, and resource optimisation.
Leading campus development, infrastructure planning, and facilities management, including large-scale capital projects and long-term spatial planning.
Overseeing the University's information technology strategy to ensure modern, secure, integrated, and needs-driven digital capabilities that support teaching, learning, research, and
administration.
Advancing environmental sustainability, including initiatives aligned with the University's goal of carbon neutrality.
Ensuring effective campus safety and security.
Ensuring effective risk management systems, including enterprise risk management, business continuity planning, and information security.
Leading the digital transformation of business processes to enhance efficiency, innovation, and service delivery across the institution.
Overseeing institutional support services to ensure a high-quality, inclusive, and enabling campus environment.
Strengthening alignment between operational planning, financial sustainability, and institutional priorities.
Building and maintaining strategic partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, including government, industry, and community partners.
Ensuring effective governance, compliance, and adherence to best practices in line with relevant regulatory and governance frameworks.
Providing leadership to diverse, multidisciplinary teams and fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Job Requirements/Pos Vereistes
A relevant postgraduate qualification (NQF 9 or equivalent).
At least ten (10) years' experience in strategic business planning as well as integrated implementation, management and control at senior executive leadership level within a complex
organisation within the higher education sector.
A thorough and practical understanding of the South African higher education system. Thorough knowledge of relevant international contexts and trends will be advantageous.
Proven experience in leading large-scale operational portfolios, including infrastructure, systems, and organisational transformation.
Proven capacity to provide dynamic, strategic, and visionary leadership in the areas of responsibility.
Demonstrated ability to develop and implement integrated strategies and manage complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
Strong understanding of governance, risk management, and institutional compliance frameworks.
Proven ability to lead digital transformation and innovation in operational systems and processes.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a senior executive team.
Demonstrated commitment to transformation, diversity, and inclusion.
The ability to function effectively within a multilingual and multicultural environment.
A relevant postgraduate qualification (Doctorate or equivalent) will be advantageous.
As part of the interview process, provisionally shortlisted candidates will be expected to deliver a short presentation to the Senior Appointments Committee. The topic of the presentation will be shared with the provisionally shortlisted candidates. Applicants on the final shortlist will be required to present to Senate and Institutional Forum (a joint session), and Council.
Term of Office: The appointment is for a five (5) year fixed term with the possibility of reappointment for further terms.
A successful candidate currently holding an academic appointment may, where applicable, receive an academic rank and fall back to a relevant Faculty at the end of the term of office.
Recommendation/Aanbeveling
