Initiate International

Head of Operations

Initiate International  •  Cape Town, ZA (Onsite)  •  1 month ago
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Job Description

Are you an experienced Operations leader with a strong understanding of Marketing and commercial growth?

We are seeking a commercially minded Head of Operations to take ownership of the operational performance of a growing iGaming business, while playing a key role in shaping and executing its marketing and customer growth strategy.

This is a senior leadership role suited to someone who understands that successful iGaming businesses require more than efficient operations. You will be expected to connect operations, marketing, customer acquisition, retention, people and commercial performance to drive sustainable growth.

The ideal candidate will be strategic, analytical and hands-on, with the ability to lead teams, optimise processes, manage performance and identify opportunities across the customer lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the day-to-day operations of the business, ensuring processes, systems and teams operate efficiently and at scale.
  • Develop and execute marketing and growth strategies aligned with commercial objectives, with a focus on customer acquisition, FTDs, retention and revenue.
  • Oversee and optimise key marketing channels including Paid Media, Affiliates, CRM, SEO, Social Media, Content and Partnerships.
  • Monitor operational and commercial KPIs, using data and customer insights to identify opportunities and improve performance.
  • Manage and develop high-performing teams, establishing clear objectives, accountability and a strong performance culture.
  • Own and manage operational and marketing budgets, ensuring spend is aligned with performance and delivering strong ROI.
  • Work closely with senior leadership and cross-functional teams including Marketing, Product, Finance, Customer Support and Compliance.
  • Drive process improvements, operational efficiencies and scalable ways of working as the business grows.
  • Support market expansion, product launches and strategic initiatives across African markets.
  • Ensure operational activities remain aligned with regulatory, compliance and responsible gambling requirements.

Requirements

  • 8+ years' professional experience, with significant experience in senior management or leadership positions.
  • Proven experience leading business operations, ideally within iGaming, online betting or another digital-first environment.
  • Strong understanding of digital marketing and customer acquisition.
  • Data-driven approach with the ability to interpret KPIs and performance analytics.
  • Strong budgeting, forecasting and financial management skills.
  • Ability to identify operational challenges and implement practical, scalable solutions.
  • Highly analytical with a strong focus on ROI, profitability and business performance.
  • Demonstrable experience across multiple acquisition and retention channels, including Paid Media, Affiliates and CRM.
  • Experience managing operational and marketing budgets with clear commercial accountability.
  • Strong understanding of the iGaming customer lifecycle, including acquisition, registration, FTD conversion, retention, reactivation and customer value.
  • Experience working with iGaming operators, betting brands, gaming providers or related technology businesses.
  • Exposure to African markets and an understanding of the regional iGaming landscape would be highly advantageous.
  • Experience working within a regulated industry, with an understanding of compliance and responsible gambling requirements.
  • A proven track record of delivering measurable improvements in revenue, customer acquisition, retention, operational efficiency or profitability.

Why This Role?

This is an opportunity to join a growing iGaming business where you will have genuine influence over operations, marketing and commercial growth.

If you are an experienced operator who understands marketing, knows how to turn data into decisions and is ready to take ownership of a high-impact leadership role, we want to hear from you.

Apply now or get in touch with our recruitment team for a confidential discussion.

Initiate International

About Initiate International

Initiate International is first & foremost the leading Recruiter to the iGaming & Fintech industry across the African Continent, having been formed in South Africa back in 2007. Since we joined The Conexus Group in 2023, we now have the ability to offer global recruitment assistance to our clients & candidates through our sister recruitment brand, Pentasia, with their network of offices spanning every other continent. The Conexus Group portfolio also consists of an M&A Advisory, Payments Consultancy, Training Academy & Marketing Services business enabling us to offer a full-service consulting arm.

Initiate International is a team of specialist recruitment consultants who share a passion for recruitment. We ascribe to a more modern approach to recruitment where we, our clients and candidates form one team. It's through working as a team that we are able to identify a perfect match for both clients and candidates.

Exceptional service and quality delivery lie at the heart of the company, we therefore believe in taking a personalised approach to recruitment by striving to understand not only the requirements of our Clients but the nature and corporate culture of their business. In doing so we are not only able to identify the perfect match for your employment needs but are able to provide an employee who will make an immediate impact and begin to add value to your company from day one.

One of the keys to Initiates success is the wealth of industry knowledge its diversified staff of recruitment specialists have acquired throughout their personal experience and acquired networks in their relevant fields. Each division is headed by a qualified senior consultant who will personally consult and advice on the best solution for your recruitment needs.

Industry
HR & Recruiting
Company Size
11-50 employees
Headquarters
Johannesburg, ZA
Year Founded
2007
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