Chief Operating Officer (Operations, Data & Digital)

Edge Growth Solutions is a leading South African impact business. We partner with large companies to design and deliver Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) programmes that help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) grow, create jobs and build stronger businesses. We work across banking, insurance, mining and energy. Edge is entering its next phase of growth. We need to scale without adding cost and complexity at the same rate, and use data and technology more effectively. The Chief Operating Officer will lead this shift across Operations, Data and Digital. This is a build-and-run role. Working with the CEO and leadership team, you will improve how the business runs today while building what Edge needs for scale. Your mission is to turn strategy into action, raise productivity and margin, and make growth easier to deliver. Purpose Build and run a simple, scalable operating model that helps Edge deliver strong outcomes for clients and SMEs, improve productivity and margin, and grow sustainably. Lead the Operations, Data and Digital capabilities that make this possible. Operations • Operating model and ways of working: design and embed a simple, scalable and technology-enabled operating model with clear roles and efficient workflows. • Delivery enablement: give delivery teams the tools, processes, systems and support they need to work consistently and efficiently. • Risk, governance and performance reporting: own operational risk and controls. Set a clear management rhythm that flags performance and issues early. • Supplier and vendor management: select and manage partners and vendors for quality, performance, cost and value. • Knowledge and intellectual property: capture what Edge learns in reusable methods, tools and intellectual property so teams do not keep starting from scratch. Data • Data strategy: set and deliver a data strategy that supports client delivery, business performance and growth. • Data infrastructure: build and maintain reliable, scalable data systems and tools. • Measurement and reporting: give clients and teams accurate, timely reports they can trust and use. • Data governance and quality: set clear definitions, ownership and standards so data is accurate, consistent and trusted. • Data privacy and protection: make sure Edge handles data responsibly and complies with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and other relevant requirements. • Analytics and insight: turn data into insights that improve programme performance, business decisions and client conversations. Digital • Digital platforms and assets: own the strategy, roadmap and performance of Edge's digital tools and platforms. Make sure they are reliable, used and ready to scale. • Automation and artificial intelligence (AI): use automation and AI to cut manual work, improve speed and quality, and lower the cost of delivery where technology can do the work better. Leadership • Team leadership: build and lead strong Operations, Data and Digital teams…