OPERATIONS MANAGER

The Service Dining Rooms (SDR) is one of the oldest Public Benefit Organisations in Cape Town. It was established by Ms Doris Syfret in the 1930s with the onset of the Great Depression. For more than 80 years, every weekday, year in and year out, SDR has provided one of the most basic human needs, a cooked nutritious meal, to the most vulnerable communities. Meals are prepared at and served from SDR’s premises in Canterbury Street in the Cape Town CBD.

Based in Cape Town, South Africa – SDR seeks to appoint an

OPERATIONS MANAGER

SDR is looking for an Operations Manager to oversee their crucial mission in Cape Town. This vital role combines strategic leadership with a hands-on approach to support the vulnerable, managing daily operations and a dedicated team to provide nutritious meals. With a commitment to empathy, resilience, and innovation, this position is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact and continue an enduring legacy of community service.  

The Operations Manager will be responsible for the following:

1. Overall responsibility for the day-to-day running of SDR
2. Managing a small core team of 5 to 10 permanent staff members who plan, prepare, and serve meals every weekday
3. Ensuring the cleaning and preparation of the premises for the next day’s service
4. Daily interactions with homeless adults and members of vulnerable communities who eat at SDR’s premises
5. Sourcing and coordinating food and other donations
6. Dealing with suppliers and government entities, such as the Department of Social Development
7. Liaising with volunteers and donors
8. Submission of high-quality reports to apply for funding from prospective donors or to continue receiving funds from existing donors
9. Representing SDR in public spheres at events and promoting the vision and mission of SDR
10. Managing the day-to-day financial functions of SDR, including the payment of wages and creditors
11. Liaising with the bookkeeper and treasurer of the organization as needed
12. Developing and maintaining personal development plans for staff linked to performance bonuses
13. Managing finances with honesty and transparency to uphold SDR’s clean audit standards
14. Ensuring all policies and procedures are in place, updated where necessary, and creating new ones when necessary

The Operations Manager must have the following qualifications, experience and qualities:

1. Energetic and self-motivated and have a calling to work with those in need 
2. Able to deal with vulnerable adults and people who have suffered from various types of abuse, have substance addictions, have criminal records and/or are difficult to work with 
3. Have a relevant tertiary qualification – diploma or degree
4. Have a minimum of three years’ experience in the NGO sector, preferably in a position with regular interaction with homeless adults or otherwise vulnerable people
5. A minimum of three years’ experience in managing staff
6. Proficiency in the use of basic computer software such as Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel
7. A valid driver’s licence would be an advantage
8. Preference will be given to candidates with an educational background in social work or similar social sciences
9. Preference will be given to candidates who have fundraising experience 
10. An understanding of the complexities of the Non-Government and Non-Profit Organisation environment at the provincial and national levels would be an advantage
11. The successful candidate will be flexible and able to work under extreme pressure from time to time, as well as being able to manage the daily demands with determination and stamina

View the full job description and application instructions on the Vacancies page at  www.actionappointments.co.za and email your application by Tuesday 18^th June 2024   to  oona@actionappointments.co.za