Operations Manager

LIONLEAD Real Estate is scaling from a founder-led operation into a multi-branch real estate group. We are building micro branches across Cape Town, each led by equity partners who think and operate like owners. As we grow, we need a Operations Manager to be the operational backbone of the business — someone who ensures the strategy gets executed, the systems get built, and the people are held accountable.

This role does not exist yet. There are no SOPs, no documented processes, and no operational framework in place. You will build everything from scratch. If that excites you, keep reading.

1. Strategy Execution & Project Management

•  Own the execution of LIONLEAD’s strategic plan — translate vision into actionable project timelines with clear milestones and deadlines.

•  Manage key projects (e.g., financial forecasting model, branch launches, franchise development) from initiation to completion.

•  Run weekly/monthly strategy check-ins with the CEO and branch managers to track progress against targets.

•  Identify bottlenecks, flag risks early, and proactively solve problems before they escalate.

2. SOP Development & Business Documentation

•  Audit the entire business operation and document every process — from agent onboarding to commission payouts to lead management.

•  Build a comprehensive SOP library that allows LIONLEAD to replicate its model across new branches consistently.

•  Create operational playbooks for branch managers covering daily operations, agent management, tenant/landlord workflows, and compliance.

•  Establish templates and systems that reduce dependency on any single person (including the CEO).

3. Accountability & Performance Management

•  Hold branch managers accountable to their KPIs — GCI targets, agent recruitment numbers, rental portfolio growth, and client satisfaction.

•  Build and maintain dashboards/scorecards that give real-time visibility into branch and agent performance.

•  Conduct monthly performance reviews with branch managers and escalate underperformance to the CEO with recommendations.

•  Ensure vesting milestones for equity partners are tracked and documented.

4. Franchise Development & Growth Support

•  Manage inbound franchise enquiries — respond, qualify, and schedule introductory meetings with the CEO.

•  Sit in on franchise meetings to capture pain points, objections, and insights that can improve LIONLEAD’s value proposition.

•  Maintain a franchise prospect pipeline and follow up systematically.

•  Support the CEO in preparing pitch materials, presentations, and proposals for prospective partners.

5. Operational Improvement & Efficiency

•  Identify inefficiencies across the business and implement solutions — whether that’s a new tool, a better process, or eliminating unnecessary steps.

•  Research and recommend technology platforms (CRM, project management, accounting, communication) to professionalise operations.

•  Act as the central coordination point between branches, ensuring information flows and nothing falls through the cracks.

•  Build a culture of continuous improvement — if something can be done better, faster, or cheaper, find it and fix it.

Essential:

•  Highly organised with an obsessive attention to detail — nothing slips through your net.

•  Strong project management skills — you can break a big vision into small, trackable deliverables.

•  Comfortable holding people accountable, including senior stakeholders, without being abrasive.

•  Excellent written and verbal communication — you can document a process, run a meeting, and write a professional email with equal skill.

•  Self-starter who thrives in ambiguity — you don’t need a manual because you’re the one writing it.

•  Proficient in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and project management tools (Asana, Monday.com, or similar).