Director of International Operations

About the role

The Director of International Operations will establish and lead a new Cape Town hub that supports the UK market for a UK‑based security technology distributor. Reporting to the Managing Director, this senior leader will split focus between driving UK commercial results and building a high‑performing South African operation.

Key responsibilities

• Direct Cape Town sales, support and marketing teams toward UK revenue growth, account reactivation, service quality and customer retention.
• Own the UK‑facing operating rhythm – set targets, manage pipeline reviews, coordinate campaign calendars and enforce service standards together with UK commercial leadership.
• Lead group‑wide operational programmes that support UK growth, such as CRM adoption, customer service standards and process improvement across both UK and South African teams.
• Deputise for the Managing Director on operational matters, chair weekly trading meetings and prepare the monthly board pack.
• Travel to the UK head office quarterly (1‑2 weeks) to work alongside senior leadership.
• Establish the Cape Town operation end‑to‑end: recruit the founding team, set up the office, and embed standards, systems and culture from day one.
• Lead a growing team of up to nine across technical support, inside sales, marketing and administration, with full accountability for performance, quality and retention.
• Run the daily and weekly operating rhythm for the South African team, ensuring alignment with UK commercial objectives.

Required profile

• Proven senior leadership experience building and scaling new operations, preferably in a technology or security‑related environment.
• Strong commercial acumen with a track record of driving revenue growth and customer retention.
• Ability to work closely with executive leadership, influence cross‑functional teams and represent the business in the UK.
• Willingness to travel internationally on a quarterly basis.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder‑management skills.

Required skills