Senior Manager – Operational Risk Management (ORM) - South Africa

Senior Manager – Operational Risk Management (ORM) | South Africa

About dss+

At dss+, you don’t just deliver projects - you help save lives, improve performance, and build a more sustainable future. We are a purpose-led global consultancy partnering with organisations in high-risk and asset-intensive industries to solve complex operational challenges across safety, operational excellence, and sustainability. With a heritage rooted in DuPont’s industrial operations, we combine deep expertise, practical problem-solving, and digital innovation to deliver measurable and lasting impact for our clients.

Why This Role

This role sits at the centre of delivering large-scale transformation programmes across South Africa and the broader region, with a strong focus on Operational Risk Management. You will lead client engagements, helping organisations strengthen their risk management frameworks, improve safety performance, and embed risk-based decision-making across operations. As a Senior Manager, you will play a key role in shaping client outcomes, leading teams, managing delivery, and building trusted relationships, while contributing to the growth of our ORM practice in the region.

Why This Practice – Operational Risk Management (ORM)

In a complex and fast-changing environment, organisations must manage risk effectively to protect people, assets, and performance. At dss+, we help clients embed risk-based decision making across their operations, integrating processes, technology, and culture to improve resilience. This enables safer, more productive operations while unlocking greater value.

Your Impact at dss+

You will lead the delivery of transformation programmes, partnering with clients to solve complex operational and organisational challenges. You will oversee teams, manage delivery quality, and support clients in achieving sustainable improvements across safety, operational performance, and risk management.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading consulting teams and managing delivery across multiple project workstreams

• Building strong client relationships and acting as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders

• Assessing operational risks and designing practical, risk-based solutions

• Driving the implementation of Operational Risk Management frameworks and capability building

• Overseeing project execution to ensure quality, impact, and timely delivery

• Facilitating workshops, risk assessments, and leadership engagements with clients

• Coaching and developing team members to build capability and performance

• Supporting business development through proposals, client engagement, and account growth

• Contributing to the development and scaling of the ORM practice across South Africa

What You’ll Experience at dss+

Deliver on our Purpose
Be part of a values-led organisation where your work helps save lives, improve performance, and advance sustainability for our clients and their people.

Develop your Trusted Expertise
Gain autonomy and accountability, working closely with senior clients on complex, high-impact challenges.

Thrive in a Culture of Respect
Join an inclusive and collaborative environment where your voice is valued, your curiosity is encouraged, and your wellbeing is supported.

Shape your Career
Accelerate your development through hands-on leadership experience, structured learning, and opportunities to work on international projects.

Who You Are

You bring strong analytical thinking, a strategic mindset, and the ability to operate effectively in complex, high-risk environments. You are confident engaging stakeholders, leading teams, and driving meaningful improvements in operational risk and safety performance.

Experience

• Significant experience in management consulting, or operational roles with a strong focus on Operational Risk Management

• Proven track record leading complex consulting engagements and managing teams

• Experience within asset-intensive industries (e.g., Mining, Energy, Chemicals, Manufacturing)

• Strong experience working with clients to assess and improve operational risk and safety performance

Capabilities

• Strong leadership and stakeholder management capability

• Ability to manage multiple workstreams and large-scale programmes

• Deep understanding of risk frameworks, safety systems, and operational performance improvement

• Excellent communication, facilitation, and relationship-building skills

Education & Languages

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field

• Fluency in English required

Mobility

• Willingness to travel across South Africa and internationally as required (60%)

Growth & Benefits

We invest in your development and success through:

• Structured learning and development programmes

• Mentorship from experienced leaders and industry experts

• Opportunities to contribute to international projects

• Competitive salary, performance-based incentives, and comprehensive benefits

• Flexible working policies

A Bit More About Us

We are implementers and change-makers. Our teams work from the boardroom to the shop floor, helping organisations build resilience, improve performance, and sustain results over time. Our expertise spans industries including metals and mining, energy, chemicals, manufacturing, and private equity, combining deep operational knowledge with transformation and capability-building expertise.

Diversity & Inclusion

dss+ is committed to building a diverse workforce and fostering an inclusive culture where everyone is respected, valued, and able to contribute fully. We believe diversity strengthens our organisation and drives better outcomes for our people, our clients, and the communities we serve.