Chief Operating Officer

About Pezesha

Pezesha is a pioneering fintech company building scalable, responsible, and data-driven financial infrastructure for MSMEs across Africa. We are entering a critical growth phase with expansion plans across new markets, partnerships, and investor engagement. As we continue this upward trajectory, we are looking for a Chief Operating Officer (COO) who is not only operationally excellent but deeply aligned with our mission and vision.

About the role

The COO will serve as the right hand to the CEO—functioning as Deputy CEO—responsible for driving flawless execution of Pezesha's growth roadmap, enforcing operational rigor, and aligning cross-functional teams for high performance. This is a strategic and execution-focused leadership role, ideal for a builder with a proven track record of scaling operations and leading teams in fast-paced, high-growth environments.

The ideal candidate will lead day-to-day operations, guide department heads, tackle company-wide challenges, and foster cohesion across all business units. As a trusted partner to the CEO, the COO will play a key role in turning vision into action.

Key Responsibilities Strategic Operations & Execution

• Co-develop and implement Pezesha's long-term operating plan with the CEO and CFO, ensuring alignment with the company's financial model and strategic roadmap.

• Translate the LT plan into short-term (quarterly and annual) departmental plans, ensuring performance targets and KPIs are cascaded and executed across all countries.

• Independently lead cross-functional strategic initiatives with a strong grasp of company-wide priorities.

• Serve as the CEO's proxy and sounding board in decision-making, driving forward execution with the same urgency and ownership as the Founder.

• Build, refine, and scale internal processes for operational efficiency, visibility, and accountability.

Leadership & People Management

• Oversee and lead all credit operations, including origination, underwriting, disbursement, collection, and portfolio performance across multiple markets.

• Ensure credit operations are efficient, data-driven, and aligned with risk, compliance, and business growth objectives.

• Mentor and guide credit leadership and ensure strong feedback loops between credit, risk, product, and tech teams.

• Lead and mentor department heads to ensure they are resourced, focused, and held accountable for performance and strategic alignment.

• Run weekly leadership meetings with all leads to monitor progress, resolve challenges, and ensure interdepartmental collaboration.

Business Growth & Financial Oversight

• Collaborate with the CEO on business development, partner relationships, and strategic investor engagement.

• Support execution of key fundraising initiatives and contribute to expansion strategy.

• Work with the CFO to track cash flow, budgets, and ensure financial discipline across departments.

• Proactively manage risks, costs, and ensure operational resilience.

Founder Support & Organizational Glue

• Actively relieve the CEO of day-to-day execution burdens and tactical decisions, allowing focus on vision, investors, and talent growth.

• Own internal communication and coordination, ensuring all teams are aligned and motivated.

• Ensure issues are escalated and resolved promptly, often being the first to spot fires before they become crises.

• Champion the company culture in every aspect—from new hires to leadership cohesion.

Who You AreKey Qualities & Expectations

• Trusted Partner to the CEO: You have a high degree of integrity, emotional intelligence, and business maturity. You offer candid advice and bring solutions, not noise.

• Charismatic Leader: Leads by example and earns the respect of the leadership team. Seen as the company's center of gravity when the CEO is absent.

• Execution-Oriented: Moves quickly and decisively. Doesn't wait to be told what to do and thrives on solving high-stakes problems.

• Growth Driver: Aggressively drives the achievement of operational KPIs and business targets. No tolerance for lagging performance.

• Operational Strategist: Combines big-picture thinking with hands-on implementation. Understands how to turn strategy into results.

• People Champion: Connects with teams at all levels. Seen as approachable, supportive, and empathetic, while also firm on accountability.

• Financially Savvy: Understands the financial levers of the business and can drive spending discipline and return on investment across operations.

• Highly Adaptive: Grows with the company, ready to evolve responsibilities as Pezesha enters new stages of growth.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7+ years in senior operational or strategic leadership roles in fintech, startups, or high-growth ventures.

• Strong understanding of African markets and operating in dynamic regulatory and economic environments.

• Proven track record in managing cross-functional teams and scaling business operations.

• Demonstrated success in budget oversight, financial analysis, and business planning.

• Experience working closely with founders and/or holding P&L responsibility.

• Advanced degree in Business, Finance, Operations, or related field preferred.

• Previous startup equity-holder or co-founder experience is a major plus.

What Success Looks Like (First 12 Months)

• Execution of a clear operating plan aligned with Pezesha's strategic goals and investor expectations. 4

• All departments are operating with increased efficiency, clarity, and accountability.

• Reduced dependency on the CEO for operational decisions.

• Strong internal culture of performance, discipline, and execution.

• Strategic expansion plans are underway with robust operational systems in place

Why Join Pezesha?

• Drive real impact: Join a mission-driven team working to unlock financial inclusion for MSMEs across Africa.
  Work with visionary leadership: Collaborate closely with our CEO and dynamic leadership team shaping the future of embedded finance.

• Lead with purpose: Take ownership of high-stakes decisions that directly influence strategy, growth, and innovation.

• Grow into leadership: Fast-track your career toward a C-level role with meaningful equity (ESOP) and the opportunity to build lasting impact.

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