Drive Operational Excellence and People Strategy Where Education Changes the World

Waterford Kamhlaba is a proud member of United World Colleges, a movement of 18 schools and colleges worldwide. WK has 610+ students from 65+ countries spread across seven years (grades), culminating in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. At Waterford Kamhlaba United World College of Southern Africa (WK), education is more than academic excellence – it’s a force for justice, community, and change. Join a school that transforms lives and inspires young people to create a better world. Lead the operational foundation and HR strategy that will empower staff and support the next generation of global change-makers.

Why Waterford Kamhlaba?

WK past-parent and grandparent Nelson Mandela once observed, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” This belief has been at the core of our mission since 1963, when Waterford Kamhlaba became the first school in Southern Africa founded as a nonracial educational institution. It demonstrated that students from a wide array of races, colours, cultures, and religions could live, learn, and thrive together – a  bold challenge to the foundations of apartheid and racism everywhere.

Today, Waterford is moving forward in a new phase of growth and renewal. The school’s leadership team is strong, its mission clear, and its global impact greater than ever. WK is ensuring institutional sustainability and operational excellence while delivering transformative educational experiences to students from Africa and around the globe.

What You’ll Lead

 

You will shape Waterford Kamhlaba’s operational infrastructure and organisational culture.

As Director, you will report to the Principal (Head of School) and serve as an executive strategic advisor driving institutional transformation, legal compliance, governance, and risk management. You will provide direct leadership across multidisciplinary operational departments, including Human Resources, IT, Housekeeping, and Catering. Key priorities include cultivating a high-performance, people-centred culture, streamlining institutional workflows, and optimising campus support operations to fulfil WK's mission. You and your team will foster an inclusive, supportive environment where faculty and operational staff thrive.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s  degree  in  Law,  Business  Administration,  Human  Resources, or related field

• Minimum 6–7 years’ experience in Legal, operations and/or HR management. 

• Professional certification in  Law,  HR,  Governance  (e.g.,  CGI/ICSA),  or  Project Management. 

• Demonstrated experience in governance, legal compliance, and  organisational development. 

• At least 3 years in a senior leadership role. 

• Strong knowledge of labour law, governance, and compliance frameworks.

• Proven leadership experience managing multidisciplinary teams

• Excellent written and verbal communication, documentation, and presentation skills.

• High level of integrity, discretion, and sound judgment. 

• Strong organisational, multitasking, and project management abilities. 

• Advanced experience in culture building and staff development 

• Ability to build effective relationships with senior leadership, staff, and external stakeholders. 

How They Will Support You

You’ll have a clear mandate, committed executive leadership, and collaborative colleagues. Access to the United World College network and the WK Governing Council will strengthen your impact. This is a build-and-shape opportunity – you’ll help design the systems, workplace culture, and operational frameworks that define WK’s next chapter.

Closing Date for Applications:  Midnight, 9th of October 2026

First Interview Date:  TBC

How to apply: 

Please email us at recruitment@charitycareersafrica.com to request a full job description and person specification. You are advised to get in touch well in advance of the closing date to give us time to consider your application and pre-interview the strongest applicants.