Overview

Operations Associate Jobs in Somerset West, Western Cape, South Africa at Allocator

Title: Operations Associate

Company: Allocator

Location: Somerset West, Western Cape, South Africa

Allocator:

Allocator is a data technology company that provides an intelligence platform for institutional investors (LPs) in private markets. We help pension funds, endowments, foundations, family offices, and fund-of-funds transform how they manage and analyse their alternative investment portfolios across Hedge Funds, Private Equity, Venture Capital, Real Estate, and Private Debt.

Using AI and other data automation systems, we collect, extract, digitise, standardise, and harmonise investment data from fund managers (GPs) across all formats and sources, including fund portals, email, and direct uploads. Our clients access unified portfolio views through our software platform, APIs, and Excel add-ins.

We are an AI-forward business. AI assistants, automations, and modern data tooling are everyday parts of how we work, and we look for people who use them fluently as core tools rather than novelties.

At Allocator, our people and culture are at the heart of our success. We strive for excellence through innovation in a collaborative and agile environment and are always looking for great people to join us in building the next generation of data management and analytics solutions for the alternative investment industry.

About the Role:

As an Operations Associate at Allocator, you will work directly with our COO across a broad range of operational functions, including Legal, Finance, Information Security, IT, HR, and general business operations. This is a hands-on role for a technically minded generalist who wants exposure to how a modern, AI-forward SaaS business runs end-to-end. We run lean and pragmatic. No task is too small, and no specialism too far. You will draft contracts, redline NDAs, run vendor security reviews, build internal automations, support audits, manage internal IT, and pick up whatever sits between functions. You will use AI assistants and automation tooling as everyday parts of your workflow, not as add-ons. This is not a guided graduate scheme. It is a high-exposure operator role for someone who wants to learn how every part of a SaaS business runs alongside a senior leader.

Primary Job Responsibilities:

  • Support the COO across day-to-day operations, project delivery, and cross-functional initiatives
  • Run point on legal and contractual administration: NDAs, vendor agreements, redlines, and contract tracking
  • Support finance and accounting workflows including bookkeeping coordination, expense tracking, supplier payments, budget administration, and Xero hygiene
  • Own elements of our Information Security Management System: vendor risk assessments, supplier due diligence, audit evidence collection, and policy reviews
  • Manage internal IT operations including account provisioning, MFA enforcement, hardware lifecycle, software licences, and SSO administration
  • Build and maintain internal automations across the business using AI tools, Python scripting, and APIs
  • Use AI assistants (Claude, ChatGPT, Cursor) as primary tools for drafting, research, document review, and analysis across every function
  • Coordinate compliance activities including ISO 27001 surveillance audits, GDPR and POPIA workflows, and ad-hoc client due diligence questionnaires
  • Run procurement and supplier onboarding end-to-end, from sourcing through contract execution and ongoing relationship management
  • Take ownership of internal projects that fall outside any single function, partnering with department heads to deliver measurable outcomes
  • Document processes, write internal SOPs, and codify how things get done as the business scales

Skills and Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree (or higher) combining Computer Science or Information Systems with Business, Commerce, or Finance, e.g. BBusSci Computer Science, BCom Information Systems, or an equivalent dual-discipline background
  • Cum Laude or equivalent academic record from a recognised university
  • Technical fluency: working knowledge of SQL, Python scripting, and APIs, with daily use of AI assistants (Claude, ChatGPT, Cursor) to build and maintain internal automations
  • Strong instinct for what to automate; looks at every recurring task and asks whether AI or scripting can take it over
  • Strong written communication, capable of drafting policies, redlining contracts, and producing clear internal documentation
  • Commercial fluency, with the ability to read a P&L, understand unit economics, and engage substantively in finance or vendor discussions
  • Pragmatic and outcome-focused; willing to take on routine, hands-on work, resolve issues, and move forward
  • Strong personal ownership: once a task is assigned, it is delivered and documented without further follow-up required
  • Comfortable operating in ambiguity, without a fixed playbook, in a fast-moving environment
  • 0 to 3 years of professional experience, or a strong recent graduate

Desirable:

  • Internship or work experience at a startup, scale-up, or in consulting
  • Familiarity with ISO 27001, SOC 2, GDPR, or POPIA at a working literacy level
  • Exposure to corporate finance, accounting platforms (Xero), or contract management tools
  • Personal projects or side work demonstrating initiative, such as automations, AI builds, technical projects, or contributions to open source
  • Interest in alternative investments, fund administration, or institutional finance

Other Benefits:

  • Professional development budget (e.g. CFA, CAIA, or other relevant certifications)
  • Private medical cover
  • Pension plan contributions
  • Flexible working with regular team socials and events

Allocator is committed to continuing to make diversity, equity, and inclusion part of everything we do, from how we build our products to how we build our workforce.

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