Area Operations Director

Placements24; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Bonus potential

Pension / retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa seeks an Area Operations Director to lead logistics operations in the Tembisa, Gauteng region. You will drive efficiency, oversee warehousing, transportation, and distribution, and optimize costs while maintaining top service levels.

The role requires 10+ years in operations and logistics, a Master's degree, and strong leadership and financial acumen to guide large teams and complex facilities toward growth and excellence.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field (logistics, supply chain, MBA) is required.
• Proven leadership of large teams in logistics or supply chain.
• Strong track record in process improvement and change management.
• Excellent financial acumen and budgeting experience.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all operational activities within Tembisa, including warehousing, transportation, and distribution.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and raise service levels.
• Lead and develop a team of operations managers and staff.
• Manage budgets and monitor financial performance for cost savings.
• Ensure adherence to safety, security, and regulatory standards across sites.
• Apply Lean/Six Sigma and other CI initiatives across operations.
• Collaborate with sales, procurement, and customer service to meet business goals.
• Analyze data to identify trends and risks; manage key stakeholder relationships.

Skills

Leadership

Strategy

Process improvement

Analytics

Budgeting

Communication

Education

Master's degree in Logistics / Supply Chain / MBA

Tools

WMS

TMS

ERP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the logistics sector, is seeking a dynamic and results-oriented Area Operations Director to spearhead operations in the bustling Tembisa, Gauteng area. This senior management position requires an individual with extensive experience in supply chain management, process optimization, and team leadership. You will be responsible for driving operational excellence, ensuring the efficient and cost-effective flow of goods, and maintaining the highest standards of service delivery across multiple facilities. The ideal candidate will possess a strategic mindset, exceptional analytical skills, and a proven ability to manage complex operations and large teams. This role is critical to the company's continued growth and success in the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and direct all operational activities within the designated Tembisa, Gauteng area, including warehousing, transportation, and distribution.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve service levels.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of operations managers and staff, ensuring high levels of performance and engagement.
• Manage departmental budgets, monitor financial performance, and identify opportunities for cost savings.
• Ensure strict adherence to all safety, security, and regulatory compliance standards within all operational sites.
• Implement best practices in supply chain management and continuous improvement initiatives (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma).
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including sales, procurement, and customer service, to achieve business objectives.
• Analyze operational data to identify trends, potential issues, and areas for strategic development.
• Manage relationships with key stakeholders, including vendors, carriers, and clients.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in operations management, with a significant focus on logistics and supply chain within a large-scale environment.
• Proven track record of successfully managing large operational teams and complex facilities.
• Demonstrated expertise in process improvement methodologies and change management.
• Strong financial acumen and experience in budget management.
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in relevant operational software and systems (e.g., WMS, TMS, ERP).
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to the Tembisa, Gauteng area.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive remuneration package, including an attractive base salary, significant performance-based bonuses, comprehensive health insurance, retirement savings plan, paid time off, and substantial opportunities for career advancement within a globally recognized organization. The company is committed to fostering a supportive work environment and invests in the ongoing development of its employees.