Area Supervisor

Wabtec; Rustenburg; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global provider in mining operations is seeking an Area/Operations Supervisor in Rustenburg, South Africa. This role involves managing site staff, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, and overseeing operational efficiency. The ideal candidate should possess strong leadership abilities and a background in operations management or engineering. Join a team committed to driving innovation and operational excellence in a digital mining context. Competitive benefits and a focus on personal impact await.

Responsibilities

• Manage site-based staff and oversee performance.
• Plan shifts and ensure compliance with staffing.
• Ensure health and safety compliance at the site.
• Prepare operational reports and manage client relationships.
• Execute project plans as directed by management.

Skills

Leadership & Staff Management

Operational Planning

Health & Safety Compliance

Reporting & Analysis

Client Relationship Management

Project Execution

Problem Solving

Technical Knowledge

Documentation & SOP Development

Education

Diploma or Degree in Operations Management, Engineering or related field

Valid supervisory and managerial appointments under MHSA

Certification in Health & Safety or Risk Management

Valid driver's licence

Job description

Job Description

Location: Rustenburg, South Africa

Department: Programs

Reports to: Branch Manager

Scope / Job Objective

• We are seeking an Area/Operations Supervisor to join our team at Wabtec Digital Mine.
• This role plays a critical part in delivering high-quality services, driving innovation, and supporting our customers and internal teams.
• The successful candidate will bring expertise, leadership, and a collaborative mindset to help us achieve operational excellence and customer satisfaction.
• Wabtec Corporation is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value‑added services for the freight and transit rail industries.
• The Digital Mine business unit focuses on transforming mining operations through advanced digital technologies, including safety systems, productivity solutions, and data‑driven insights. Our mission is to help mining companies operate more efficiently, safely, and sustainably.

Responsibilities

Staff Management

• Directly manage all site‑based staff, including performance and disciplinary actions.
• Plan and manage staff leave, shifts, and fatigue to ensure coverage and compliance.
• Ensure effective staff recall procedures are in place and executed.
• Identify training and development needs for field staff.
• Develop SOPs and Work Instructions in collaboration with the Branch Manager.

Operational Planning & Execution

• Oversee maintenance, breakdowns, and installation activities.
• Manage site fleet to ensure maintenance and efficient utilisation.
• Inspect completed work for quality and compliance.
• Audit job cards for accuracy and standards compliance.
• Track and analyse operational KPIs.
• Prepare weekly and monthly operational reports.
• Implement operational improvement strategies.

Health & Safety Compliance (MHSA)

• Fulfil duties under MHSA 2.9.2 (Supervisor) and 2.6.1 (Manager) appointments.
• Ensure health and safety compliance and reporting of incidents.
• Conduct and update risk assessments.
• Ensure machinery and equipment safety.
• Maintain accident reporting and investigation systems.
• Oversee staff training and PPE provision.
• Collaborate with HSE Administrator to maintain safety files.
• Ensure staff medicals and inductions are current and recorded.

Reporting & Control Room Management

• Prepare and submit weekly operations reports.
• Collaborate with Account Manager on monthly reporting.
• Manage Control Room operations and ensure timely reporting.
• Perform ad‑hoc tasks as assigned by management.

Client Relationship Management

• Maintain and strengthen relationships with existing clients.
• Address and resolve client queries and issues promptly.
• Conduct regular client check‑ins and meetings.

Project Execution

• Execute project plans from the Branch Manager within scope, budget, and timeline.
• Collaborate with Branch and Account Managers on project activities.

New Client Onboarding

• Build relationships with new clients for upcoming projects.
• Ensure smooth onboarding and integration into the company’s client base.

Working Relationships

Internal

• Branch Manager – project execution, SOP/WI development.
• Account Manager – client reporting and coordination.
• HSE Administrator – safety compliance and documentation.
• Site Teams – staff supervision and operational delivery.
• Control Room Operators – daily reporting and incident tracking.
• HR – staff performance, training, medicals, and inductions.
• Fleet/Logistics Team – vehicle management and allocation.

External

• Clients – relationship management, issue resolution, onboarding.
• Contractors/Service Providers – maintenance and installations.
• Regulatory Bodies – compliance with MHSA and safety standards.
• Training Providers – staff development and certification.

Accountability and Authority

Authority

• This role can Hire and Fire
• This role can recommend salary increases but not apply it
• This role can approve claims
• This role can approve leave

Performance Indicators

1. MHSA & Safety Compliance Management

KPI

Measurement

Target

MHSA Relevance / Rationale

MHSA Compliance Audit Score (Delegated)

Average score from internal and external audits covering delegated MHSA 2.6.1 duties (risk assessments, safe equipment, incident investigation system).

98% Score

Direct measure of supervisory effectiveness in fulfilling delegated managerial safety obligations.

Safety File & Induction Readiness

Percentage of site‑based staff whose mandatory medicals and inductions are current and recorded correctly in the safety file at all times.

100% Compliance

Ensures all staff are legally fit and authorised to work on client sites.

SOP/WI Implementation & Adherence

Percentage of newly created Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Work Instructions (WIs) successfully implemented and consistently followed by field staff (verified via over‑inspection).

95% Adherence

Measures the supervisor’s ability to develop and enforce safe, standardised work processes.

Zero Non‑Compliance Incidents

Number of accidents, near‑mises, or dangerous occurrences directly attributed to a lack of safe supervision (a core 2.9.2 duty).

Zero (0)

Paramount measure of safety leadership and risk mitigation.

2. Operational Efficiency & Quality Control

KPI

Measurement

Target

Rationale

Mean Time To Repair (MTTR) - Team Average

Average time taken by the entire field team to diagnose and restore system functionality across all breakdown events.

120 Minutes

Measures overall operational response speed and efficiency across all managed sites.

Job Card & Reporting Accuracy

Percentage of submitted job cards and weekly operational reports that pass the internal audit for completeness, accuracy, and timely submission.

98% Accuracy

Ensures proper billing, maintenance history logging and adherence to internal control processes.

Over‑Inspection Completion Rate

Percentage of mandatory system maintenance/installation work over‑inspected by the supervisor or Team Lead, as per quality plan.

100% Scheduled Inspections

Confirms compliance with quality standards and effective monitoring of the team’s work quality.

Operational Fleet Utilisation

Percentage of total available hours that the DotNetix allocated fleet is utilised efficiently for operational tasks (maintenance/installation), excluding downtime.

85% Utilisation

Measures effective management and deployment of high‑value company assets (vehicles).

3. Staff & Resource Management

KPI

Measurement

Target

Rationale

Scheduled vs. Actual Staff Coverage

Percentage variance between planned shifts/leave coverage and actual daily staffing levels.

2% Variance

Measures proactive staff planning, fatigue management, and effectiveness of recall procedures.

Technical Competency Improvement

Average score improvement of field staff on mandatory technical skills assessments or training modules.

10% Improvement

Measures the supervisor’s ability to identify training needs and drive technical proficiency across the team.

Disciplinary & Conflict Resolution Rate

Percentage of minor disciplinary or conflict issues resolved effectively at the supervisory level without escalation to the Branch Manager/HR.

90% Resolved Locally

Measures leadership capability and effective application of company policy on site.

4. Reporting, Strategy & Client Delivery

KPI

Measurement

Target

Rationale

Monthly Operational Report Submission

Timeliness of the comprehensive Monthly Operational Report to the Branch Manager and Account Manager.

100% By Deadline

Ensures management and the client relations team have timely, accurate data for strategic decisions.

Improvement Strategy Implementation Rate

Percentage of identified operational improvement strategies (from KPI analysis) that are successfully implemented and show measurable results.

80% Implementation

Measures strategic thinking and the ability to translate data into actionable, beneficial changes.

Project Delivery Time Variance

Average variance between the estimated duration of installation/upgrade projects and the actual completion time.

5% Variance

Measures effective execution, planning accuracy, and adherence to project scope/schedule.

Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• Valid supervisory and managerial appointments under MHSA (2.9.2 and 2.6.1).
• Certification in Health & Safety or Risk Management (advantageous).
• Valid driver’s licence.

Skills

• Leadership & Staff Management – Strong ability to lead teams, manage performance, and resolve conflicts.
• Operational Planning – Skilled in scheduling, resource allocation, and fleet management.
• Health & Safety Compliance – In‑depth understanding of MHSA requirements and safety protocols.
• Reporting & Analysis – Proficient in compiling operational reports and tracking KPIs.
• Client Relationship Management – Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Project Execution – Capable of delivering projects on time and within scope.
• Problem Solving – Strong analytical and decision‑making abilities.
• Technical Knowledge – Familiarity with maintenance, installations, and job card auditing.
• Documentation & SOP Development – Ability to create and maintain operational procedures and work instructions.

Additional Information

What could you accomplish in a place that puts People First?

At Wabtec, it’s not just about a job – it’s about the impact you make. When our people come together, we’re Expanding the Possible by continuously improving what we do and how we do it – for our clients and each other.

If you’re ready to revolutionise how the world moves for future generations, Wabtec is the place for you.

Who are we?

Wabtec is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value‑added services for the freight and transit rail sectors. Drawing on more than 150 years of experience, we are leading the way in safety, efficiency, reliability, innovation, and productivity. Whether it’s freight, transit, ports, logistics, mining, industrial, or marine, our expertise, technologies, and people together – are accelerating the future of transportation. With roots that date back to George Westinghouse, Thomas Edison, and Louis Faiveley, Wabtec has always built technologies and implemented solutions for a variety of sectors that are critical to meeting the needs of customers and governments alike.

Our global team of about 30,000 employees worldwide delivers performance that moves the world forward. We’re lifelong learners, obsessed with better. Learn more at www.WabtecCorp.com.

Culture powers us and the possibilities.

We believe the best ideas come from a mix of experiences and backgrounds. At Wabtec, we strive every day to create a place where everyone belongs. We’re building a culture where leadership, inclusion and your unique perspective fuel progress.

We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome talent of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities, including race, gender, age, disability, veteran status and more.

Need accommodation? Just let us know – we’ve got you.