Branch Manager – Northern Cape – Khatu

Ann Swann Personnel Services; Kathu; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Job summary

Ann Swann Personnel Services is seeking an Area Operations Manager based in Kathu to lead and optimise equipment rental operations across the designated region.

You will drive business development, manage field teams, oversee fleet utilisation, budgeting, and performance metrics while ensuring safety and service excellence. Regular travel within the region is required, with a strong focus on customer satisfaction and profitable growth.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Business or Operations Management.
• Proven experience in area/branch management or similar leadership role.
• Experience in equipment rental, engineering, mining or industrial sectors.
• Strong understanding of fleet utilisation and maintenance requirements.
• Experience in business development, technical sales and customer relationship management.
• Experience managing budgets and financial performance.
• Willingness to travel within the designated region; based in Kathu.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations to ensure efficient equipment rental and service delivery.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities within engineering, mining and industrial sectors.
• Manage budgets, revenue, profitability, and key performance indicators.
• Lead, motivate and develop staff; promote safety, teamwork and customer service.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with customers and contractors.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure equipment availability and service delivery.
• Monitor performance and report on regional results to senior management.

Job description

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Area Operations Management

• Oversee daily operations within the designated area, ensuring efficient equipment rental operations and service delivery.
• Manage equipment availability, fleet utilisation, and operational resources to meet customer requirements.
• Ensure the effective coordination of equipment deliveries, collections, servicing, and maintenance.
• Monitor equipment performance, downtime, and operational efficiency to maximise productivity and profitability.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, health and safety regulations, and relevant industry standards.
• Identify operational challenges and implement effective solutions to maintain service standards.

Business Development & Sales

• Identify and pursue new business opportunities within the engineering, mining, and industrial sectors.
• Develop and implement sales strategies to increase market share, rental revenue, and customer retention.
• Promote the company's specialised equipment rental solutions to existing and prospective customers.
• Conduct regular customer and site visits to identify operational requirements and recommend appropriate equipment solutions.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key customers, contractors, and industry stakeholders.
• Monitor competitor activities, market trends, and industry developments to identify opportunities for business growth.
• Oversee quotations, rental agreements, pricing, and commercial negotiations.

Financial & Performance Management

• Take responsibility for regional revenue, profitability, and overall financial performance.
• Develop and manage operational budgets, expenditure, and cost-control initiatives.
• Monitor rental revenue, fleet utilisation rates, operating costs, and profit margins.
• Analyse sales and operational performance against established targets and KPIs.
• Identify opportunities to improve equipment utilisation, operational efficiency, and profitability.
• Prepare and submit regular financial, operational, and performance reports to senior management.

Staff Management & Leadership

• Lead, manage, and motivate operational, technical, and sales employees to achieve business objectives.
• Monitor employee performance and provide ongoing coaching, guidance, and support.
• Ensure effective workforce planning and appropriate allocation of staff and operational resources.
• Promote a culture of accountability, safety, teamwork, and customer service.
• Address performance concerns and operational challenges in accordance with company procedures.

Customer Relationship Management

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective customers.
• Act as a key point of contact for customer enquiries, equipment rental requirements, and service-related matters.
• Understand customer operational requirements and provide suitable rental equipment solutions.
• Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction through consistent communication and efficient service delivery.
• Resolve customer complaints and operational issues promptly and professionally.

Equipment Management & Technical Support

• Oversee equipment condition, availability, maintenance schedules, and operational readiness.
• Work closely with technical and maintenance teams to minimise equipment downtime.
• Ensure rental equipment is inspected, maintained, and serviced according to company standards.
• Coordinate with internal teams to ensure equipment is delivered and collected according to agreed rental schedules.
• Monitor equipment utilisation and identify opportunities to optimise fleet performance.

Reporting & Internal Collaboration

• Maintain accurate records of rental activities, sales opportunities, customer interactions, and operational performance.
• Monitor regional performance against established sales, rental, and operational targets.
• Collaborate with internal departments to ensure efficient equipment availability, technical support, and service delivery.
• Provide regular updates to senior management regarding business performance, market conditions, and growth opportunities.
• Support the implementation of business strategies and continuous improvement initiatives.

Minimum Requirements

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Business Management or Operations Management. An Engineering degree would be advantageous.
• Proven experience in area management, branch management, or a similar operational leadership role.
• Previous experience within the specialised equipment rental, engineering, mining, or industrial sectors.
• Strong understanding of equipment rental operations, fleet utilisation, and maintenance requirements.
• Demonstrated experience in business development, technical sales, and customer relationship management.
• Previous experience managing employees, operational budgets, and financial performance.
• Proven ability to achieve sales targets and operational objectives.
• Strong commercial awareness, negotiation skills, and financial management capabilities.
• Ability to understand customer technical requirements and recommend appropriate equipment rental solutions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and relevant business management or CRM systems.
• Valid driver's licence.
• Willingness to travel within the designated region.
• Must be based in Kathu.