Branch Operations Lead: Production, Logistics & Safety

SydSen Recruit; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 720,000 - 1,080,000; Full time

Job summary

SydSen Recruit is seeking a Branch Operations Manager for a client in the chemical manufacturing and distribution sector. The role focuses on overseeing day-to-day branch operations, production planning, warehousing, and fleet management to ensure quality, safety and cost-effective service delivery.

The successful candidate will lead teams, coordinate production, monitor KPIs and drive improvements across sales, administration, production, warehouse and finance to optimise efficiency and

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Operations Management, Production, Supply Chain, Logistics, Business Management or a related field.
• Proven experience in branch operations, manufacturing, warehousing, stock control and logistics.
• Strong leadership and people-management experience.
• Experience managing production planning and operational performance.
• Knowledge of SHEQ, ISO standards and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily branch operations and overall operational performance.
• Oversee manufacturing and weekly production planning.
• Coordinate labour, batching priorities, equipment readiness and production output.
• Ensure manufactured products meet approved quality, labelling and traceability standards.
• Manage warehouse layout, stock movement, receiving, dispatch and safe storage practices.
• Maintain accurate inventory through cycle counts, monthly stock takes and variance investigations.
• Monitor minimum and maximum stock levels based on customer demand and supplier lead times.
• Coordinate supplier ordering and ensure raw materials and stock are available when required.
• Manage the branch fleet, delivery planning, driver allocation and route efficiency.
• Monitor vehicle fuel usage, mileage, licensing, servicing and maintenance requirements.
• Track delivery performance, proof of delivery, returns, damages and customer complaints.
• Oversee branch administration, including order processing, invoicing, quotations and customer liaison.
• Ensure creditor and debtor records are maintained accurately and in line with company standards.
• Compile month-end reports and assist with expense budgets and cost control.
• Support branch profitability by monitoring operational expenses, logistics costs and utilities.
• Lead, coach, train and cross-train operational and administrative employees.
• Set daily priorities, allocate resources and address productivity or performance concerns.
• Oversee internal sales processes and support the team with customer requirements.
• Ensure customers receive accurate product information, pricing and delivery updates.
• Drive workflow improvements between sales, administration, production, warehouse, dispatch and finance.
• Monitor operational KPIs, including production output, order accuracy, stock variance, fleet costs and customer service.
• Maintain professional standards across the warehouse, production areas, offices, yard, equipment and vehicles.
• Ensure full compliance with SHEQ, ISO, legal and regulatory requirements.
• Lead incident investigations relating to accidents, spills, damages and non-conformances.
• Maintain audit readiness for internal audits, external inspections and ISO reviews.
• Promote a strong culture of safety, accountability, teamwork and customer service.

Skills

Leadership

Production planning

Inventory management

Problem solving

Customer service orientation

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification in Operations Management/Production/Supply Chain/Logistics/Business Management

Job description

SydSen Recruit is seeking a Branch Operations Manager for a client in the chemical manufacturing and distribution sector. The role focuses on overseeing day-to-day branch operations, production planning, warehousing, and fleet management to ensure quality, safety and cost-effective service delivery.

The successful candidate will lead teams, coordinate production, monitor KPIs and drive improvements across sales, administration, production, warehouse and finance to optimise efficiency and