Cold Store General Manager

Maersk; Bellville; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A global leader in logistics is seeking an experienced cold store manager for their operations in South Africa. The ideal candidate will oversee all aspects of cold store management, ensuring compliance with international standards while leading a high-performance team. Responsibilities include managing inventory, ensuring safety standards, and developing customer relationships. Applicants should possess a relevant degree and a minimum of 5 years in cold storage management with strong leadership and organizational skills. The role offers an inclusive workplace with opportunities for growth.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in cold storage management, preferably within fruit export.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to quality.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of cold store operations for efficiency and compliance.
• Implement and maintain Standard Operating Procedures.
• Lead and mentor the operations team.
• Build strong relationships with customers and develop a commercial strategy.

Skills

Leadership

Organization

Problem-solving

Logistics software proficiency

Microsoft Office Suite

Knowledge of export regulations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration or related field

Job description

Would you like to be part of a value-driven, commercially oriented international environment where we enable global trade every day? Join a global leader in cold chain logistics and fruit export solutions. We are looking for an experienced cold store manager to lead our Belcon cold storage facility operations. This role offers the opportunity to drive operational excellence, ensure compliance with international standards, and shape the commercial strategy for this key export hub.

WHAT WE OFFER:

When you join Maersk, you’ll find that the world is your workplace. You’ll work in a culturally diverse, stimulating environment, surrounded by new ideas and different ways of doing things. We believe in individual performance within highly professional teams supported by our distinctive values. To us teamwork means acceptance, respect, dedication, and the idea that we can achieve more when we all pull together. Living our values means competing in the marketplace in an ethical way so our name is synonymous with being a credible and valuable business partner. Through Constant Care and Humbleness, we strive to prepare for the future, while never forgetting that our customers and competitors are key to our ability to improve. In our daily work Uprightness and Our Employees mean that transparency and accountability in everything we do go hand in hand with being an inspiring, challenging place to work. At Maersk, we take pride in hiring the best person for the job – irrespective of gender, age, nationality, or religious belief.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Operational Leadership

• Oversee all aspects of cold store operations, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and safety.
• Implement and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to uphold quality standards.
• Manage inventory control, including receipt, storage, and dispatch of fruit products.
• Ensure all certifications are maintained for relevant export markets (DoA, PPECB, China, Israel, USA, etc.).

Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team across operations and planning.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Logistics & Coordination

• Coordinate with suppliers, transporters, and customers to ensure timely and accurate deliveries.
• Optimize processes to reduce costs and improve service levels.

Quality & Compliance

• Maintain strict adherence to health, safety, and environmental standards.
• Monitor product integrity and implement corrective actions when necessary.

Commercial & Customer Engagement

• Build strong relationships with customers, ensuring exceptional service and satisfaction.
• Develop and execute a commercial strategy to grow the client base.
• Collaborate with Maersk Reefer Sales Team to identify and secure new business opportunities.

Financial & Strategic Management

• Prepare and manage budgets, monitor expenses, and identify cost-saving initiatives.
• Analyze financial performance and report to senior leadership.
• Drive strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and expand market reach.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Someone with:

• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in cold storage management, preferably within fruit export.

Skills:

• Strong leadership and team development capabilities
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in logistics software and Microsoft Office Suite
• Knowledge of export regulations and compliance standards

Attributes:

• Ability to thrive under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to quality
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills
• Passion for continuous improvement and innovation

#LI-LS2

Maersk is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we embrace different styles of thinking. Maersk is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants without regard to race, colour, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy or parental leave, veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with all legal requirements.

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