Conservations Operations Manager

Jackie Cory Recruitment; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Jackie Cory Recruitment is seeking a hands-on Conservation Operations Manager to oversee day-to-day operational activities. Report to the CEO, you will lead with strong planning and financial management in a field-based environment.

You will work with the Harvesting & Logistics Manager to drive efficiency, monitor performance and support growth. The role requires leadership, budgeting experience and field operations know-how to maximise profitability.

Qualifications

• A relevant tertiary qualification in operations management or a related field.
• Proven experience managing operational budgets and financial reporting.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of the organisation, ensuring efficiency across all operational activities.
• Support and work closely with the Harvesting & Logistics Manager to coordinate field operations and logistics.
• Develop, implement and monitor operational plans to achieve business objectives.
• Manage operational budgets, financial reporting and cost control to maximise profitability.
• Monitor operational performance through KPIs, reporting systems and dashboards.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity and efficiency.
• Coordinate contractors, suppliers, transport providers and other stakeholders.
• Identify operational risks and implement practical solutions to minimise disruptions.
• Ensure effective resource planning, scheduling and allocation.
• Build strong working relationships across teams and promote a high-performance culture.
• Provide regular operational reports and recommendations to the CEO.

Skills

Leadership

Operational planning

Financial management

Communication

Team management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Operations Management or related field

Tools

MS Excel

Reporting dashboards

Job description

Conservation Operations Manager

Coega| Permanent | Market-Related Salary

We are currently seeking an energetic, hands-on Conservation Operations Manager to oversee the day-to-day operational activities of the organisation. Reporting directly to the CEO, this role is ideal for a dynamic leader with strong operational planning and financial management experience who thrives in a fast-paced, field-based environment.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Harvesting & Logistics Manager to drive operational efficiency, coordinate daily activities, monitor performance, and support the continued growth of the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of the organisation, ensuring efficiency across all operational activities.
• Support and work closely with the Harvesting & Logistics Manager to coordinate field operations and logistics.
• Develop, implement and monitor operational plans to achieve business objectives.
• Manage operational budgets, financial reporting and cost control to maximise profitability.
• Monitor operational performance through KPIs, reporting systems and performance dashboards.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, quality and operational efficiency.
• Coordinate contractors, suppliers, transport providers and other key stakeholders.
• Identify operational risks and implement practical solutions to minimise disruptions.
• Ensure effective resource planning, scheduling and allocation.
• Build strong working relationships across teams while promoting a positive, high-performance culture.
• Provide regular operational reports and recommendations to the CEO.

Minimum Requirements

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Operations Management, Business Management, Agriculture, Forestry, Supply Chain, Conservation or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in an operational management role.
• Proven experience in financial management, budgeting and operational planning.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage teams.
• Excellent analytical, organisational and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience managing contractors, suppliers and multiple operational stakeholders.
• Strong computer literacy with experience in reporting and performance monitoring.
• Excellent communication skills in English.
• Valid driver's licence.
• Based in or willing to relocate to Gqeberha.

Advantageous

• Experience within conservation, forestry, agriculture, natural resources or environmental operations.
• Knowledge of harvesting operations, logistics or field-based operational environments.
• Experience implementing operational reporting systems and performance management frameworks.