DEPOT MANAGER

Grindrod Logistics; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Grindrod Logistics is seeking an experienced Operations Manager for our container depot in Cape Town, South Africa. You will lead Reefer, EMR and depot operations, ensuring efficient container movements, gate and yard productivity, and strict cost controls.

You will manage budgets, drive continuous improvement, and lead large teams while maintaining SHEQ compliance and strong stakeholder relationships with shipping lines and customers.

Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Operations, Transport, or Business Management.
• Strong knowledge of container depot operations, EMR, reefer management, budgeting, and SHEQ requirements.
• Minimum 8–10 years' experience in container depot or logistics operations; 5 years in a senior depot management role.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operations management of Reefer, empty and full container storage, handling, and movements.
• Oversee gate operations, yard productivity, inventory control, and container tracking.
• Ensure efficient turnaround times and optimal utilization of depot resources.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational performance and customer service.
• Manage container inspections, repairs, and maintenance in line with industry and customer standards.
• Oversee reefer monitoring, plugging, inspections, maintenance, and compliance.
• Ensure quality standards, cost control, and service reliability are maintained.
• Develop and manage operational budgets.
• Control costs, improve productivity, and achieve profitability targets.
• Monitor labour, equipment, repair, and operational expenditures.
• Lead, develop, and manage operational teams.
• Drive performance, employee engagement, succession planning, and workforce productivity.
• Ensure compliance with labour legislation and manage employee relations matters.
• Maintain compliance with safety, environmental, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure effective incident management and risk control.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with shipping lines, transporters, customers, and regulatory authorities.
• Ensure service level agreements and customer expectations are consistently achieved.
• Oversee maintenance and availability of depot equipment and infrastructure.
• Ensure preventative maintenance programs are effectively implemented.

Skills

Leadership and people management

Financial and commercial acumen

Operational planning and execution

Customer relationship management

Problem-solving and decision-making

Strategic thinking and continuous-impr

Education

Diploma or Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Operations, Transport, or Business Management

Job description

The successful applicant will be responsible for but not limited to:

Operations Management

Manage Reefer, empty and full container storage, handling, and movements

Oversee gate operations, yard productivity, inventory control, and container tracking

Ensure efficient turnaround times and optimal utilization of depot resources

Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational performance and customer service

EMR & Reefer Operations

Manage container inspections, repairs, and maintenance in line with industry and customer standards

Oversee reefer monitoring, plugging, inspections, maintenance, and compliance

Ensure quality standards, cost control, and service reliability are maintained

Develop and manage operational budgets

Control costs, improve productivity, and achieve profitability targets

Monitor labour, equipment, repair, and operational expenditures

Lead, develop, and manage operational teams

Drive performance, employee engagement, succession planning, and workforce productivity

Ensure compliance with labour legislation and manage employee relations matters

SHEQ Compliance

Maintain compliance with safety, environmental, quality, and regulatory requirements

Promote a strong safety culture and ensure effective incident management and risk control

Build and maintain strong relationships with shipping lines, transporters, customers, and regulatory authorities

Ensure service level agreements and customer expectations are consistently achieved

Equipment & Asset Management

Oversee maintenance and availability of depot equipment and infrastructure

Ensure preventative maintenance programs are effectively implemented

REQUIREMENTS

We invite applications from candidates who meet the following minimum criteria:

Qualifications

Diploma or Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Operations, Transport, or Business Management

Strong knowledge of container depot operations, EMR, reefer management, budgeting, and SHEQ requirements

Experience

Minimum 8–10 years' experience in container depot or logistics operations

Minimum 5 years in a senior depot management role

Required Skills

Leadership and people management

Financial and commercial acumen

Operational planning and execution

Customer relationship management

Problem-solving and decision-making

Strategic thinking and continuous improvement

Applications close on 19 October 2026.

NB: Please state the name of the position as a reference.

Due consideration will be given to the company’s equity targets.

Submitting an application does not guarantee employment. We will review all applications and contact you only if your qualifications match our requirements for the position.