GeoChem - Operations Manager – Johannesburg

OFT Group; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

OFT Group seeks an experienced Operations Manager to oversee daily activities at the Johannesburg branch, with responsibility across HR, finance, IT and warehouse functions. The role focuses on profitability, compliance and service quality, driving cross‑functional excellence.

The ideal candidate has proven leadership, strong budgeting experience and the ability to manage multiple departments to improve efficiency and client satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 / Matric is required.
• Degree in Business, Operations Management or related field.
• Proven work experience as an Operations Manager or similar role.
• Minimum three years’ Chemical Industry related experience advantageous.
• Knowledge of organisational effectiveness and operations management.
• Experience with budgeting and forecasting.
• Experience in Inventory Management.
• Experience in Staff Management.
• Leadership ability.
• Understanding of Syspro and Pastel Accounting programmes advantageous.
• Valid, unendorsed Driver’s License (Code 08).

Responsibilities

• Oversee budgeting and financial controls, including forecasting, expenses and invoicing.
• Manage technical, warehouse, project and client management for service delivery and profitability.
• Lead HR processes: appraisals, absenteeism, training, disciplinary actions and staff development.
• Ensure Health, Safety and regulatory compliance across operations.
• Coordinate supplier relations, SLA adherence and continuous improvement.
• Conduct management meetings, stock checks and incident reporting.
• Prepare management reports and drive business development plans.

Skills

Management Experience

MS Office

Sales, Warehouse and Financial Acumen

Customer Relationship Management

Presentation / Negotiation

Project Costing and Management

Root Cause Analysis & Report Writing

Education

Grade 12 / Matric

Bachelor’s degree in Business/Operations Management

Tools

Syspro

Pastel Accounting

Job description

We owe our success to the efficiency of organisational processes. To help maintain and grow this standard, we are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee daily activities. The ideal candidate will have a sharp business mind and proven success in managing multiple departments for maximum productivity. This person will be highly skilled in human resources, finance, IT and warehouse management, and be able to develop and maintain an environment of trust, diversity, and inclusion, within the Johannesburg branch to achieve growth and profitability.

Finance and Business Management

Financial Control (Budgeting, Sales Forecasting, Project / SLA Profitability, Expense & Debtors Control).

Manage the operational budget, with high focus on cost management.

Authorize expenditure within authority levels.

Assist with operational budget inputs (resources, material handling equipment, labour, consumables, etc.).

Participate in the Monthly billing and sign off on invoicing.

Management of claims.

Management Reporting.

Implement / Review / Renew SLA agreements and maintain or improve profitability.

Operational & Technical Management

Manage Technical Queries which cannot be resolved by team members.

Verify / Amend / Update and Approve the necessary SOP’s to ensure effective Warehouse, Project and Client Management.

Continually improve and/or enhance technical service offerings.

Health and Safety Management, Client Compliance and overall Compliance by staff.

Client Management, Sales and Business Development

Communicate and meet with clients as and when required.

Managing adherence to client and service providers SLA's.

Oversee operational Service Delivery / Client Satisfaction.

Check / Approve Costings and assist with quote preparation in terms of scope of works.

Investigate client complaints and prepare reports accordingly.

Prepare and manage business development plans. Expand Client base and market footprint.

Human Resources

Conduct performance appraisals for all immediate sub-ordinates.

Managing absenteeism, overtime and access control.

Ensure that Company IR process is adhered to at all times. In addition, initiate and chair disciplinary enquiries as and when required.

Identify and address training needs through the workplace skills plan received from the training department.

Ensure updates are placed on notice boards.

Motivate staff and coordinate all staff functions.

Review employee potential and growth plan - follow-up on the plans. Encourage employee development.

Identify and assist with retaining high-flyers.

Maintain operational legal compliance.

Conduct a daily management walk-about of the facility to ensure compliance.

Convene daily operations discussions with departmental heads.

On a daily, weekly and monthly basis review stock take/cycle count reports and sign-off and report on discrepancies.

Conduct regular meetings with key suppliers in order to maintain good relationships.

Implement and maintain SLA's with key suppliers and measure compliance to SLA's on monthly basis.

Chair monthly safety meetings as and when required.

Ensure that all departments are operating at optimal levels and that customer SLA's are being adhered to.

Ensure that the operation adheres to licensing and permit requirements (Forklift licenses, Fire Marshall, etc.).

Manage and coordinate response to incidents on site as and when required (spills, injuries, etc.).

Manage and coordinate emergency drills.

Ensure all incidents reported immediately, chair incident investigations and assist with compiling the incident reports.

General

Attend monthly management meetings and present operational performance stats.

Compile daily, weekly & monthly management reports.

Adhere to corporate governance.

Assist with achieving facility objectives, targets and operational plans.

Provide input into business continuity plan.

Prepare for internal and external audits (ISO, SHERQ, DEL, Customers).

Identify and manage continuous improvement projects.

Participate in the review of business and SHE risk assessments with action plans.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

Grade 12 / Matric.

A degree in Business, Operations Management, or related field.

Proven work experience as an Operations Manager, or similar role.

Minimum three years’ Chemical Industry related experience will be advantageous.

Knowledge of organisational effectiveness and operations management.

Experience with budgeting and forecasting.

Familiarity with business and financial principles.

Experience in Inventory Management.

Experience in Staff Management.

Leadership ability.

Understanding of Syspro and Pastel Accounting programmes will be advantageous.

Valid, unendorsed Driver’s License (Code 08).

SKILLS

Management Experience (Operations / Staff / General / Divisional)

MS Office (E-Mail, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Sales, Warehouse and Financial Acumen

Customer Relationship Management

Presentation / Negotiation and Sales Skills

Project Costing and Management

Root Cause Analysis & Report Writing

COMPETENCIES

Relationship Builder

Leadership

Systematic Attention to Detail & Accuracy

Planning & Organising

Customer Focused

Analytical Thinking - Problem Solving

Business Orientated

Technical Orientated

Package Offered

This position will attract a Market Related salary according to qualification and experience gained. The Company is committed to diversifying its staff profile in terms of its transformation agenda and encourages candidates from previously disadvantaged backgrounds to apply.

The Company also retains the right to choose candidates in its sole discretion and or not to make any appointments.

To provide professional installation and servicing of dosing equipment. Based on-site at GeoChem’s Client in Cape Town.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

Chemical Stock Room:

Ensure chemical storage areas are always neat and tidy.

Pack stock in relevant / allocated areas when received.

Ensure proper stock rotation and storage of detergents.

Keep a record of all stock received.

Return all empty containers and keep a record.

Record detergents issued to departments – i.e. Stock Tanks, Spotting Room, Guest Laundry, Garments & Hospitality.

Weekly stock count – recorded and submitted to GeoChem Management.