Head of Operations

Greys Recruitment; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Greys Recruitment is seeking an accomplished senior leader to oversee day-to-day operations in a Cape Town-based company with shipping industry expertise. The role requires oversight of sales, warehousing and finance, plus strategic direction to improve margins and productivity.

You will drive performance across departments, manage budgets and lead a hands-on management approach while maintaining compliance and a focus on sustainable growth.

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in a complex business environment.
• Track record of financial oversight, budgeting and margin improvement.
• Proven ability to drive operational efficiency and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations across departments to ensure performance.
• Lead and mentor sales, warehousing and finance teams.
• Set priorities and execute strategies to achieve business objectives.
• Monitor budgets, profitability and costs; implement cost-control measures.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, service delivery and overall performance.
• Report results to senior management and recommend corrective actions.
• Collaborate with executives to meet financial, productivity and customer targets.
• Foster continuous improvement through best practices and process optimisation.
• Ensure compliance with legislation, regulations and company policies.
• Promote employee engagement and a productive work environment.
• Maintain health and safety standards.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Financial management

Operations management

Shipping industry experience

Team development

Problem solving

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Commerce

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Location: Cape Town, Western Cape

Requirements

• Matric certificate.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in Business Management, Commerce (BCom) or a related field.
• At least 10 years' experience in a senior leadership or executive management role.
• Essential: Proven experience in the shipping industry, with a sound understanding of shipping operations and related business processes.
• Essential: Strong financial management and accounting experience, including financial reviews, budget oversight, profitability analysis, cost control and margin improvement.
• Extensive experience in operational management and overseeing multiple business functions.
• Experience managing sales, warehouse and finance departments.
• Strong commercial awareness and business acumen.
• Proven ability to improve operational efficiency, productivity and profitability.
• Excellent leadership, people management and team development skills.
• Strong analytical, strategic planning, problem-solving and decision‑making abilities.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a deadline‑driven environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• A hands‑on leadership approach with the ability to manage both strategic objectives and daily operations.
• Must be based in Cape Town.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage day-to-day business operations, ensuring effective performance across all departments.
• Provide leadership and direction to sales, warehousing and finance teams.
• Establish operational priorities and implement strategies to achieve business objectives.
• Monitor financial performance, budgets, profitability, productivity and operating costs.
• Conduct financial reviews, analyse business performance and implement measures to improve margins and control expenditure.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, service delivery and overall business performance.
• Report on operational and financial results to senior management and recommend corrective actions where necessary.
• Work closely with senior management to achieve financial, productivity and customer satisfaction targets.
• Drive continuous improvement through process optimisation and the implementation of best practices.
• Ensure compliance with applicable legislation, industry regulations and company policies.
• Implement internal policies, procedures and management directives.
• Promote employee engagement, accountability and a productive working environment.
• Maintain appropriate workplace health and safety standards.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with customers, suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Drive sustainable business growth and profitability through effective operational and financial management.