Operations Lead

Rentoza; Gauteng; Hybrid; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A digital spaza for pre-owned tech in Gauteng is seeking an Operations Lead to manage the full back-end flow of products from intake to delivery. Responsibilities include overseeing quality control, inventory management, and coordinating with suppliers and couriers. Ideal candidates will have 4–6 years of operations experience and a strong understanding of logistics. The company offers a competitive salary and a hybrid working model, promoting a supportive and creative team culture.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Hybrid working model

Creative team culture with growth opportunities

Qualifications

• 4–6 years of experience in operations, logistics, or supply chain.
• Experience in inventory control and stock management systems.
• Strong understanding of courier and last-mile logistics in South Africa.

Responsibilities

• Oversee product intake from suppliers and implement grading matrix.
• Maintain accurate stock records and lead inventory cycle counts.
• Supervise packaging and coordinate courier collections.

Skills

Operations management

Inventory control

Logistics coordination

Problem solving

Team leadership

Tools

Shopify

ERP systems

Job description

About the Company

Hawker is South Africa's digital spaza for pre-owned tech and appliances, built for the hustle, priced for the people.

We give devices and appliances a second life, making reliable gear more accessible to students, side-hustlers, and families and all South Africans, who want quality without paying premium prices.

We don't just move stock, we move possibilities.

Every fridge, laptop, or stroller we grade, pack, and ship is a tool for someone's hustle.

If you want to be part of a brand that's rewriting how second-hand is done in SA, join the movement.

The Role

We're looking for an Operations Lead to take charge of the full back-end flow of Hawker's products, from supplier intake to the customer's doorstep.

You'll be responsible for stock intake, grading and quality control, packaging, courier coordination, 3rd-party supplier management, and inventory management.

Your job is to make sure our customers get exactly what they ordered, tested, graded, packed sharp-sharp, and delivered without drama.

Key Responsibilities

• Stock Intake & Quality Control
  • Oversee product intake from suppliers and 3rd parties.
  • Implement and manage Hawker's grading matrix for all incoming stock (A, B, C grades).
  • Ensure all items are tested, refurbished (where needed), and labelled correctly.
• Inventory Management
  • Maintain accurate stock records and reporting across systems.
  • Lead cycle counts, reconciliations, and investigations into stock discrepancies.
  • Ensure live inventory updates for e-commerce accuracy.
• Packaging & Dispatch
  • Supervise packaging to meet Hawker's presentation standards.
  • Coordinate daily courier collections and manage relationships with delivery partners.
  • Monitor SLA compliance (from intake to customer delivery).
• Supplier & Courier Coordination
  • Manage 3rd-party suppliers and refurbishment partners, ensuring timely stock delivery and quality.
  • Work with courier partners to optimise delivery speed, cost, and reliability.
• Process & Team Leadership
  • Drive operational SOPs to ensure efficiency and zero drama.
  • Train and mentor operations staff (intake clerks, packers, stock controllers).
  • Identify process gaps and implement continuous improvements.

What We're Looking For

• 4–6 years of experience in operations, logistics, or supply chain (preferably in e-commerce or retail).
• Experience in inventory control and stock management systems.
• Strong understanding of courier / last-mile logistics in South Africa.
• Proven ability to manage 3rd-party suppliers and service providers.
• Practical problem solver — someone who can fix issues quickly without overcomplicating.
• Detail-oriented with strong organisational skills.
• Leadership experience with small to mid-sized teams.

Nice to Have

• Experience with Shopify or ERP systems.
• Background in refurbishment, warehousing, or quality control.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary with medical aid options.
• Hybrid working model (office + remote flexibility).
• Supportive, creative team culture with opportunities for growth and up‑skilling.

Why You'll Love Working Here

You'll join a passionate team that's pushing creative boundaries and redefining how brands connect with their audiences.

We value bold ideas, encourage experimentation, and reward initiative.

If you're looking for a place where your creativity can truly make an impact — this is it.

Hawker is an equal opportunity employer whose aim is to promote and achieve equal representation in all levels of all occupational categories.

Preference will be given to candidates whose appointment will assist the Company in achieving its Employment Equity targets in terms of the Company Employment Equity Plan.

By responding to this advertisement, you consent to Hawker lawfully processing your personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of (for recruitment purposes and confirm that any personal information has been submitted voluntarily).

The company reserves the right not to make an appointment.

An application will not in itself entitle the applicant to an interview or an appointment and failure to meet the minimum requirements of the post will result in the applicant automatically disqualifying him / herself from consideration.

If you don't hear back from us in 30 days, please consider your application unsuccessful.