Operations Lead - Eastern Cape Distribution Hub

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonuses

Comprehensive medical aid

Generous annual leave

Home office setup allowance

Professional development opportunities

Retirement savings contribution

Flexible work with occasional site-vis

Dynamic collaborative environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Operations Lead to manage the new distribution hub in the Eastern Cape. The role combines remote oversight of regional warehouse operations with occasional travel to the Port Elizabeth site to drive performance and implement best practices in logistics and fulfillment.

You will lead an on-site team, develop scalable processes, monitor KPIs, and collaborate with carriers to ensure timely order processing and cost-efficient operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in warehouse or operations management, preferably within e-commerce or distribution environments.
• Proven experience in managing operational teams and driving performance improvements.
• Strong understanding of warehouse management systems (WMS) and inventory control principles.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to develop and implement operational procedures and KPIs.
• Familiarity with health and safety regulations in a warehouse environment.
• Adaptability and willingness to travel to the Port Elizabeth site as required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• A proactive and hands-on approach to operational challenges.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of warehouse operations, including receiving, inventory management, order picking, packing, and shipping, for the Eastern Cape hub.
• Lead, train, and motivate the on-site warehouse team to achieve operational targets and maintain high standards of productivity and safety.
• Develop and implement efficient operational procedures and workflows to optimize throughput and minimize errors.
• Manage inventory levels accurately and implement strategies to reduce stockouts and overstock situations.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations within the warehouse.
• Monitor KPIs such as order accuracy, on-time delivery, and operational costs, reporting on performance to senior management.
• Collaborate with logistics partners and carriers to ensure efficient outbound transportation.
• Manage the operational budget for the Eastern Cape hub, seeking cost-saving opportunities.
• Utilize warehouse management systems (WMS) and other technology to enhance operational efficiency.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide coaching to team members.

Skills

Leadership

WMS

Inventory control

Excel

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Bachelors in Logistics / Supply Chain

Tools

WMS software

MS Excel

Job description

About the Role Our client, a rapidly expanding e-commerce fulfillment company, is seeking a proactive and experienced Operations Lead to manage its newly established distribution hub in the Eastern Cape. This role offers a unique opportunity to build and optimize operational processes from the ground up, ensuring efficient and timely fulfillment of orders. While the primary operational focus is within the Eastern Cape region, this role is designed to be primarily remote, allowing for strategic oversight and management of the physical hub operations with a flexible work arrangement that may include occasional travel to the site in Port Elizabeth. You will be responsible for leading the on-site team, driving performance, and implementing best practices in warehouse management and logistics. This is a critical role for ensuring the success of our regional expansion efforts and meeting customer demands.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of warehouse operations, including receiving, inventory management, order picking, packing, and shipping, for the Eastern Cape hub.
• Lead, train, and motivate the on-site warehouse team to achieve operational targets and maintain high standards of productivity and safety.
• Develop and implement efficient operational procedures and workflows to optimize throughput and minimize errors.
• Manage inventory levels accurately and implement strategies to reduce stockouts and overstock situations.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations within the warehouse.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as order accuracy, on-time delivery, and operational costs, reporting on performance to senior management.
• Collaborate with logistics partners and carriers to ensure efficient outbound transportation.
• Manage the operational budget for the Eastern Cape hub, seeking cost-saving opportunities.
• Utilize warehouse management systems (WMS) and other technology to enhance operational efficiency.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide coaching to team members.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in warehouse or operations management, preferably within e-commerce or distribution environments.
• Proven experience in managing operational teams and driving performance improvements.
• Strong understanding of warehouse management systems (WMS) and inventory control principles.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to develop and implement operational procedures and KPIs.
• Familiarity with health and safety regulations in a warehouse environment.
• Adaptability and willingness to travel to the Port Elizabeth site as required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• A proactive and hands-on approach to operational challenges.

Benefits

• A competitive annual salary of ZAR .
• Performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Opportunity to shape operations in a growing company.
• Allowance for home office setup.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Contribution towards retirement savings.
• Flexible work arrangements with occasional site visits.
• Dynamic and collaborative work environment.