Operations Manager

Helderberg Personnel cc; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 500,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the beverage distribution sector seeks an Operations Manager in Cape Town. This role involves overseeing daily operations, optimizing logistics, and ensuring compliance with regulations while enhancing customer satisfaction. The successful candidate will lead a team and implement strategies to improve efficiency across the export distribution process, all within a dynamic and growing environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Opportunity to work with an international company

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in operations management, preferably in beverage distribution.
• Familiarity with wine export regulations essential.
• Experience in logistics across Africa is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operations for export distribution process and manage personnel.
• Optimize processes for timely delivery and maintain inventory accuracy.
• Collaborate with sales and customer success to enhance service delivery.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Communication

Team Management

Analytical mindset

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business administration

Operations Management or related field

Tools

Logistics and inventory management software

Job description

My client, a well-established company based on the outskirts of Somerset West, is seeking to employ an Operations Manager with at least 5 years’ experience to join the team.

The main purpose of this role is to oversee the day-to-day operations of the export distribution process, including managing personnel, optimizing processes, and ensuring the efficient and timely delivery of orders. The role plays a crucial part in achieving operational excellence, maintaining inventory accuracy, and enhancing customer satisfaction by working closely with the Customer Success team.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Operations Management, or a related field
• At least 5 years’ proven experience in operations management, preferably within the beverage distribution industry; FMCG experience beneficial.
• Familiarity with wine export/distribution regulations and standards
• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Initiative and proactivity essential
• Proficiency in logistics and inventory management software
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and make data-driven decisions.
• Experience with logistics in Africa is a significant advantage

Duties will include, but are not limited to:

• Develop cost-effective and efficient route planning for road freight deliveries and optimize distribution schedules to ensure timely and accurate deliveries while minimizing transportation costs. Publish weekly manifest to relevant parties.
• Ensure tracking of cross-border shipments with analysis and interrogation to identify areas for optimization and improvement. Regular review of supply chain efficiencies and benchmarking.
• Assist with design and updates of Landed Cost Calculators (LCCs).
• Responsible for exploring new market logistics and export requirements in the Business Development process.
• Team Management; supervise the Operations team including procurement, export, and warehouse staff. Set KPIs and review performance accordingly.
• Assist Brand Manager and Sales teams with stock forecasting and management of Par levels.
• Research and monitor quality control measures for wine during storage and transportation.
• Collaborate with sales and customer success teams to ensure seamless communication, coordination, and delivery promises to customers. Address customer concerns related to deliveries and implement improvements based on feedback.
• Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with logistics and beverage suppliers.
• Negotiate contracts, monitor supplier performance, and ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of orders.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations in the warehouse, including regular staff training. Implement and enforce safety protocols.
• Leverage technology solutions to enhance operational efficiency.
• Prepare regular reports on operational performance, including delivery metrics, inventory turnover, stock value, and other operational reports.
• Prepare freight and transport annual budgets aiming for profitability.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and implement budget controls.
• Design documented systems and processes to fulfill all responsibilities.
• Oversee export processes, including high-level export and duty-free considerations, and correct use of Incoterms.

Performance Metrics:

• Decrease in order lead time and improve supply chain efficiencies.
• Order accuracy and error rates.
• Average delivery time to customers.
• Inventory management efficiency, including stock rotation and shelf life.
• Warehouse space utilization.
• Compliance with export standards and regulations.
• Customer satisfaction scores (NPS).
• Timely publication of operational reports.
• Risk management, including proper use of Incoterms, storage, and insurance.
• Market research and successful entry into new markets.

In return, a competitive salary is on offer, along with the opportunity to be part of a company with an international footprint.