Operations Manager

Wasteplan; Durban; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading waste management company located in Durban is looking for a seasoned personnel manager responsible for overseeing commercial staff, ensuring compliance with operational and safety standards, and driving optimal productivity within the organization. Ideal candidates will possess a relevant degree, and significant experience in management within the waste management sector. This role offers a chance to develop your management skills while ensuring the highest service delivery standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years working experience in a similar role.
• At least 3 years middle management experience.
• Knowledge and experience in waste management and recycling.

Responsibilities

• Manage all Contract Managers and commercial staff.
• Ensure compliance with policies, procedures, and productivity standards.
• Conduct performance appraisals and staff training.

Skills

Personnel management

Effective communication

Performance management

Conflict resolution

Operational planning

Financial management

Education

Relevant diploma or degree in operations/business management

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Responsibilities

Personnel management

• Responsible for the effective management of all Contract Managers (junior and senior) and all other commercial staff reporting to you
• Always ensure that an adequate staff compliment is available, to deliver exceptional customer service (recruiting and selection of qualified employees and adhering to HR procedures and policies)
• Conduct induction and training of new employees and ensure continued development and growth of existing employees
• Responsible to manage and ensure correctness of the payroll and remuneration of all commercial employees
• Ensure all performance appraisals for employees are completed twice per year and that regular performance management is carried out
• Ensure compliance by all employees in terms of policies, procedures and productivity standards
• Ensure all SHEQ, EE committee, workers committee meetings are attended by the relevant employees and that action points and requirements are adhered as per LRA and EE acts
• Ensure effective communication between all relevant departments and management
• Responsible for employment documents for new staff : complete take-on sheets, job descriptions, issue PPE, etc.
• Responsible for ensuring that the correct number of staff on duty is in relation to the production flow required
• Responsible to ensure a safe, secure and clean working environment by educating and directing staff on the use of control points, equipment, resources and compliance with all legislation and policies
• Carry out assessments on Assistant Plant Manager and / or Senior MRF Supervisors
• Effective communication of job expectations
• Monitoring of performance and providing the necessary coaching and counselling as required on a daily / weekly basis to develop personal growth opportunities
• Plan training on products / services, code of conduct, SHEQ standards and procedures, in conjunction with HR and training department
• Ensure compliance with all disciplinary procedures and take appropriate action as required (issue warnings, notifications and attend hearings as needed)
• Set priorities in tasks, set out daily task planning for staff, recommend shifts and revise schedules when applicable
• Resolve staff problems by analyzing information, investigating issues, identifying solutions and recommending action plans

SHEQ responsibilities

Ensure signed 16(2) legal appointment is in place

Ensure signed GMR2(7) legal appointment is in pace

Ensure that all other legal appointments are in place e.g. first aiders, fire fighters and shifts man (ensure proper training is conducted)

Have knowledge of the contents of safety files

Be informed of emergency evacuation plan and conduct planned evacuations twice a year

Responsible for issuing of permit to work (PTW) and lock-out procedures when required

Responsible for implementation of excellent housekeeping standards

Manage appropriate operator training

Ensure that all accidents / incidents, spills and near misses are reported, and that mitigation and prevention measures are implemented

Ensure that planned job observations are carried out by Supervisors

Production

Responsible for all staff members optimal productivity by monitoring reports

Business planning : identify cost reductions / savings and elevate productivity

Ensure an economically and profitable recycling process is actioned

Ensure accurate data of incoming and outgoing material tonnage

Negotiate and arrange for the placement of balers, cages and bins as required

Implement and supervise the workflow by monitoring the steps, observing control points, equipment and manpower

Ensure stock is sold timeously with the lowest possible baled stock on the floor before month-end

Provide manufacturing information by compiling, initiating, sorting and analyzing production performance records / data

Provide additional information on manufacturing performance / production where required and respond to queries

Ensure that recyclable material adheres to company standards

Ensure that all plant maintenance checks are carried out and data captured

Ensure that preventative maintenance is carried out by the responsible person and that the maintenance schedule is kept up to date

Supervise the repair of breakdowns, arrange purchase orders and locate suitable BEE compliant contractors

Evaluate and advise on machine and equipment purchases

Liaising with external clients

Liaise with municipalities to ensure a good working relationship

Comply with relevant requirements as indicated by the municipality

Liaise with Landlord of premises and ensure a good working relationship

Comply to landlords SHEQ standards and license conditions and attend all scheduled meetings with the landlord

Maintain a good relationship with any union and worker committees, by following the terms of collective bargaining agreement (if applicable)

Negotiate and liaise with finance department, senior management and suppliers

Maintain good relationship with suppliers and contractors

Negotiate with clients with regards to pricing list for all commodities

Ensure approval from the Managing Director before offering prices that exceed the standard pricing list

Ensure BBBEE compliance with regards to procurement, enterprise and supplier development and any other applicable element of BBBEE

Reporting and administrative responsibilities

Responsible for all daily reports :

Attendance register

Shift reports

Production graphs

Responsible for weekly reports :

Staff leave reports

IOD reports

Operational feedback report

Weekly operations meeting report

Responsible for monthly reports as required

Keep updated Excel spreadsheets reflecting all purchases and sales

Check weighbridge slips to ensure accurate purchase orders are generated

Consolidate and check all transactions for accuracy

Keep track of maintenance budget and report to Managing Director

Purchasing

Responsible for overseeing that all stock levels of consumables are kept at required levels

Responsible for managing order books

Responsible for all materials and equipment ordered and the arrangement of approvals and payments with finance department

Respond to all account queries

Operational management

Manage the commercial budget to ensure maximum profits

Manage administration and ensure compliance to all policies and procedures within the commercial division, including SHEQ and environmental responsibilities

Implementing new strategies and operational systems to improve efficiencies and profitability

Active involvement in long term planning, including implementing initiatives to achieve operational excellence

Ensure accurate and comprehensive reporting on all commercial activities

Conduct site visits with the sales department before proposals and quotes are sent to the clients

Oversee site inspections

Development of individual commercial site plans, forecasts, budgets and staffing solutions

Delegate responsibilities effectively

Monitor progress and take appropriate action to adjust planning to accommodate changes in the business or client requirements

Carry out any other duties which may be required within the overall function of the job

Client relations

Maintain quality service to all clients according to the SLA

Implement and ensure compliance to customer service standards

Analyse and resolve all customer queries and complaints : identify trends, recommend system improvements, etc.

Provide feedback to the Managing Director regarding all client relation issues that needs to be addressed by executive management

Strategically build and manage all client relationships to ensure customer satisfaction

Address and resolve client problems immediately, attend to proposals and improve service levels

Identify system improvements and innovations that may result in a more efficient and effective work process and improve client satisfaction

Assist in the implementation of systems and controls, to ensure policies, procedures and related laws / acts are complied with

Financial management and reporting

Conduct regular meetings with the Managing Director with regards to operational and organizational planning in the commercial department

Provide accurate reporting of information and statistics for the quarterly board reports

Ensure all information that is reported on is accurate and submitted before the deadlines (daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and annually)

Provide feedback on all operational or financial aspects as requested by executive management

Assist the Managing Director with annual budgets and monitor cash flow to ensure maximum profitability of the commercial department

Ensure all action points on meeting minutes are implemented and / or actioned on time

Requirements

A relevant diploma or degree in operations / business management

Minimum 7 years working experience in a similar role

Minimum of 3 years middle management experience is required

Knowledge and experience in related waste management and recycling

High proficiency in Microsoft Office is essential

Valid drivers license and own vehicle

A willingness to, at times, work on holidays / weekends and evenings if operations require it

Employment will be implemented in accordance with the Employment Equity Act.

Only Applicants considered for the role will be contacted.

Closing date : 12th August 2025

Should you wish to apply, please follow the online application process.