Operations Manager

Staff Solutions; Oos-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 540,000 - 720,000; Full time

Job summary

Staff Solutions is seeking an experienced Operations Manager for fruit cold storage and distribution in the Eastern Cape. You will manage receiving, inspection, storage, stock control and dispatch, ensuring product quality and maintaining cold chain.

You will lead operational teams, monitor inventory and waste, control costs, ensure food safety and SH&OSH compliance, coordinate maintenance, drive improvements, and report KPIs to senior management while building strong relationships with

Qualifications

• Experience in operations management within fruit cold storage, warehousing, logistics or perishable goods.
• Strong leadership, team management and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of cold chain management, fruit storage conditions and inventory control practices.
• Experience using inventory management systems (WMS/SAP) and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Manage receiving, inspection, storage, stock control and dispatch of fruit, ensuring product quality and maintaining the cold chain.
• Lead, supervise and develop operational teams, including supervisors, warehouse personnel and forklift operators.
• Monitor inventory levels, stock movements, product shelf life and stock accuracy to minimise waste and fruit spoilage.
• Control operational expenditure, allocate labour and resources, and oversee the purchasing of operational supplies.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene, health and safety regulations, as well as company procedures.
• Coordinate maintenance of cold storage facilities and refrigeration systems with maintenance teams and external service providers.
• Identify and implement operational improvements to enhance productivity, control costs and minimise downtime.
• Track operational performance indicators, assess results and compile reports for senior management.
• Build and maintain relationships with customers, suppliers and logistics providers to ensure efficient deliveries and resolve operational challenges.
• Maintain a clean, safe and organised facility, ensuring operational readiness during peak seasonal periods.

Skills

Operations management

Cold chain management

Leadership

Inventory control

WMS

SAP

Excel

Communication

Analytical reporting

Tools

WMS

SAP

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the receiving, inspection, storage, stock control and dispatch of fruit, ensuring product quality and maintaining the cold chain.
• Lead, supervise and develop operational teams, including supervisors, warehouse personnel and forklift operators.
• Monitor inventory levels, stock movements, product shelf life and stock accuracy to minimise waste and fruit spoilage.
• Control operational expenditure, allocate labour and resources, and oversee the purchasing of operational supplies.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene, health and safety regulations, as well as company procedures.
• Coordinate the maintenance of cold storage facilities and refrigeration systems with maintenance teams and external service providers.
• Identify and implement operational improvements to enhance productivity, control costs and minimise downtime.
• Track operational performance indicators, assess results and compile reports for senior management.
• Build and maintain relationships with customers, suppliers and logistics providers to ensure efficient deliveries and resolve operational challenges.
• Maintain a clean, safe and organised facility, ensuring operational readiness during peak seasonal periods.

Minimum Requirements and Skills

• Demonstrated experience in operations management, preferably within fruit cold storage, warehousing, logistics or the perishable goods sector.
• Good knowledge of cold chain management, fruit storage conditions and inventory control practices.
• Strong leadership, team management and problem-solving skills.
• Understanding of food safety, quality control and occupational health and safety requirements.
• Experience using inventory management systems, such as WMS or SAP, and Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent organisational, communication, analytical and reporting abilities.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, work under pressure and make sound decisions in a fast-paced operational environment.