Operations Manager

Introduction

An exciting opportunity has become available for a self-motivated, driven and innovative individual to join Grindrod Rail Consultancy Services (Pty) Ltd at their offices in Pretoria in the position of an Operations Manager. All suitably qualified candidates are invited to apply for this vacancy.

Duties and Responsibilities

The successful applicant will include, but are not limited to the following:

Key Performance Area:

OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT:

1. Develop and manage all operational goals and objectives to ensure alignment with the customer/obligations demand.
2. Manage daily operations of the rail service and ensure it runs smoothly, efficiently and safely.
3. Plan and coordinate all aspects of rail operations, including scheduling, dispatching and routing.
4. Coordinate with other transportation services to facilitate effective transportation solutions.
5. Monitor and provide guidance of activities of all disciplines to ensure adherence to process times.
6. Support the Operations Team with all Operational requirements.
7. Develop and implement policies and procedures for rail operations.
8. Prepare operational reports and analyze data to assess operational efficiency.
9. Ensure compliance with targeted TATs.

RAIL SAFETY MANAGEMENT:

1. Ensure compliance with all rail safety regulations and standards for all train operations.
2. Manage all disciplines within Rail safety performances.
3. Manage deviations on Customer audits.
4. Ensure employees' qualifications are updated.
5. Compliance to the safety plan.
6. Risk assessments.
7. SOPs.
8. Incident investigation.
9. Implementation of corrective actions from investigation reports.
10. Review Health & Safety reports on workplace accidents and incidents to identify trends and initiate corrective actions for the reduction of LTIs.

CONTRACT/CUSTOMER MANAGEMENT:

1. Ensure adherence to the contract requirements.
2. Regular feedback and communication to customers.
3. Liaise with internal stakeholders on changes to contracts.
4. Handle customer complaints and inquiries, resolving issues promptly and effectively.
5. Lead and champion on-time performance to ensure on-time performance targets are met.
6. Engage with TRIM/Rail Operators to ensure track conditions meet safety standards and reduce yard derailments and collisions.

STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT:

1. Ensure strong and regular communication between the Rail Division and all its stakeholders eg. Transnet, Customers, TRIM, IRERC, RSR.
2. Coordinate communication between internal and external stakeholders to improve service delivery for customers.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT:

1. Develop new projects with new train routes/markets in conjunction with internal and external stakeholders.
2. Manage projects according to the contract requirements.
3. Advise on the requirements of projects and evaluate the performance of projects.

TEAM MANAGEMENT:

1. Monitor and manage the performance of staff, providing training and support as required.
2. Manage budgets, resources and timelines to ensure rail services are delivered as expected.
3. Ensure capacity development with respect to all resources in alignment with our growth strategy.

Qualifications:

1. Degree/Diploma in Operations Management or relevant qualification.

Experience:

1. Minimum 10 years experience in Rail Operations.
2. 5-10 years in supervisory or higher level of management in Rail Operations.

Applicants should send their CVs to careers@grindrod.com.

Please state the name of the position as a reference on your application.

Application date closes Tuesday, 29 April 2025.