Operations Manager

JUCE; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing fragrance brand based in Cape Town is seeking an experienced Operations Manager. In this pivotal role, you will manage supply chains, oversee production, and ensure financial administration is executed flawlessly. The ideal candidate has a background in supply chain management and is skilled in logistics and problem-solving. This full-time, in-office position offers competitive pay and the opportunity to impact a vibrant brand's growth.

Benefits

Competitive market-related salary

Leadership position in a growing brand

Dynamic and collaborative work environment

Significant autonomy and responsibility

Qualifications

• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in operations, supply chain, or production management.
• Proven experience with international sourcing and import/export logistics.
• Strong understanding of quality management systems, preferably ISO 9001.

Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end supply chain and procurement processes.
• Oversee production operations and quality management.
• Manage operational budgets and financial administration.

Skills

Supply Chain Management

Logistics

Problem-Solving

Financial Management

Project Management

Education

Diploma or Degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or related field

Tools

Material Requirements Planning (MRP) System

Google Sheets

Microsoft Excel

Asana

Job description

Job Title: Operations Manager

Location: Cape Town, Western Cape Reports to: CEO & Head of Product Stream: Operations

About Juce Fragrances:

Juce Fragrances is a rapidly growing fragrance and personal care brand based in Cape Town. With a strong presence in major national retailers like Medirite Plus (part of the Shoprite Group), Superbalist, and unique consignment stores, we are on a mission to bring high-quality, beautifully designed products to a wide audience. As we scale our operations, expand our product lines, and deepen our retail partnerships, we are looking for a key individual to build and run our operational engine.

The Opportunity:

This is more than just a job; it's a chance to take on a pivotal leadership role and make a tangible impact on the trajectory of a vibrant brand. We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Operations Manager to become the central hub of our business. You will be the integrator who translates our strategic vision into flawless day-to-day execution. Working directly with the CEO and Head of Product, you will manage our entire operational landscape, from international supply chains and production to financial administration and system automation. If you are a hands-on, strategic problem-solver who thrives in a dynamic environment, this role is for you.

Key Responsibilities:

Supply Chain & Procurement:

• Manage the end-to-end supply chain, including supplier sourcing, negotiation, and relationship management with partners internationally and locally.
• Oversee all import logistics, coordinating with our freight forwarding partners to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of goods.
• Manage inventory levels for all raw materials and finished goods using our Material Requirements Planning System (MRP) system, setting and monitoring par levels to prevent stockouts.
• Place and track purchase orders for packaging, oils, ethanol, and all other consumables.

Production & Quality Management:

• Oversee the operation of our semi-automated fragrance production line.
• Create and manage manufacturing orders in Material Requirements Planning System (MRP) to align with sales forecasts and inventory requirements.
• Lead the ongoing implementation and maintenance of our ISO 9001 quality management system, ensuring full compliance as required by our retail partners.

Financial & Administrative Operations:

• Assist in managing operational budgets, scheduling supplier payments, and monitoring cash flow.
• Generate invoices and statements for our retail partners and consignment accounts.
• Manage accounts receivable, including proactively following up on outstanding payments.
• Liaise with our external accounting firm, ensuring they have all necessary invoices, reports, and paperwork for monthly processing.

Sales Operations & Systems:

• Process orders from key retailers and manage stock at our consignment partners.
• Onboard new retailers and distributors, ensuring seamless integration into our systems.
• Drive the continued automation of our processes by ensuring compliance and proper use of our integrated Material Requirements Planning System (MRP) and Asana systems.
• Track progress against company goals in Asana, providing clear, concise weekly reports to the CEO.

Required Experience & Qualifications:

• A tertiary qualification (Diploma or Degree) in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in an operations, supply chain, or production management role.
• Proven experience with international sourcing and import/export logistics, specifically from Asia, is essential.
• Demonstrable experience working with ERP/MRP systems (direct experience with Material Requirements Planning System (MRP) is a significant advantage).
• Strong understanding of quality management systems. Direct experience with implementing or managing an ISO 9001 certified system is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in managing operational finances, including budgeting, invoicing, and chasing debtors.
• High level of proficiency with spreadsheets (Google Sheets / Microsoft Excel) and project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello).

Who You Are:

• A Systems Thinker: You can see the bigger picture and understand how a change in one area impacts the entire operation.
• Meticulously Organised: You have exceptional attention to detail and can juggle multiple complex priorities without letting anything slip through the cracks.
• A Natural Problem-Solver: You are proactive, resourceful, and take ownership of challenges to find effective solutions.
• An Excellent Communicator: You can communicate clearly and professionally with suppliers, retail partners, and internal team members.
• Adaptable and Resilient: You thrive in a fast-paced, growing business environment and are comfortable with a "roll-up-your-sleeves" attitude.
• Commercially Astute: You understand the financial implications of operational decisions.

What We Offer:

• A competitive market-related salary.
• The opportunity to hold a key leadership position and shape the future of a growing South African brand.
• A dynamic, creative, and collaborative work environment.
• Significant autonomy and responsibility in your role.

To Apply:

If you are ready to take on this exciting challenge, please submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining why you are the ideal candidate for this role.

Additional Information

Work Environment:

This is a full-time, in-office role based at our Cape Town headquarters.

Minimum Qualification Requirement:

A diploma or degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, or a related field is required.

Systems & Tools:

We use MRPEasy as our Material Requirements Planning (MRP) system. Experience with this or similar platforms is highly advantageous.

Reporting Line:

This role reports directly to the CEO and works closely with the Head of Product.

Team Structure:

You will initially operate as a team of one within the operations function, while coordinating with suppliers, logistics providers, and our internal departments. As the business scales, this role will play a key part in building and leading the operations team.