Operations Manager - Earthmoving Equipment

EnableSA Recruitment; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

EnableSA Recruitment seeks an experienced Operations Manager for earthmoving equipment based in Johannesburg. You will oversee Parts, Service, and Product Support, driving profitability and customer satisfaction across multiple locations.

The role requires a strong track record in workshops, OEM coordination, and budget management, with leadership responsibilities for several managers and a focus on maintenance and service excellence.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years' experience in heavy equipment, construction equipment, mining equipment, or related aftermarket environments.
• Minimum 5 years in a management role overseeing Parts, Service, or Aftermarket operations.
• Proven responsibility for P&L, operational budgets, and profitability.
• Strong understanding of workshop operations, parts management, and customer support.
• Experience with OEMs, warranty administration, and service excellence initiatives.
• Ability to lead managers and drive improvements across multiple locations.

Responsibilities

• Manage the overall performance of Parts, Service, and Product Support.
• Set and monitor revenue, gross profit, and customer support targets.
• Identify opportunities to grow aftermarket sales and retain customers.
• Ensure significant customer or equipment support issues are resolved.
• Oversee workshop and field service performance through the responsible Managers.
• Monitor productivity, work in progress, turnaround times, and job closure.
• Promote planned maintenance and reduce repeat repairs.
• Support the team with escalated operational or technical matters.
• Oversee Parts performance and stock availability through the Parts team.
• Monitor sales, stock levels, lost sales, and slow-moving inventory.
• Ensure stock controls are in place, and that working capital is managed responsibly.
• Support supplier and OEM discussions where escalation is required.
• Maintain oversight of key customer, OEM, technical, and warranty matters.
• Coordinate support between Parts, Service, Technical teams, and OEMs when required.
• Ensure critical breakdowns and recurring issues are escalated and resolved.
• Monitor warranty claims and OEM support at a management level.
• Take management responsibility for approved operational budgets and targets.
• Review revenue, gross profit, costs, and profitability with the relevant managers.
• Require corrective action plans where budget or KPI performance is below target.
• Provide oversight rather than managing routine day-to-day activities.
• Provide direction and support to the managers responsible for Parts, Service, and Product Support.
• Set clear departmental expectations linked to budgets and KPIs.
• Review team performance, capability, and resource requirements with the responsible managers.
• Become involved in employee relations matters, development, and succession planning when management input is required.

Skills

Leadership

P&L management

Budgeting

People management

Strategy & planning

Customer focus

Education

Grade 12

Diploma or Degree in Business Management

Diploma or Degree in Engineering/Operations Management

Red Seal Trade Qualification

Job description

Position: Operations Manager – Earthmoving Equipment

Location: Johannesburg

Requirements:

• Grade 12
• Diploma or Degree in Business Management, Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, Commercial Management, or a related field
• Red Seal Trade Qualification highly advantageous
• Minimum 8 years' experience within the heavy equipment, construction equipment, mining equipment, or related aftermarket environment
• Minimum 5 years' experience in a management position overseeing Parts, Service, Product Support, or Aftermarket operations
• Demonstrated responsibility for P&L, operational budgets, and departmental profitability
• Strong understanding of workshop operations, parts management, inventory control, and customer support
• Experience working with OEMs, warranty administration, and service excellence initiatives
• Demonstrated ability to lead managers and drive operational improvements across multiple locations
• Valid driver's licence

Responsibilities

• Manage the overall performance of Parts, Service, and Product Support
• Set and monitor revenue, gross profit, and customer support targets
• Identify opportunities to grow aftermarket sales and retain customers
• Ensure significant customer or equipment support issues are resolved
• Oversee workshop and field service performance through the responsible Managers
• Monitor productivity, work in progress, turnaround times, and job closure
• Promote planned maintenance and reduce repeat repairs
• Support the team with escalated operational or technical matters
• Oversee Parts performance and stock availability through the Parts team
• Monitor sales, stock levels, lost sales, and slow-moving inventory
• Ensure stock controls are in place, and that working capital is managed responsibly
• Support supplier and OEM discussions where escalation is required
• Maintain oversight of key customer, OEM, technical, and warranty matters
• Coordinate support between Parts, Service, Technical teams, and OEMs when required
• Ensure critical breakdowns and recurring issues are escalated and resolved
• Monitor warranty claims and OEM support at a management level
• Take management responsibility for approved operational budgets and targets
• Review revenue, gross profit, costs, and profitability with the relevant managers
• Require corrective action plans where budget or KPI performance is below target
• Provide oversight rather than managing routine day-to-day activities
• Provide direction and support to the managers responsible for Parts, Service, and Product Support
• Set clear departmental expectations linked to budgets and KPIs
• Review team performance, capability, and resource requirements with the responsible managers
• Become involved in employee relations matters, development, and succession planning when management input is required