Operations Manager - Logistics and Supply Chain

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Pension fund

Life insurance

Leadership training

Relocation assistance

Generous annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead our client's logistics and supply chain activities in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. You will drive operational excellence, manage warehousing, transportation, and inventory, and ensure safety and regulatory compliance.

You will guide a large team, implement continuous improvement with Lean or Six Sigma, and partner with sales, procurement, and customer service to optimize performance and service levels across the region.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in logistics, supply chain, business admin, or related field.
• Master's degree preferred.
• 8+ years in progressive ops management in logistics/supply chain.
• Experience with warehousing, transportation, and inventory control.
• Strong leadership and team management.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in WMS and TMS.
• Financial management and budget control.
• Analytical, problem‑solving and data‑driven decisions.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily logistics and supply chain operations including warehousing, inventory, transport and distribution.
• Develop and implement strategies to optimize efficiency, reduce costs, and improve service levels.
• Lead and motivate a large operations team.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and environmental regulations.
• Manage operational budgets, monitor expenses, and identify cost savings opportunities.
• Collaborate with sales, customer service, and procurement for aligned operations.
• Implement and maintain inventory management systems to prevent stockouts/overstock.
• Develop and manage relationships with 3PLs and suppliers.
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean or Six Sigma where appropriate.
• Analyze operational data and generate KPI reports for strategic decisions.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Strategic thinking

Communication

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Logistics/Supply Chain/Business Admin

Master's degree preferred

Tools

WMS

TMS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the distribution and logistics sector, is seeking an experienced and strategic Operations Manager to lead their operations in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape . This role is crucial for overseeing the efficient and cost-effective management of all logistics, warehousing, and supply chain activities. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in optimizing supply chain operations, managing large teams, and implementing best practices to enhance delivery performance and customer satisfaction. You will be responsible for driving continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards, and managing operational budgets. This is an excellent opportunity to take on a leadership role within a dynamic and growing organization. You will play a key part in shaping the operational landscape of our client's business in the Port Elizabeth region and beyond, ensuring seamless flow of goods and services.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the logistics and supply chain department, including warehousing, inventory management, transportation, and distribution.
• Develop and implement strategies to optimize operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve service levels.
• Manage and motivate a large team of operational staff, ensuring high performance and adherence to company policies.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations within the operational facilities.
• Manage operational budgets, monitor expenses, and identify opportunities for cost savings.
• Collaborate with other departments, including sales, customer service, and procurement, to ensure alignment and smooth operations.
• Implement and maintain robust inventory management systems to ensure accuracy and minimize stockouts or overstocking.
• Develop and manage relationships with third-party logistics providers and suppliers.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, utilizing Lean or Six Sigma methodologies where appropriate.
• Analyze operational data and generate reports to track key performance indicators (KPIs) and inform strategic decisions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• A Master's degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in operations management within the logistics or supply chain industry.
• Proven experience in managing warehousing, transportation, and inventory control.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop staff.
• Excellent understanding of supply chain principles and best practices.
• Experience with WMS (Warehouse Management Systems) and TMS (Transportation Management Systems).
• Proficiency in financial management and budget control.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to implement process improvements and drive change.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, a performance-driven bonus structure, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, a pension fund, and life insurance.
• We provide significant opportunities for professional development, including leadership training and support for further education.

You will work in a strategic role impacting the entire supply chain operation from our key facility in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape.

• A dynamic and challenging work environment awaits, with ample scope for career progression within the organization.
• Additional benefits include relocation assistance and a generous annual leave allowance.
• We are committed to fostering a safe and efficient working environment for all our employees.

This role offers the chance to make a substantial contribution to our logistics network in South Africa.