Operations Manager (Maydon wharf)

University of Fort Hare; Pinetown, Umlazi, Durban; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in South Africa is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee logistics, warehousing, and distribution activities across multiple warehouses. This role requires a Bachelor's degree in Operations Management and at least 5-7 years of relevant experience in operations and logistics. Key responsibilities include managing daily operations, ensuring inventory control, and leading improvement initiatives. The position offers an opportunity to contribute to the growth of the organization by fostering customer relationships and optimizing operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of progressive experience in operations, logistics, or warehouse management.
• 3-5 years of experience in new business development in a product-based environment.
• Proven track record of managing multi-site warehouse operations.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily operational activities including movement of goods in and out of warehouses.
• Ensure effective inventory control and efficient loading/unloading processes.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives across operational processes.

Skills

Operational planning

Logistics management

Budgeting and cost control

People management

Stakeholder engagement

Problem-solving

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree/Diploma in Operations Management

Certification in Occupational Health and Safety

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Engineering / Technical / Production / Manufacturing / Motor

South Africa - KwaZulu Natal , eThekwini Central (Durban / Pinetown / Umlazi)

R 00

Our client based in Maydon wharf is looking for an Operations Manger to join their friendly team. The Operations Manager is responsible for the end-to-end oversight and execution of all logistics, warehousing, and distribution activities across all warehouses. This includes planning, coordinating, and managing inbound and outbound processes to ensure optimal operational efficiency, cost control, regulatory compliance, and alignment with business objectives. The role includes supporting the development and execution of marketing, sales, and business development activities aimed at strengthening customer relationships, expanding the client base, and supporting organisational growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree/ Diploma in Operations Management, Logistics, new business venture or a related field is required.
• Certification in Occupational Health and Safety or related SHEQ disciplines preferred.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in operations, logistics, or warehouse management, preferably in the port precinct or industrial sectors.
• Minimum 3-5 years’ experience in new business development within a product-based environment.
• Proven track record of managing multi-site warehouse operations and leading cross-functional teams.
• Strong familiarity with BBBEE compliance, including transformation reporting and audit preparation.
• Experience in implementing continuous improvement initiatives such as Lean, Six Sigma, or Kaizen.
• Hands‑on experience with SHEQ compliance, including legal appointments and safety audits.
• Proficient in SAP, Microsoft Excel, and other reporting tools for operational analytics is an added advantage.

Key Competencies

• Operational planning, logistics management and new business acquisition.
• Budgeting and cost control.
• SHEQ compliance and risk awareness.
• People management and leadership.
• Stakeholder engagement and communication.
• Problem‑solving and decision‑making.
• Time management and attention to detail.
• Understanding of BBBEE requirements and transformation reporting.

Management

• Manage daily operational activities, including planning and coordinating the movement of goods in and out of the warehouses.
• Ensure effective inventory control, optimal space utilisation, and efficient loading/unloading processes.
• Monitor budgets and meet financial targets. Drive cost‑saving initiatives.
• Be well experienced in SHEQ requirements in line with the 16.2 legal appointments, promoting a safe working environment and managing associated reporting.
• Lead and support the implementation of continuous improvement initiatives across operational processes, systems, and resource planning.
• Submission of monthly operational reports, performance metrics to TNPA, and board‑level inputs.
• Manage procurement and infrastructure improvement projects, including CAPEX reporting and vendor engagement, ensuring timely completion and alignment with operational needs.
• Oversee transformation and compliance‑related deliverables under the BBBEE framework.
• Liaise with stakeholders to ensure operational alignment with strategic objectives and compliance requirements.
• Lead, mentor and coordinate operational teams to optimise performance, workforce planning, and staff engagement.

Marketing and New Business Development

• Assist in identifying and developing new customer, supplier, or market opportunities aligned to business growth.
• Provide product availability insights, pricing impacts, and logistics feasibility details.
• Assist with proposals, commercial submissions, tender, and sales documentation linked to operation capacity and product supply.
• Provide market intelligence including demand shifts, competitor activity, import trends, and supply chain challenges impacting customer availability.

Staff Management

• Plan and manage for adequate staffing, manage time keeping, leave and performance.
• Support staff development through training and coaching. Promote a positive work culture.

General

• Regularly familiarise yourself the portfolio of Products and Services, Customers, Suppliers and internal procedures.
• Be a professional and courteous representative for the company at all times.