Operations Manager

Greys Recruitment; Pinetown, Umlazi, Durban; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 700 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading South African logistics firm is seeking an experienced Operations Manager in Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal. The ideal candidate will oversee logistics, warehousing, and distribution activities, ensuring operational efficiency and compliance. Responsibilities include managing teams, driving cost-saving initiatives, and leading new business development efforts. Candidates must have a degree in Operations Management, extensive experience in logistics, and a strong understanding of compliance frameworks. This position offers an opportunity to drive significant operational improvements and foster a positive team environment.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Operational planning

Logistics management

Budgeting and cost control

Stakeholder engagement

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree/ Diploma in Operations Management or Logistics

Certification in Occupational Health and Safety

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Overview

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.

Minimum Requirements / 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.