Operations Manager – Modderfontein

Headhunters; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Headhunters is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead the day-to-day branch operations in Gauteng. The role focuses on maximizing efficiency, profitability and client satisfaction through strong budgeting, forecasting and staff leadership.

The ideal candidate will bring 3+ years in a senior operations role, with solid knowledge of inventory management, financial principles and MS Office. Experience in the chemical industry is advantageous.

Qualifications

• Requires degree in Business, Operations Management or related field.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in Operations/ senior management.
• Industry knowledge in chemical sector is advantageous.
• Strong knowledge of operations management and organisational effectiveness.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day branch operations for efficiency, productivity and profitability.
• Oversee budgeting, cost control, forecasting and profitability management.
• Ensure SLAs with clients and suppliers are met; manage invoicing and billing processes.
• Develop and maintain client relationships and drive business development.
• Oversee warehouse and inventory management; review stock reports and address discrepancies.
• Lead staff, manage performance, training and retention.

Skills

Operations management

Budgeting

Forecasting

Staff management

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Analytical thinking

Report writing

MS Office

Education

Degree in Business/Operations

Grade 12 / Matric

Tools

Syspro

Pastel Accounting

MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Job description

Requirements:

• Grade 12 / Matric.
• Degree in Business, Operations Management or a related field.
• Proven experience as an Operations Manager or in a similar senior management role.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience within the Chemical Industry will be advantageous.
• Strong knowledge of operations management and organisational effectiveness.
• Experience with budgeting and forecasting.
• Sound understanding of business and financial principles.
• Experience in inventory and warehouse management.
• Proven staff management and leadership experience.
• Strong sales, financial and commercial acumen.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Customer relationship management experience.
• Project costing and project management experience.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Root cause analysis and report‑writing skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office, including Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of Syspro and Pastel Accounting will be advantageous.
• Valid, unendorsed Code 08 driver’s licence.
• Strong planning, organising and attention‑to‑detail skills.
• Customer‑focused, commercially minded and business‑oriented.
• Professional verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities:

• Manage the day‑to‑day operations of the branch to ensure efficiency, productivity and profitability.
• Manage operational budgets with a strong focus on cost control.
• Assist with budgeting, sales forecasting, project costing and profitability management.
• Authorise expenditure within approved authority levels.
• Participate in monthly billing processes and sign off on invoicing.
• Manage claims, expenses and debtors where required.
• Manage and maintain client and service provider Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
• Oversee operational service delivery and customer satisfaction.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and key suppliers.
• Investigate client complaints and implement appropriate corrective actions.
• Assist with quotations, costings and business development activities.
• Develop and manage business development plans to grow the client base and market footprint.
• Oversee warehouse and inventory management processes.
• Review stock‑take and cycle‑count reports and address discrepancies.
• Manage and develop staff, including performance management, training, career development and employee retention.
• Manage absenteeism, overtime and access control.
• Ensure compliance with company HR and disciplinary procedures.
• Address technical queries and operational challenges.
• Review, update and approve SOPs to ensure effective operational processes.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the business.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety, legal, regulatory, licensing and permit requirements.
• Conduct regular facility inspections and management walkabouts.
• Coordinate responses to operational incidents and emergencies.
• Chair or participate in safety meetings and incident investigations.
• Prepare for internal and external audits.
• Compile daily, weekly and monthly management reports.
• Attend management meetings and present operational performance statistics.
• Assist with business continuity planning and operational risk assessments.
• Ensure all departments operate at optimal levels and that customer and supplier SLAs are consistently achieved.