Operations Manager - Supply Chain & Logistics

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonuses and incentives

Health insurance

Pension plan

Professional development

Collaborative environment

Strategic decision-making

Training programs

Job summary

Placements24 in Pietermaritzburg seeks an experienced Operations Manager to oversee complex supply chain and logistics operations. You will drive efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure smooth product flow from procurement to delivery, while aligning with growth objectives.

The role requires strategic planning with hands-on daily operations, leading a team, and delivering improvements across warehousing, transportation, and distribution. Relocation to Pietermaritzburg may be needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 5–7 years of progressive experience in operations management with a focus on supply chain and logistics.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with a data-driven approach.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and supply chain management software.
• Experience negotiating contracts and managing supplier relationships.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement operational strategies to enhance efficiency and reduce costs across the supply chain and logistics functions.
• Oversee all aspects of inventory management, warehousing, transportation, and distribution.
• Manage and motivate a team of supply chain and logistics professionals, fostering a culture of high performance and accountability.
• Negotiate with suppliers and service providers to secure favorable terms and ensure quality of service.
• Implement and monitor KPIs to track operational effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Collaborate with sales and procurement to align operational plans with business objectives.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives leveraging lean principles and best practices to streamline processes and eliminate waste.
• Manage operational budgets and forecasts, ensuring financial targets are met.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Analytics

Negotiation

Communication

Team management

Data-driven decisions

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management / Logistics / Business Administration

Tools

ERP systems

SCM software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and rapidly expanding enterprise in the Pietermaritzburg area, is seeking a highly skilled and results-oriented Operations Manager to oversee their complex supply chain and logistics operations. This pivotal role demands a strategic thinker with a proven track record in optimizing efficiency, reducing costs, and ensuring seamless product flow from procurement to final delivery. The successful candidate will be instrumental in driving operational excellence and supporting the company's ambitious growth objectives within KwaZulu-Natal. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact within a well-established organization that values innovation and performance. The role offers a blend of strategic oversight and hands-on management, requiring active participation in daily operations while maintaining a focus on long-term planning and continuous improvement initiatives to stay ahead in a competitive market.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement operational strategies to enhance efficiency and reduce costs across the supply chain and logistics functions.
• Oversee all aspects of inventory management, warehousing, transportation, and distribution.
• Manage and motivate a team of supply chain and logistics professionals, fostering a culture of high performance and accountability.
• Negotiate with suppliers and service providers to secure favorable terms and ensure quality of service.
• Implement and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track operational effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Collaborate with other departments, such as sales and procurement, to align operational plans with business objectives.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives, leveraging lean principles and best practices to streamline processes and eliminate waste.
• Manage operational budgets and forecasts, ensuring financial targets are met.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in operations management, with a strong focus on supply chain and logistics.
• Proven ability to develop and execute strategic operational plans.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Proficiency in relevant ERP systems and supply chain management software.
• Demonstrated experience in negotiating contracts and managing supplier relationships.
• A solid understanding of inventory management techniques and warehouse operations.
• Experience with process improvement methodologies like Lean or Six Sigma is highly advantageous.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Pietermaritzburg.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary package, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Performance-based bonuses and incentives.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement within a growing organization.
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment that encourages innovation and rewards achievement.
• Contribution to strategic decision-making processes and company growth.
• Access to ongoing training and skill enhancement programs.