Operations Manager - United Pharmaceutical Distributors (UPD) Port Elizabeth

Clicks Group; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical company is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee branch operations in Gqeberha. The role requires effective management of day-to-day operations and ensuring compliance with regulations. Candidates should possess a relevant business degree and have at least 3 years of management experience in a high-volume environment. Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills are essential. The position offers a permanent contract with market-related remuneration.

Qualifications

• 3 years management experience within a high-volume warehouse/operations/sales or retail environment.
• Experience in budget management and people management.

Responsibilities

• Effectively manage branch operations to maximize return on net assets.
• Ensure branch meets organizational, financial, operational, service, and growth goals.
• Optimize stock levels and manage facility security.

Skills

Communication skills – written and verbal

Negotiation skills

Customer relations

Relationship building

Interpersonal skills

Education

Relevant business degree or equivalent

Tools

Warehouse Management System (WMS)

Job description

Position Summary

Industry: Pharmaceutical Sector
Job category: Other: FMCG, Retail, Wholesale and Supply Chain
Location: Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
Contract: Permanent
Remuneration: Market Related
EE position: Yes

About Our Company

Clicks Group

Introduction

We are looking to recruit a permanent Operations Manager to work within the Operations department of United Pharmaceutical Distributors. The role will be based at the UPD Port Elizabeth branch and will report to the Branch Manager (PE).

Job Description

Job Purpose

• Effectively and efficiently manage branch operations to maximize return on net assets and deliver key branch objectives in line with overall business objectives.

Job Objectives

• Manage day‑to‑day wholesale and distribution operations of the branch including operations, people, contractors and processes.
• Ensure branch meets organisational, financial, operational, service and growth goals.
• Coordinate with the branch Sales & Marketing teams to maximise turnover through service excellence.
• Manage operational activities relevant to Warehouse Management System (WMS) and ensure compliance, generating reports to measure performance and efficiency.
• Optimize stock levels, availability and management through operational excellence.
• Direct operations and co‑coordinate branch teams to deliver efficiency and service levels for customer satisfaction and business growth.
• Cost management including budgetary alignment and capital expenditure (CAPEX).
• Ensure security of facility and implement loss control in line with company guidelines.
• Manage pharmaceutical compliance per regulations and implement instructions from the Responsible Pharmacist (RP).
• Effectively manage and develop human resources.

Minimum Requirements

Qualification Required

• Relevant business degree or equivalent.

Job Experience

• 3 years management experience within a high‑volume warehouse/operations/sales or retail environment.
• Budget management.
• Warehouse Management System (WMS).
• People management.

Job Related Skills

• Communication skills – written and verbal.
• Negotiation skills.
• Customer relations.
• Relationship building.
• Interpersonal skills.

Job Related Knowledge

• Supply chain management.
• Human resource and leadership.
• Financial management.
• Sales.
• Reporting.
• Planning & organising.
• Quality & regulatory SOPs.

Job Related Competencies

• Deciding and initiating action.
• Leading and supervising.
• Relating and networking.
• Creating and innovation.
• Formulating strategies and concepts.
• Learning and research.
• Coping with pressures and setbacks.
• Entrepreneurial and commercial thinking.
• Planning and organising.
• Delivering results and meeting customer expectations.