Senior Operations Manager

Placements24; KwaZulu-Natal; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonus

Health insurance

Retirement fund

Professional development

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, seeks an experienced Senior Operations Manager to oversee daily operations, drive strategic initiatives, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

You will lead a large team, optimize resources, monitor KPIs, ensure compliance, and manage budgets while collaborating with Sales, Finance and HR to align with the company’s growth plan. The role is hybrid with travel within the region.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Logistics, or a related field (Master's preferred).
• Proven leadership and track record in senior operations roles.
• Experience managing large-scale operations in logistics or supply chain.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic operational plans to achieve company objectives and growth targets.
• Oversee daily operations, including resource allocation, workflow optimization, and process improvements.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of operational staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment.
• Monitor KPIs and metrics, identify improvement areas, and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations, safety standards, and company policies.
• Manage budgets and control expenditures, seeking cost-saving opportunities.
• Collaborate with Sales, Finance, and HR for seamless integration of operations.
• Identify and mitigate operational risks, develop contingency plans.
• Drive innovation and adoption of new technologies and best practices.
• Maintain strong relationships with suppliers, vendors, and stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Analytical skills

Decision making

Communication

Negotiation

Interpersonal skills

Financial management

Budgeting

ERP systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Logistics, or related field

Master's degree (advantage)

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding logistics and supply chain enterprise, is seeking an experienced and results-driven Senior Operations Manager to oversee and optimize their operations in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. This pivotal role is responsible for ensuring the efficient and effective management of daily business activities, driving strategic initiatives, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of operational processes, a proven track record in team leadership, and the ability to make critical decisions under pressure. This position offers a fantastic opportunity to make a significant impact within a dynamic industry and contribute to the sustained growth of the company. You will be instrumental in shaping the operational future of our client's presence in this key South African region, ensuring all activities align with the company's overarching strategic goals and values. This role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to excellence in all facets of operations management.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic operational plans to achieve company objectives and growth targets.
• Oversee and manage daily operations, including resource allocation, workflow optimization, and process improvements.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of operational staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational metrics, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant industry regulations, safety standards, and company policies.
• Manage budgets and control operational expenditures, seeking cost‑saving opportunities without compromising quality.
• Collaborate with other departments, such as sales, finance, and HR, to ensure seamless integration of operations.
• Identify and mitigate operational risks, developing contingency plans as needed.
• Drive innovation and the adoption of new technologies and best practices within the operations department.
• Maintain strong relationships with suppliers, vendors, and other external stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Logistics, or a related field. A Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in operations management, with a significant portion in a senior leadership role.
• Demonstrated success in managing large‑scale operations, preferably within the logistics or supply chain sector.
• Proven ability to develop and execute strategic plans and operational initiatives.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the capacity to inspire and motivate diverse teams.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making abilities.
• Proficiency in operational software and ERP systems.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Solid understanding of financial management, budgeting, and cost control principles.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid work environment and travel as needed within Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive remuneration package, including a performance‑based bonus structure, comprehensive health insurance, retirement fund contributions, and opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• This role also provides the chance to work with a leading organization in a challenging yet rewarding environment.
• The company is committed to fostering a supportive workplace culture and values employee well‑being and continuous learning.
• You will have access to ongoing training programs and the chance to attend industry conferences to stay abreast of the latest trends and technologies.
• Furthermore, there are ample opportunities for career progression within the organization, allowing you to grow your expertise and take on greater responsibilities over time.
• The hybrid work model is designed to offer flexibility while ensuring effective collaboration and team cohesion.