Senior Operations Manager - Free State Logistics

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonuses

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Relocation assistance

Career development

Annual leave

Company vehicle

Hybrid work

Supportive team

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Operations Manager to oversee logistics and distribution in the Free State, based in Bloemfontein. The role combines strategic planning with on-site leadership to optimize delivery networks, warehouse management, and the flow of goods in a dynamic FMCG market.

You will lead a sizeable team, manage a substantial budget, and partner with sales and procurement to meet financial and operational targets in a hybrid work setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration or related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in operations management with emphasis on logistics and distribution in FMCG.
• Proven experience managing complex distribution networks and large teams.
• Strong knowledge of WMS and supply chain optimization techniques.
• Excellent leadership, problem solving and decision making skills.
• Experience managing operational budgets and achieving financial targets.
• Proficient in data analysis and reporting with relevant software.
• Solid understanding of health and safety regulations in logistics operations.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management in a hybrid role.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategies to improve logistics, warehousing and distribution efficiency in the Free State.
• Oversee daily operations of distribution centers for timely order fulfillment.
• Lead and mentor operations supervisors and staff to achieve high performance.
• Optimize inventory management and stock control to minimize waste and improve availability.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and quality standards in facilities.
• Manage the operational budget and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Build strong relationships with transport providers and supply chain partners.
• Track KPIs and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with sales and procurement to align operations with business needs.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Data analysis

Stakeholder management

Problem solving

Decision making

Communication

Education

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

Tools

WMS

Supply chain optimization

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a national distributor of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), is seeking a seasoned Senior Operations Manager to oversee its key logistics and distribution operations in the **Free State**. Based out of **Bloemfontein**, this role requires a strategic leader capable of optimizing supply chain efficiency, managing a substantial operational budget, and leading a large team. The position involves a hybrid work model, combining strategic planning and remote management with necessary on-site presence in **Bloemfontein** to ensure operational excellence. You will be instrumental in enhancing delivery networks, improving warehouse management, and ensuring the smooth flow of goods across the region. This is a pivotal role for someone with a strong background in logistics and a passion for driving operational improvements in a dynamic market.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement operational strategies to enhance logistics, warehousing, and distribution efficiency across the **Free State**.
• Oversee daily operations of distribution centers, ensuring timely and accurate order fulfillment.
• Manage and mentor a team of operations supervisors and staff, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Optimize inventory management and stock control processes to minimize waste and maximize availability.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and quality standards within operational facilities.
• Manage the operational budget, identifying cost‑saving opportunities and ensuring financial targets are met.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with transport providers and other supply chain partners.
• Implement and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track operational performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Lead initiatives for process improvement and the adoption of new technologies within the operations.
• Collaborate with sales and procurement teams to align operational capabilities with business needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in operations management, with a significant focus on logistics and distribution within the FMCG sector.
• Proven experience in managing complex distribution networks and large operational teams.
• Strong knowledge of warehouse management systems (WMS) and supply chain optimization techniques.
• Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and decision‑making skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage operational budgets and achieve financial targets.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting using relevant software.
• Strong understanding of health and safety regulations in logistics operations.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Comfortable working in a hybrid model, balancing remote tasks with on‑site responsibilities in **Bloemfontein**.

Benefits

• A competitive annual salary of ZAR .
• Performance-based incentive bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Relocation assistance for candidates moving to **Bloemfontein**.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• Generous annual leave and other company benefits.
• Company vehicle or travel allowance.
• A challenging and rewarding role within a reputable organization.
• Hybrid work environment offering flexibility.
• Supportive team culture and leadership.