Service Operations Manager

ABB; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1,100,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Job summary

ABB in Johannesburg seeks an experienced Operations Leader to head local day-to-day execution in the ELSE division—driving lean, safe and cost-efficient performance across the value chain onsite.

You will shape the regional operations strategy, guide both direct and indirect reports, ensure exceptional customer service, and leverage your LV/MV expertise to deliver turnkey projects.

English communication is required; French or Portuguese is a plus. EB licenses valid in SA are essential.

Qualifications

• 10–15 years of experience in LV & MV service and turnkey MV substations.
• Strong knowledge of project management.
• Leadership and people development skills.
• English language required; French or Portuguese is an advantage.
• EB licenses valid in South Africa.

Responsibilities

• Lead local operations with day-to-day accountability.
• Drive lean, faultless operations across the value chain.
• Optimize costs and ensure customer satisfaction.
• Create, implement and review the operations strategy for the area.
• Lead and develop direct and indirect reports.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

English communication

People management

Education

Electrical Engineering degree (heavy current)

Project Management certificate

Job description

At ABB, we help industries run leaner and cleaner—and every person here makes that happen. You’ll be empowered to lead, supported to grow, and proud of the impact we create together. Join us and help run what runs the world.

This position reports to:

Local Division Manager ELSE

Your Role And Responsibilities

In this role, you will have the opportunity to lead local operations with accountability for day‑to‑day execution, exceeding customer expectations through efficient operational performance. Each day, you will drive lean and faultless operations across the extended value chain, optimizing cost and ensuring customer satisfaction. You will also showcase your expertise by creating, implementing, and reviewing the operations strategy for the designated area, based on strategy.

The work model for the role is: Onsite

This role is contributing to the ELSE Service/Electrification area/ELSE division – Operations in South Africa.

You will be mainly accountable for:

• Ensuring customer focus, the understanding of sense of urgency and care in your direct area of responsibility.
• Guaranteeing customer retention by delivering superior customer service experience.
• Utilizing the local practices for notifying the account team about the opportunities.
• Guiding, motivating, and developing direct and indirect reports.
• Our team dynamics (Optional)You will join a {Service Division - high performing} team, where you will be able to thrive.

Qualifications For The Role

• You are immersed in working with project managers/ engineering team/ field service team and the Mining, Oil & Gas, Industry, Utilities market.
• 10 – 15 years of experience preferably in LV & MV service, LV & MV switchgears and turnkey MV substation projects.
• Possess in-depth knowledge of Project Management.
• You are passionate about leadership.
• Degree/ Diploma in Electrical Engineering (heavy current)
• Project Management certificate will be advantage.
• You are at ease communicating in English required.
• French or Portuguese language skills will be an advantage.
• You hold current EB licenses valid in South Africa.

What’s in it for you?

We want you to bring your full self to work—your ideas, your energy, your ambition. You'll have the tools and freedom to grow your skills, shape your path, and take on challenges that matter. Here, your work creates impact you can see and feel, everyday.

More About Us

We value people from different backgrounds. Could this be your story?

Preference will be given to candidates from designated groups, including persons with disabilities, in line with the company’s Employment Equity Plan and Employment Equity Act requirements.

Building a cleaner, smarter future takes all kinds of minds: the curious, the courageous, and the creative. That's why we welcome people from all backgrounds and experiences.