Strategic Operations Manager - Chemical Industry

Headhunters; Midvaal Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Headhunters is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead day-to-day branch operations, drive profitability and optimize inventories in a chemical-industry environment. You will manage budgets, forecast sales, oversee invoicing, and maintain strong client and supplier relationships.

The role requires a degree in business/operations, 3+ years in a senior ops role, and solid leadership and analytical skills. A Code 08 driving licence is preferred. On-site @ Gauteng region.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 / Matric.
• Degree in Business, Operations Management or a related field.
• Proven experience as an Operations Manager or in a similar senior management role.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience within the Chemical Industry will be advantageous.
• Strong knowledge of operations management and organisational effectiveness.
• Experience with budgeting and forecasting.
• Sound understanding of business and financial principles.
• Experience in inventory and warehouse management.
• Proven staff management and leadership experience.
• Strong sales, financial and commercial acumen.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Customer relationship management experience.
• Project costing and project management experience.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Root cause analysis and report-writing skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office, including Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of Syspro and Pastel Accounting will be advantageous.
• Valid, unendorsed Code 08 driver's licence.
• Strong planning, organising and attention-to-detail skills.
• Customer-focused, commercially minded and business-oriented.
• Professional verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the branch to ensure efficiency, productivity and profitability.
• Manage operational budgets with a strong focus on cost control.
• Assist with budgeting, sales forecasting, project costing and profitability management.
• Authorise expenditure within approved authority levels.
• Participate in monthly billing processes and sign off on invoicing.
• Manage claims, expenses and debtors where required.
• Manage and maintain client and service provider Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
• Oversee operational service delivery and customer satisfaction.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and key suppliers.
• Investigate client complaints and implement appropriate corrective actions.
• Assist with quotations, costings and business development activities.
• Develop and manage business development plans to grow the client base and market footprint.
• Oversee warehouse and inventory management processes.
• Review stock-take and cycle-count reports and address discrepancies.
• Manage and develop staff, including performance management, training, career development and employee retention.
• Manage absenteeism, overtime and access control.
• Ensure compliance with company HR and disciplinary procedures.
• Address technical queries and operational challenges.
• Review, update and approve SOPs to ensure effective operational processes.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the business.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety, legal, regulatory, licensing and permit requirements.
• Conduct regular facility inspections and management walkabouts.
• Coordinate responses to operational incidents and emergencies.
• Chair or participate in safety meetings and incident investigations.
• Prepare for internal and external audits.
• Compile daily, weekly and monthly management reports.
• Attend management meetings and present operational performance statistics.
• Assist with business continuity planning and operational risk assessments.
• Ensure all departments operate at optimal levels and that customer and supplier SLAs are consistently achieved.

Skills

Operations management

Staff management

Budgeting & forecasting

Communication skills

Analytical/problem-solving

Project costing

Customer relationships

Attention to detail

Leadership

Planning

Education

Degree in Business/Operations Management

Grade 12 / Matric

Tools

MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Syspro

Pastel Accounting

Job description

Headhunters is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead day-to-day branch operations, drive profitability and optimize inventories in a chemical-industry environment. You will manage budgets, forecast sales, oversee invoicing, and maintain strong client and supplier relationships.

The role requires a degree in business/operations, 3+ years in a senior ops role, and solid leadership and analytical skills. A Code 08 driving licence is preferred. On-site @ Gauteng region.