Trainee Operations Manager. (Durban)

Neptune; Durban; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 450,000; Full time

Job summary

Bidfreight Port Operations in Durban seeks a Trainee Operations Manager to oversee ship and shore activities. This associate-level role requires a tertiary qualification in shipping, logistics, or supply chain and at least five years of operational experience in port or logistics settings.

The successful candidate will lead multiple teams, ensuring productivity, safety, and effective coordination with customers, vessel crews, and terminal operators, with readiness for shifts and weekends.

Qualifications

• Requires tertiary qualification in shipping, logistics, or supply chain.
• Minimum five years proven operational experience in port-related or logistics environments.
• Proficiency in administrative and financial operations; ability to manage shifts and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Lead ship and shore operations to ensure productivity, safety and efficiency.
• Manage multiple teams and equipment to meet service standards.
• Oversee cost control, health and safety compliance, and stakeholder liaison.
• Coordinate with customers, vessel crew and terminal operators to optimize throughput.

Skills

operational management

cost control

industrial relations

health and safety

labor utilization

staff training

stakeholder liaison

Education

Tertiary qualification in shipping/logistics/supply chain

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

Email

Job description

Join Bidfreight Port Operations as a Trainee Operations Manager within the dynamic stevedoring division based in Durban. This full-time, associate-level role requires a tertiary qualification in shipping, logistics, or supply chain, along with a minimum of five years proven operational experience in port-related or logistics environments. Key skills include operational management, cost control, industrial relations, health and safety compliance, labor and equipment utilization, staff training, and stakeholder liaison with customers, vessel crew, and terminal operators. The successful candidate will lead ship and shore operations, ensuring productivity, safety, and efficiency while managing multiple teams and machinery. Proficiency in administrative and financial operations, computer literacy (Word, Excel, Email), a valid code 8 driver's license, and the readiness to work shifts and weekends are essential. This role offers the opportunity to develop leadership skills in a complex port environment, delivering cost-effective, high-quality service, and contributing to operational excellence within a respected South African maritime company.