OPERATIONS MANAGER ([email protected])
Lead Our Operations, Logistics & Distribution Team
We are seeking a highly experienced, strategic, and results-driven Operations Manager to oversee and manage the company's entire operational function. This is a senior leadership role responsible for ensuring that all operational activities—from customer order processing through to warehouse management, logistics, transport, and final delivery—are executed efficiently, cost-effectively, and in line with company standards.
The successful candidate will lead multiple departments, develop high-performing teams, implement operational best practices, and drive continuous improvement across the business. The Operations Manager will be accountable for operational performance, customer service, cost control, stock integrity, fleet efficiency, and the successful execution of company objectives.
This position is suited to a hands-on leader who is passionate about operational excellence and has a proven track record of managing warehouse, logistics, transport, inventory, and customer fulfilment functions within a fast-paced distribution or FMCG environment.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Operations Leadership
- Lead and manage the daily operations of the warehouse, logistics, transport, dispatch, receiving, and order fulfilment departments
- Develop and implement operational strategies that improve efficiency, productivity, and customer service
- Ensure all departments operate in accordance with company policies, procedures, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Drive accountability, discipline, and performance throughout the operations team
- Build, mentor, and develop high-performing operational teams
- Conduct regular operational meetings and performance reviews
- Ensure operational resources are effectively allocated to meet business demands
Order Fulfilment & Customer Service
- Oversee the complete order-to-delivery process
- Ensure customer orders are processed, released, picked, loaded, dispatched, and delivered within agreed service levels
- Monitor order turnaround times and eliminate operational bottlenecks
- Ensure customers receive accurate, complete, and on-time deliveries
- Manage escalated customer service issues relating to operations and logistics
- Work closely with the Sales and Finance departments to ensure seamless customer service
Warehouse & Inventory Management
- Oversee all warehouse operations, including receiving, storage, picking, packing, dispatch, and stock control
- Ensure inventory accuracy through effective stock management procedures
- Monitor cycle counts, stock takes, and inventory reconciliations
- Investigate stock discrepancies and implement corrective actions
- Maximise warehouse space utilisation and operational efficiency
- Ensure warehouse equipment, racking, and infrastructure are properly maintained
- Maintain high standards of housekeeping, organisation, and workplace safety
Transport & Distribution Management
- Oversee transport planning, fleet scheduling, and route optimisation
- Ensure vehicles are utilised efficiently to maximise productivity and minimise costs
- Monitor fuel consumption, maintenance schedules, and fleet performance
- Review transport costs and implement initiatives to improve efficiency
- Ensure all deliveries are completed safely, on time, and in full
- Manage third-party transport providers where applicable
Operational Planning
- Ensure effective planning of picking, loading, dispatch, and delivery schedules
- Coordinate operational priorities between warehouse, sales, accounts, and logistics departments
- Manage workload planning to maximise labour productivity
- Ensure urgent customer requirements are effectively prioritised
- Oversee operational capacity planning during peak trading periods
Financial & Cost Control
- Develop and manage operational budgets
- Monitor warehouse and transport expenditure
- Identify opportunities to reduce operational costs without compromising service
- Improve productivity through process optimisation
- Monitor labour utilisation and operational efficiency
- Analyse operational reports to support strategic decision-making
Health, Safety & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with all company policies and statutory regulations
- Maintain high standards of workplace health and safety
- Ensure warehouse security procedures are adhered to
- Conduct operational risk assessments
- Investigate incidents and implement preventative measures
- Promote a culture of safety and operational excellence
Continuous Improvement
- Identify inefficiencies and implement process improvements
- Introduce systems to improve productivity and operational performance
- Develop and monitor departmental KPIs
- Drive innovation and automation where appropriate
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement throughout the business
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
- Matric / Grade 12
- Diploma or Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business Management, or a related field (advantageous)
- Minimum 5–8 years' experience in warehouse, logistics, transport, or distribution management
- Minimum 3 years' experience in a management or leadership position
- Strong understanding of warehouse operations, inventory management, transport planning, and customer fulfilment
- Experience working with ERP systems (SAGE Evolution or similar)
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
- Valid driver's licence
KEY SKILLS & COMPETENCIES
- Strong leadership and people management skills
- Excellent planning and organisational ability
- Commercial and financial acumen
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to make sound decisions under pressure
- Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills
- Results-driven with a continuous improvement mindset
- Excellent time management and prioritisation skills
- High attention to detail
- Professional, accountable, and self-motivated
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs)Operational Performance
- Order-to-Delivery Lead Time
- Order Release Turnaround Time
- On-Time Order Processing
- Picking Accuracy
- Loading On-Time Percentage
- Delivery On-Time Percentage
- Orders Delivered In Full (OTIF)
Warehouse Performance
- Inventory Accuracy
- Stock Loss & Shrinkage
- Stock Take Variance
- Warehouse Productivity
- Receiving & Dispatch Accuracy
- Warehouse Space Utilisation
Fleet & Logistics Performance
- Vehicle Utilisation
- Truck Capacity Utilisation
- Route Efficiency
- Cost per Delivery
- Cost per Kilometre
- Fuel Consumption
- Fleet Downtime
- Driver Productivity
Financial Performance
- Operational Cost vs Budget
- Warehouse Cost per Order
- Distribution Cost per Delivery
- Labour Productivity
- Overtime Control
Customer Service
- Customer Complaints
- Delivery Accuracy
- Returns & Delivery Failures
- Customer Service Levels
People & Compliance
- Staff Productivity
- Health & Safety Compliance
- SOP Compliance
- Employee Attendance
- Training & Development
EMPLOYMENT DETAILS
Position: Operations Manager
Job Type: Full-Time | Permanent
Work Location: On-site / In person
Salary: Competitive remuneration package, commensurate with experience.
If you are an experienced operations leader with a proven ability to manage people, optimise processes, and deliver operational excellence, we invite you to apply and become part of our growing organisation.
Pay: R12 000,00 - R14 000,00 per month
Work Location: In person
