Operations Manager

Unique Personnel boasts over 50 years (established in 1970) of personnel and staffing experience, so it's not surprising that even though our main focus has been providing on South African Staffing Solutions, we now recruit internationally for over 5000 clients Duties & Responsibilities

Purpose of the job

To lead and oversee the entire Transport and Logistics operations by:

• Driving operational discipline, efficiency, profitability, compliance, and service excellence
• The Operations Manager will serve as the company’s operational subject matter expert, providing strong hands-on leadership and technical oversight across all business operational functions.
• The role requires a highly experienced operational leader capable of interrogating operational performance, identifying inefficiencies holding operational teams accountable, and implementing practical operational improvements that enhance productivity, reduce costs, and strengthen operational sustainability to achieve budgeted results and other financial criteria including PBIT, NWC (Net Working Capital).
• Implement and monitor all operational activities to ensure compliance with operational protocols, legal, health, safety and other regulatory requirements which govern the business operations.
• Ensure all business sub-systems are well coordinated, Operations, Marketing and Administration.
• Ensure optimisation and alignment of all resources, systems and processes.
• Ensure accuracy, completeness and authorisation of the summary wage sheet.
• Implement the performance management process, learning and development process, succession process and recruitment process to ensure continuous improvement in performance and relevant career progression.
• Ensure the adherence to transformation plans through active involvement and adherence to the recruitment, promotion and succession processes and action plans.
• Prepare for disciplinary enquiries and grievances and ensure consistent application in line with company processes and procedures through the involvement of HR.
• Create, monitor and maintain a work environment conducive to embracing diversity, open communication, fairness and consistency.
• Pro-active involvement in issues that could have an impact on employee morale, retention and performance.
• Implement and ensuring effective employee engagement and communication on a continuous basis.
• Ensure document control process and template.
• Actively leading by example regarding behavioural actions and ensure that the company values are adhered to. Monitor and facilitate correction of behaviour of subordinates.
• Instil, monitor, and enforce a culture of risk awareness that will support action plan activities to ensure the elimination of risks.
• Ensure the implementation of and adherence to risk protocols.
• Facilitating continuous performance improvement against operational key performance indicators through continuous alignment of actual performance to targets through the formal performance management process and meetings. Implementing and facilitating innovative action steps to address underperformance against KPI’s.
• Ensuring customer satisfaction through adherence to delivery plans, establishment of sound relationships with clients on operational level and overall achievement of agreed service level.
• Support local corporate social investment projects in line with company plans and policies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Business Operational Leadership & Strategy 
• Operations Management & Operational Excellence 
• Financial & Commercial Management 
• Governance, Risk & Compliance Management 
• Operational Systems & Continuous Improvement 
• Develop and execute the Business operational strategy aligned to the organisation’s strategic objectives. 
• Provide leadership and direction to Fleet Managers/Controllers and operational leadership teams across the business. 
• Ensure operational teams are managed with strong accountability, operational discipline, and performance focus. 
• Continuously interrogate operational performance, workflows, productivity, fleet utilisation, downtime, and operational costs.
• Oversee operational budgets, expenditure, profitability, and cost management. 
• Ensure the operation runs within approved budgets and financial targets.
• Drive cost optimisation initiatives while maintaining operational efficiency and service quality.
• Ensure operational compliance with all legislative, regulatory, contractual, and internal governance requirements.
• Oversee the business operational risk management frameworks and mitigation strategies.
• Ensure compliance with SHEQ, ISO, RTMS, and other certification standards.
• Drive operational efficiency through process optimisation and system improvements.
• Lead the implementation and enhancement of operational systems, technologies, and reporting tools.
• Identify opportunities for automation, innovation, and operational modernisation.
• Lead and develop high-performing operational leadership teams.
• Drive leadership accountability, succession planning, and talent development within operations.
• Promote a culture aligned to the business values and operational excellence.

 

Desired Experience & Qualification

Minimum requirements:

• Matric / Grade 12.
• Relevant tertiary qualification in transportation/logistics/business management.
• Minimum 5–10 years operational leadership experience within Transport and Logistics with exposure to Mining, FMCG, Building and Construction logistics
• Minimum 5 years senior operations experience Proven experience
• Intermediate to Advanced Computer literacy level (Microsoft Excel, Word, Power Point and Outlook).
• Knowledge of the NBCRFLI main agreement and South African Labour Relations Frameworks.
• Knowledge of the balanced scorecards process, IDPs, workforce planning, project management process, ISO and RTMS system and audits and commercial contracting.
• Driver’s license, own personal vehicle.
• Able to work reasonable overtime as per operational requirements.
• Able to work under pressure.
• Able to handle and resolve conflict.
• Attention to detail.
• High level of energy (self-starter).