GeoChem - Operations Manager – Johannesburg

BASED JOHANNESBURG

We owe our success to the efficiency of organisational processes. To help maintain and grow this standard, we are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee daily activities. The ideal candidate will have a sharp business mind and proven success in managing multiple departments for maximum productivity. This person will be highly skilled in human resources, finance, IT and warehouse management, and be able to develop and maintain an environment of trust, diversity, and inclusion, within the Johannesburg branch to achieve growth and profitability.

OVERVIEW OF JOB REQUIREMENTS

Finance and Business Management:

• Financial Control (Budgeting, Sales Forecasting, Project / SLA Profitability, Expense & Debtors Control).
• Manage the operational budget, with high focus on cost management.
• Authorize expenditure within authority levels.
• Assist with operational budget inputs (resources, material handling equipment, labour, consumables, etc.).
• Participate in the Monthly billing and sign off on invoicing.
• Management of claims.
• Human Resources Management (e.g. Appointments, EE, Discipline, Training, Career Planning).
• Management Reporting.
• Implement / Review / Renew SLA agreements and maintain or improve profitability.

Operational & Technical Management:

• Manage Technical Queries which cannot be resolved by team members.
• Verify / Amend / Update and Approve the necessary SOP’s to ensure effective Warehouse, Project and Client Management.
• Continually improve and/or enhance technical service offerings.
• Health and Safety Management, Client Compliance and overall Compliance by staff.

Client Management, Sales and Business Development:

• Communicate and meet with clients as and when required.
• Managing adherence to client and service providers SLA's.
• Oversee operational Service Delivery / Client Satisfaction.
• Check / Approve Costings and assist with quote preparation in terms of scope of works.
• Investigate client complaints and prepare reports accordingly.
• Prepare and manage business development plans. Expand Client base and market footprint.

Human Resources:

• Conduct performance appraisals for all immediate sub-ordinates.
• Managing absenteeism, overtime and access control.
• Ensure that Company IR process is adhered to at all times. In addition, initiate and chair disciplinary enquiries as and when required.
• Identify and address training needs through the workplace skills plan received from the training department.
• Ensure updates are placed on notice boards.
• Motivate staff and coordinate all staff functions.
• Review employee potential and growth plan - follow-up on the plans. Encourage employee development.
• Identify and assist with retaining high-flyers.

Risk Management:

• Maintain operational legal compliance.
• Conduct a daily management walk-about of the facility to ensure compliance.
• Convene daily operations discussions with departmental heads.
• On a daily, weekly and monthly basis review stock take/cycle count reports and sign-off and report on discrepancies.
• Conduct regular meetings with key suppliers in order to maintain good relationships.
• Implement and maintain SLA's with key suppliers and measure compliance to SLA's on monthly basis.
• Chair monthly safety meetings as and when required.
• Ensure that all departments are operating at optimal levels and that customer SLA's are being adhered to.
• Ensure that the operation adheres to licencing and permit requirements (Forklift licenses, Fire Marshall, etc.).
• Manage and co-ordinate response to incidents on site as and when required (spills, injuries, etc.).
• Manage and co-ordinate emergency drills.
• Ensure all incidents are reported immediately, chair incident investigations and assist with compiling the incident reports

General:

• Attend monthly management meetings and present operational performance stats.
• Compile daily, weekly & monthly management reports.
• Adhere to corporate governance.
• Assist with achieving facility objectives, targets and operational plans.
• Provide in-put into business continuity plan.
• Prepare for internal and external audits (ISO, SHERQ, DEL, Customers).
• Identify and manage continuous improvement projects.
• Participate in the review of business and SHE risk assessments with action plans.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Grade 12 / Matric.
• A degree in Business, Operations Management, or related field.
• Proven work experience as an Operations Manager, or similar role.
• Minimum three years’ Chemical Industry related experience will be advantageous.
• Knowledge of organisational effectiveness and operations management.
• Experience with budgeting and forecasting.
• Familiarity with business and financial principles.
• Experience in Inventory Management.
• Experience in Staff Management.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Leadership ability.
• Understanding of Syspro and Pastel Accounting programmes will be advantageous.
• Valid, unendorsed Driver’s License (Code 08).

SKILLS

• Management Experience (Operations / Staff / General / Divisional)
• MS Office (E-Mail, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Sales, Warehouse and Financial Acumen
• Customer Relationship Management
• Presentation / Negotiation and Sales Skills
• Project Costing and Management
• Root Cause Analysis & Report Writing

COMPETENCIES

• Relationship Builder
• Leadership
• Systematic Attention to Detail & Accuracy
• Planning & Organising
• Customer Focused
• Analytical Thinking - Problem Solving
• Commercial Effectiveness
• Business Orientated
• Technical Orientated
• Professional Verbal & Written Communication Package Offered

This position will attract a Market Related salary according to qualification and experience gained. The Company is committed to diversifying its staff profile in terms of its transformation agenda and encourages candidates from previously disadvantaged backgrounds to apply.

The Company also retains the right to choose candidates in its sole discretion and or not to make any appointments.

Please e-mail recruitment@oftgroup.co.za your contact details and abridged resume should you believe that you have what it takes to join the Company and grow together.

Closing Date: 11 September 2026