Operations Manager (EE Appointment)

Job Requirements:

The ideal applicant will possess the following: -

Tertiary qualification in Road Transport Management or Logistics. 5 – 8 years’ experience in the passenger transport industry including but not limited to tender contracts. At least 5 years’ experience in an Operations related management position. Computer Literacy (MS Office). Knowledge of the bus passenger industry. Knowledge of the key financial management principles & procedures, esp. budget development and management. Knowledge of the technical/engineering practices and procedures as they relate to the operation of a large bus fleet. Thorough knowledge of Bus Schedules, which includes all sub category schedules. Thorough knowledge of Bus Contracts and Road Traffic Legislation.

Job Outputs: General management and control of operational activities within the Business. Unit of a bus transport company (PUTCO), including but not limited to:

· Traffic Operations: Oversee and optimize resources in the planning & scheduling of

traffic operations to ensure the smooth running of the service rendered to the community

in accordance with contract specifications and budget parameters.

· Engineering: Interact and liaise with the technical department to ensure effective utilization

of resources in the scheduling and execution of the overall maintenance plan for the

busses in the BU.

· Finance and Administration: Compilation of budgets for planning of current and

anticipated operational needs in terms of staff; equipment and support services and

finance.

· Contribute to the profitability of the BU through enforcement of sound financial management principles and practices and record keeping.

· Human Resources: Oversee the effective utilization of the human resources in the BU

to ensure efficient service is rendered to the community served, in accordance with

legislation relating to labour relations.

· Marketing Participation in the strategic planning and competitive positioning of the

BU where incumbent will be based and is operating.

· Contract and Service Performance: Manage service delivery against contractual requirements and approved schedules, focusing on safety, reliability, punctuality, trip completion, passenger demand, cost control and reduced penalties.

· Bulk Hires and Workforce Readiness: Develop workforce plans and coordinate bulk recruitment with Human Resources, ensuring the timely verification, training, induction and deployment of drivers and operational employees.

· Drivers' Meetings and Communication: Chair regular drivers' meetings, toolbox talks and operational briefings; communicate expectations; record minutes; allocate corrective actions; and monitor completion.

· Safety Leadership and Campaigns: Lead targeted safety campaigns on speeding, fatigue, seat-belt compliance, distracted driving, vehicle condition and passenger safety. Analyse incident trends and implement preventive actions.

· Discipline, Performance and Employee Motivation: Ensure fair and consistent investigations, counselling, coaching and discipline. Prepare reports, motivations and memoranda, and implement recognition initiatives that reinforce safe, reliable performance.

· Stakeholder Engagement: Maintain effective relationships with employees, unions, passengers, communities, authorities, municipalities, law enforcement and service providers. Represent the Business Unit and resolve commitments and concerns timeously.

· Operational Control and Reporting: Use control systems, telematics and performance data to monitor services, driver behaviour, incidents and breakdowns. Submit accurate management reports and initiate corrective action.

· Risk, Compliance and Business Continuity: Ensure compliance with operating licences, legislation, policies and contracts, and maintain operational risk registers, contingency plans and emergency-response readiness.

· Customer Service, Revenue and Passenger Growth: Improve customer service, passenger retention and growth; resolve complaints and disruptions; protect revenue; and identify sustainable route, timetable and commercial opportunities.

· People Development and Succession: Set team expectations, review performance, address development needs, strengthen supervisory capability and maintain succession plans for critical operational positions.

Work Location: In person