Operations Manager

POSITION: OPERATIONS MANAGER

Lean Living is looking for a disciplined, hands-on and experienced Operations Manager to oversee the full daily operation of our business.

This role is not limited to a kitchen background; we welcome experienced operational leaders from relevant environments such as production, manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, food production, hospitality or fast-paced operational teams. The successful candidate must be able to lead from the floor, manage people, drive workflow, uphold standards and keep the operation running efficiently.

> Job type: Full-time, permanent position

> Probation: 3-month probation period

> Working hours: 07:00 - 16:30, Monday to Friday

> Overtime: Required when operationally needed

> Work location: In person, Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape

> Commute/relocation: Must reliably commute or be willing to relocate if required

> Growth: Space for development and future bonus/commission negotiations based on performance, business needs and agreed targets

> Matric / Grade 12 required

> A relevant post-matric qualification is required, such as a Certificate, Diploma or Degree in Operations Management, Business Management, Production Management, Supply Chain, Logistics, Industrial Management, Hospitality Management, Food Safety or a related field

> Candidates with strong practical management experience in operations, production, manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, food production or fast-paced service environments will also be considered

> Minimum 5 years management experience in an operations environment

> Proven ability to manage staff, supervisors, workflow, productivity, discipline, performance standards and daily operational pressure

> Experience in production, manufacturing, logistics, warehouse, food production, catering or hospitality will be advantageous

> Strong computer literacy, including Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook and operational/reporting documents

> Good maths knowledge for stock control, wastage, production quantities, costing and basic financial tracking

> Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, solve problems quickly and support overtime when required

> Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, manage, train, mentor and guide operational teams effectively

> Excellent verbal communication skills and the ability to give clear instructions, manage conflict and communicate professionally with staff, management, suppliers and clients

> Strong workflow, production and process-management ability, including planning, prioritising, coordinating departments and ensuring daily targets are met

> Inventory, ordering and cost-control experience, including monitoring stock levels, reducing wastage and maintaining operational efficiency

> Business management and financial awareness, including managing costs, protecting profitability, analysing operational data and identifying areas for improvement

> Strong understanding of quality control, hygiene, health and safety, PPE, equipment care, housekeeping and operational compliance standards

> Highly organised, structured, disciplined and detail-focused, with strong ownership, accountability and accuracy in work delivered

> Tech-savvy and comfortable using Excel, admin systems, stock/reporting tools and communication platforms

> Able to develop and maintain supplier, vendor, customer and internal department relationships professionally

> Able to create, implement and maintain standard operating procedures, checklists, reporting systems and accountability structures

> Emotionally resilient, calm under pressure, solution-focused and willing to lead from the operational floor rather than from a desk

Important: Only candidates who meet the minimum requirements and can demonstrate strong leadership, operational accountability, management experience, accuracy and the ability to work under pressure should apply.

Education:

• Diploma (Preferred)

Work Location: In person