44 Operations Manager jobs in Durban

Would you like to be part of a value-driven, commercially oriented international environment where we enable global trade every day? We are looking for an Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the cold storage facility, ensuring the safe, efficient, and effective storage, handling of cargo. This role involves managing the operations team, collaborating with cold store management and the logistics team, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, and optimizing operational performance to meet customer needs and organizational goals.

WHAT WE ARE:

Maersk is a global leader in integrated logistics and have been industry pioneers for over a century. Through innovation and transformation, we are redefining the boundaries of possibility, continuously setting new standards for efficiency, sustainability, and excellence. At Maersk, we believe in the power of diversity, collaboration, and continuous learning and we work hard to ensure that the people in our organization reflect and understand the customers we exist to serve. At Maersk, we are accelerating our logistics & services products to become the global integrator of container logistics and looking for team players to help us execute our process improvement initiative for Contract Logistics services. Join us as we harness cutting-edge technologies and unlock opportunities on a global scale. Together, let's sail towards a brighter, more sustainable future with Maersk.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Facility Operations Management
• Oversee the daily activities within the cold storage facility, ensuring all operations are running efficiently and safely.
• Manage the inbound and outbound operations of fruit, ensuring efficient scheduling of resources in a cost effective and safe manner.
• Ensure that the temperature conditions are consistently monitored and adjusted to meet the specific requirements for different types of fruit.
• Oversee inventory management ensuring location accuracy and effective utilization.
• Analyze operational processes to identify areas for improvement to reduce inefficiency and increase cost-effectiveness.
  
  

• Team Management
• Lead, train, and develop a team of cold store workers, forklift operators, and support staff, ensuring that they have the skills and knowledge to perform their roles safely and efficiently.
• Conduct regular performance reviews, provide feedback, and implement training programs to enhance the team’s productivity and engagement.
• Develop and maintain a positive work environment that promotes teamwork, communication, and a focus on health and safety.
  
  

• Health & Safety Compliance
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety, environmental, and health regulations, including temperature control and food safety standards (e.g., HACCP).
• Regularly conduct safety audits, training, and implement corrective actions to maintain a safe working environment.
• Ensure proper handling, storage, and labelling of fruit to meet industry standards and requirements.
  
  

• Quality Control & Continuous Improvement
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in the areas of operational efficiency, cost control, and service delivery.
• Investigate operational issues and propose effective solutions to minimize downtime and improve overall facility performance.
  

• Experience
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in operations management in a cold storage environment in fruit industry.
• Proven experience in managing a team and leading operations in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of cold storage processes, food safety standards, and inventory management systems.
  
  

• Skills:
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and analytical abilities.
• Proficiency with warehouse management systems (WMS) and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, etc.).
• Understanding of health, safety, and quality control regulations, particularly in the food industry.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with team members and clients.
• Comfortable in a high-pressure cold store temperature environment
  
  

• Certifications (required):
• Forklift Operator Certification
  

• The role requires working in a cold storage environment and occasionally at heights of up to 10m.
• Ability to perform manual labour and work with heavy equipment.
• Some flexibility in working hours may be needed to accommodate emergency repairs or project deadlines.
  
  

• Responsible for the effective management of all Contract Managers (junior and senior) and all other commercial staff reporting to you
• Always ensure that an adequate staff compliment is available, to deliver exceptional customer service (recruiting and selection of qualified employees and adhering to HR procedures and policies)
• Conduct induction and training of new employees and ensure continued development and growth of existing employees
• Responsible to manage and ensure correctness of the payroll and remuneration of all commercial employees
• Ensure all performance appraisals for employees are completed twice per year and that regular performance management is carried out
• Ensure compliance by all employees in terms of policies, procedures and productivity standards
• Ensure all SHEQ, EE committee, workers committee meetings are attended by the relevant employees and that action points and requirements are adhered as per LRA and EE acts
• Ensure effective communication between all relevant departments and management
• Responsible for employment documents for new staff: complete take-on sheets, job descriptions, issue PPE, etc.
• Responsible for ensuring that the correct number of staff on duty is in relation to the production flow required
• Responsible to ensure a safe, secure and clean working environment by educating and directing staff on the use of control points, equipment, resources and compliance with all legislation and policies
• Carry out assessments on Assistant Plant Manager and /or Senior MRF Supervisors
• Effective communication of job expectations
• Monitoring of performance and providing the necessary coaching and counselling as required on a daily / weekly basis to develop personal growth opportunities
• Plan training on products / services, code of conduct, SHEQ standards and procedures, in conjunction with HR and training department
• Ensure compliance with all disciplinary procedures and take appropriate action as required (issue warnings, notifications and attend hearings as needed)
• Set priorities in tasks, set out daily task planning for staff, recommend shifts and revise schedules when applicable
• Resolve staff problems by analyzing information, investigating issues, identifying solutions and recommending action plans

• Ensure signed 16(2) legal appointment is in place
• Ensure signed GMR2(7) legal appointment is in pace
• Ensure that all other legal appointments are in place e.g. first aiders, fire fighters and shifts man (ensure proper training is conducted)
• Have knowledge of the contents of safety files
• Be informed of emergency evacuation plan and conduct planned evacuations twice a year
• Responsible for issuing of permit to work (PTW) and lock-out procedures when required
• Responsible for implementation of excellent housekeeping standards
• Manage appropriate operator training
• Ensure that all accidents / incidents, spills and near misses are reported, and that mitigation and prevention measures are implemented
• Ensure that planned job observations are carried out by Supervisors

• Responsible for all staff members optimal productivity by monitoring reports
• Business planning: identify cost reductions / savings and elevate productivity
• Ensure an economically and profitable recycling process is actioned
• Ensure accurate data of incoming and outgoing material tonnage
• Negotiate and arrange for the placement of balers, cages and bins as required
• Implement and supervise the workflow by monitoring the steps, observing control points, equipment and manpower
• Ensure stock is sold timeously with the lowest possible baled stock on the floor before month-end
• Provide manufacturing information by compiling, initiating, sorting and analyzing production performance records / data
• Provide additional information on manufacturing performance / production where required and respond to queries
• Ensure that recyclable material adheres to company standards
• Ensure that all plant maintenance checks are carried out and data captured
• Ensure that preventative maintenance is carried out by the responsible person and that the maintenance schedule is kept up to date
• Supervise the repair of breakdowns, arrange purchase orders and locate suitable BEE compliant contractors
• Evaluate and advise on machine and equipment purchases

• Liaise with municipalities to ensure a good working relationship
• Comply with relevant requirements as indicated by the municipality
• Liaise with Landlord of premises and ensure a good working relationship
• Comply to landlords SHEQ standards and license conditions and attend all scheduled meetings with the landlord
• Maintain a good relationship with any union and worker committees, by following the terms of collective bargaining agreement (if applicable)
• Negotiate and liaise with finance department, senior management and suppliers
• Maintain good relationship with suppliers and contractors
• Negotiate with clients with regards to pricing list for all commodities
• Ensure approval from the Managing Director before offering prices that exceed the standard pricing list
• Ensure BBBEE compliance with regards to procurement, enterprise and supplier development and any other applicable element of BBBEE

• Responsible for all daily reports:
  • Attendance register
  • Shift reports
  • Production graphs
• Responsible for weekly reports:
  • Staff leave reports
  • IOD reports
  • Operational feedback report
  • Weekly operations meeting report
• Responsible for monthly reports as required
• Keep updated Excel spreadsheets reflecting all purchases and sales
• Check weighbridge slips to ensure accurate purchase orders are generated
• Consolidate and check all transactions for accuracy
• Keep track of maintenance budget and report to Managing Director

• Responsible for overseeing that all stock levels of consumables are kept at required levels
• Responsible for managing order books
• Responsible for all materials and equipment ordered and the arrangement of approvals and payments with finance department
• Respond to all account queries

• Manage the commercial budget to ensure maximum profits
• Manage administration and ensure compliance to all policies and procedures within the commercial division, including SHEQ and environmental responsibilities
• Implementing new strategies and operational systems to improve efficiencies and profitability
• Active involvement in long term planning, including implementing initiatives to achieve operational excellence
• Ensure accurate and comprehensive reporting on all commercial activities
• Conduct site visits with the sales department before proposals and quotes are sent to the clients
• Oversee site inspections
• Development of individual commercial site plans, forecasts, budgets and staffing solutions
• Delegate responsibilities effectively
• Monitor progress and take appropriate action to adjust planning to accommodate changes in the business or client requirements
• Carry out any other duties which may be required within the overall function of the job

• Maintain quality service to all clients according to the SLA
• Implement and ensure compliance to customer service standards
• Analyse and resolve all customer queries and complaints: identify trends, recommend system improvements, etc.
• Provide feedback to the Managing Director regarding all client relation issues that needs to be addressed by executive management
• Strategically build and manage all client relationships to ensure customer satisfaction
• Address and resolve client problems immediately, attend to proposals and improve service levels
• Identify system improvements and innovations that may result in a more efficient and effective work process and improve client satisfaction
• Assist in the implementation of systems and controls, to ensure policies, procedures and related laws / acts are complied with

• Conduct regular meetings with the Managing Director with regards to operational and organizational planning in the commercial department
• Provide accurate reporting of information and statistics for the quarterly board reports
• Ensure all information that is reported on is accurate and submitted before the deadlines (daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and annually)
• Provide feedback on all operational or financial aspects as requested by executive management
• Assist the Managing Director with annual budgets and monitor cash flow to ensure maximum profitability of the commercial department
• Ensure all action points on meeting minutes are implemented and / or actioned on time

• A relevant diploma or degree in operations / business management
• Minimum 7 years working experience in a similar role
• Minimum of 3 years middle management experience is required
• Knowledge and experience in related waste management and recycling
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office is essential
• Valid drivers license and own vehicle
• A willingness to, at times, work on holidays / weekends and evenings if operations require it