Operations Manager job at Summit Recruitment and Search Africa

The Operations Manager will spearhead the operational management of a diverse client portfolio, driving sustainable growth and maximizing profitability through innovative logistics solutions and exceptional customer service.

Key Responsibilities.

• Streamline import and export processes to ensure timely, compliant, and cost-efficient movement of goods, including air freight operations.
• Oversee warehouse and Inland Container Depot (ICD) operations, ensuring safe storage, accurate inventory control, efficient dispatch, and compliance with company and regulatory standards.
• Manage, mentor, and evaluate staff performance, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and fostering skill development and accountability.
• Develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), support QHSE initiatives, and collaborate with the Operational Excellence Manager to drive process improvements and cost optimization.
• Maintain strong client relationships, ensuring service quality, adherence to agreements, and proactive management of client portfolios for profitability and retention.
• Monitor departmental budgets, gross margins, and service quality; participate in cost and disbursement reviews to ensure profitability and financial discipline.
• Manage relationships with subcontractors, monitor service quality and performance, and recommend improvements or corrective actions
• Identify and mitigate operational risks, ensure compliance with customs and industry regulations, and provide timely reporting on key operational issues.

Key Qualifications.

• University Degree in Logistics, Business Administration or Procurement
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in clearing and forwarding, with 5+ years in a managerial role.
• Good understanding of International Freight Forwarding
• Understanding of Corridor Business and Transport across borders.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and adaptable to new systems; experience with logistics software preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly organized with strong leadership capabilities.
• Collaborative team player and self-starter.
• Analytical, strong problem-solver with technical curiosity.
• Familiarity with business software functions (Power BI, SPOT, Way, SAP etc.) and financial reporting.

• Streamline import and export processes to ensure timely, compliant, and cost-efficient movement of goods, including air freight operations.
• Oversee warehouse and Inland Container Depot (ICD) operations, ensuring safe storage, accurate inventory control, efficient dispatch, and compliance with company and regulatory standards.
• Manage, mentor, and evaluate staff performance, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and fostering skill development and accountability.
• Develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), support QHSE initiatives, and collaborate with the Operational Excellence Manager to drive process improvements and cost optimization.
• Maintain strong client relationships, ensuring service quality, adherence to agreements, and proactive management of client portfolios for profitability and retention.
• Monitor departmental budgets, gross margins, and service quality; participate in cost and disbursement reviews to ensure profitability and financial discipline.
• Manage relationships with subcontractors, monitor service quality and performance, and recommend improvements or corrective actions
• Identify and mitigate operational risks, ensure compliance with customs and industry regulations, and provide timely reporting on key operational issues.

• University Degree in Logistics, Business Administration or Procurement
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in clearing and forwarding, with 5+ years in a managerial role.
• Good understanding of International Freight Forwarding
• Understanding of Corridor Business and Transport across borders.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and adaptable to new systems; experience with logistics software preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly organized with strong leadership capabilities.
• Collaborative team player and self-starter.
• Analytical, strong problem-solver with technical curiosity.
• Familiarity with business software functions (Power BI, SPOT, Way, SAP etc.) and financial reporting.