Cape Town: Operations Manager posted by CompleteTalent (Pty) Ltd

About the Role

The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a ship chandling business, ensuring the efficient and timely supply of marine products, technical stores, food provisions, and Hempel coatings to vessels in port. This role manages operational planning, procurement coordination, warehousing, logistics, customer service, supplier performance, and team leadership to ensure vessels are serviced accurately, safely, and on time.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end operational activities for vessel deliveries, including technical stores, bonded and non-bonded goods, food provisions, cabin stores, deck and engine supplies, and protective coatings.
• Plan and coordinate deliveries to vessels in port, anchorage, shipyard, or offshore locations in line with customer schedules and port requirements.
• Ensure all customer orders are processed accurately, picked correctly, packed efficiently, and delivered on time.
• Manage urgent, short-notice, and last-minute vessel requests while maintaining service quality and cost control.
• Monitor daily operational performance and resolve delays, shortages, delivery issues, and service failures quickly.

Inventory, Warehousing, and Logistics

• Oversee warehouse operations, stock control, receiving, picking, dispatch, and inventory accuracy.
• Ensure optimal stock levels are maintained for fast-moving marine, technical, and food supply items.
• Supervise the handling and storage of Hempel coatings and other regulated or specialized marine products in accordance with safety and manufacturer requirements.
• Coordinate transport, port access, launch services, and delivery documentation for vessel supply operations.
• Reduce stock losses, wastage, expired goods, and operational inefficiencies.

Procurement and Supplier Coordination

• Work closely with procurement and suppliers to ensure product availability, competitive pricing, and timely replenishment.
• Maintain strong relationships with key vendors, including food suppliers, technical product suppliers, and Hempel coatings representatives.
• Monitor supplier performance in terms of quality, lead time, pricing, and reliability.
• Support sourcing of specialized marine items and urgent customer requirements.

Customer Service and Commercial Support

• Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction through reliable service, fast response times, and professional issue resolution.
• Coordinate closely with sales and customer service teams to align operational execution with client expectations.
• Support key accounts, vessel agents, owners, and procurement contacts with efficient service delivery.
• Contribute operational input on quotations, delivery feasibility, lead times, and service capability.

Compliance, Quality, and Safety

• Ensure operations comply with port regulations, customs requirements, food safety standards, and company procedures.
• Maintain health, safety, environmental, and quality standards across warehouse and delivery activities.
• Ensure proper documentation, traceability, and control of delivered goods.
• Lead continuous improvement in operational processes, service quality, and risk management.

Team Leadership

• Lead, supervise, and develop warehouse, logistics, drivers, and operational support staff.
• Allocate resources effectively across shifts and vessel schedules.
• Train staff on operational procedures, customer service expectations, safety standards, and product handling requirements.
• Build a performance-driven, responsive, and accountable operations team.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business Management, Maritime Studies, or related field preferred.
• Proven experience in operations management within ship chandling, marine supply, port logistics, or a related maritime environment.
• Strong knowledge of vessel supply processes, port operations, and marine customer requirements.
• Experience handling a wide range of technical and food products for vessels.
• Familiarity with marine coatings, particularly Hempel coatings, will be a strong advantage.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent planning, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple vessel requirements simultaneously.
• Good commercial awareness and customer-focused mindset.
• Proficiency in ERP systems, inventory systems, Microsoft Office, and operational reporting.
• Valid drivers license may be required depending on operational needs.