Overview Our Client in the Automotive Industry is seeking an Operations Manager to join their team. The successful incumbent will be responsible for ensuring the effective and efficient management of operations within the KZN contract, aligned with specific business activities. Minimum Requirements Grade 12 / Matric Diploma/Degree or studying towards a diploma/degree in Logistics. 10-15 years of working experience in a vehicle logistics and/or yard management environment. Effective management of staff (over 80 employees at 1 site) Effective utilization of resources to run lean operations. Some technical fitment knowledge will be advantageous. Proven understanding of effectively utilizing system solutions to run operations successfully. Must have sound computer knowledge and applications at an advanced level (Full MS Office Suite, Supply Chain Management Systems, Yard Management Systems). Job Responsibilities Operations Planning and Processes Ensure proper planning to maintain stable, productive, and profitable operations for all CPU business, Preservation, Convoy, and PDI. Ensure all manpower is planned and executed according to budget and no over expenditure, unplanned manpower that is not recovered via the customer for any auxiliary activity. Ensure KPI tracking is updated and sent to the customer daily in line with tracking and billing requirements. Ensure accurate and 100% billing linked to all business units and aligned to the customer. Ensure all operational requirements are met as per customer requirements and planned KPI are completed as per customer requirements. Highlight all deviations to the customer and focus on continuous change to effectively plan and communicate the change point to all relevant role players within operations. Monitor, lead, and guide supervisors and subordinates to ensure optimal operations. Partake in all safety walks, meetings as per company and customer requirements. Develop process flows to maintain streamlined operations. Monitor hourly operational stats in line with the plan and KPI. Investigate all customer complaints (customer-facing) with relevant feedback Preservation Ensure 100% preservation is conducted daily both 14 days and 30 days in line with the forecast. Ensure no units are dispatched prior to preservation being conducted Escalation of all deviations or aging preservation to the customer with catch back plan Ensure live preservation (V-Preserve) in place for preservation integrity Escalate any units aging with the proposed solution to customers to keep units in retail-ready condition Ensure accurate capturing of preservation numbers in line with billing requirements and submitted to finance on time. Ensure zero discrepancies on file to prevent customer sign-off hindering payment terms. Investigate all customer complaints with relevant feedback Convoy Ensure daily plan vs actual in line with movement to and from external yards Ensure 100% accurate dispatch of correct units at any checkpoint Tracking 100% inventory within shift movement Ensure zero discrepancies on file to prevent customer sign-off hindering payment terms. Ensure units are always escorted by armed response Investigate all customer complaints with relevant feedback PDI Ensure the daily plan vs actual is in line with customer daily requirements Ensure 100% PDI tracing and live PDI using the scanner Update customer daily on plan vs actual per tracking file Ensure all units are claimed on E-Toyota by the claim’s administrator within the specified window to prevent forfeiture of PDI revenue. Investigate all customer complaints with relevant feedback Effective use of V-Motion Yard Management System Solution Ensure inventory is accurate and all stock is accounted for movement in line with CPU Work closely with the Systems administrator to ensure the system is functioning and meets the operational requirements. Develop and implement manual processes to run operations in the event of downtime on the V-Motion or Clients systems. Staff Management Ensure that all Supervisors and Team Leaders have the correct knowledge, understanding, and skill level required to perform their job functions efficiently and effectively. Effective implementation of processes and procedures within operations. Ensure all SOPs are updated and a live working document in line with processes. Ensure that overtime is monitored and allocated evenly to ensure compliance with legislation and still meet customers’ requirements. Effective planning of resources to streamline operations at a planned 95 percent efficiency. Damage Management Manage the budgets aligned to each contract in relation to damages. Focus on cost reduction. Manage the damage KPI and report as per SLA 0.2% Fleet Maintenance Ensure the entire fleet-linked contract-specific is safe, maintained, and operational. Safety Ensure all employees are trained in accordance with the standard level required to support customer requirements and understand all safety requirements within the operations. Safety first mindset in everyday operations and focus on LTI’s. Ensure all accidents/incidents are investigated and the key focus on prevention of recurrence. Strong focus on Work Habits and Job Observations to reduce risks to Team Members. Ensure 5S principles are applied in workplace. Quality Escalate any quality-related issues to relevant Client and Company role-players. Conduct regular audits on staff to ensure yard standard quality is maintained. Ensure 100% accurate Scanning activities on company systems. Monitor Exception Reports and update company systems with deviations. Delivery Ensure the department runs optimally to prevent dwelling and aging of stock and escalate any deviations. Ensure effective handovers are done and distributed with accurate information by the close of business daily. Cost Monitor wage, overtime, and ad hoc costs and ensure all costs are in line with the budget. Escalate any deviations to the Regional Operations Manager. Employees Ensure that Team Leaders have the correct and sufficient resources for the team to achieve the daily targets as planned. Plan daily Shift requirements and ensure that staff are effectively utilized in all areas of Operations. Ensure company property is monitored and controlled daily. Lead, motivate employees to ensure a productive workforce. Ensure adherence to all rules, regulations, and take appropriate corrective disciplinary action where necessary. Ensure all employees comply with SHEQ rules and regulations. Ensure all OS are skilled and trained in accordance with Operational Requirement before utilization in operations. Ensure supervision in adherence to ISO 9001, 14001, and 18001 standards. Continuous Improvements and Ad-hoc customer requests Support company and customer drives for continuous improvement in operations. Support the effective implementation of day-to-day ad-hoc customer requirements by effective planning and communication with follow-up. Work on the reduction of accidents/damages; work closely with the Damage coordinator. Work with Senior Supervisors to develop and implement corresponding Work Instructions and SOPs to support Operations. Work closely with SHEQ to maintain ISO9001:2008 and ISO14000 accreditations