South Africa: Rail Siding Manager posted by Ikwezi Mining (Pty) Ltd

Rail Siding Operations Management 
– Manage day-to-day rail siding operations for coal loading and dispatch. 
– Ensure efficient rail wagon loading, staging, shunting coordination, and dispatch activities. 
– Monitor operational performance to achieve loading targets and turnaround times. 
– Coordinate train schedules with logistics providers and operational teams. 
– Ensure optimal utilisation of rail siding infrastructure and equipment. 

Coal Handling & Stock Management 
– Oversee coal stockpile management and movement within the siding area. 
– Ensure correct coal grades are loaded according to customer specifications. 
– Monitor stock levels, reconciliations, and material movements. 
– Investigate and resolve stock variances and loading discrepancies. 
– Ensure proper sampling and quality control processes are followed. 

Safety, Health & Environmental Compliance 
– Ensure compliance with all mine health and safety regulations and company safety standards. 
– Conduct regular safety inspections, toolbox talks, and risk assessments. 
– Enforce safe work procedures for rail, mobile equipment, and loading operations. 
– Investigate incidents, near misses, and implement corrective actions. 
– Ensure environmental compliance regarding dust suppression, spillage control, and housekeeping. 

Logistics & Contractor Coordination 
– Liaise with rail operators, transport contractors, and internal departments. 
– Coordinate loading schedules and ensure minimal delays or demurrage. 
– Manage contractor performance and compliance on site. 
– Maintain effective communication with production, dispatch, and planning teams. 

Maintenance Coordination 
– Coordinate maintenance activities for siding infrastructure and loading equipment. 
– Report equipment breakdowns and ensure timely repairs. 
– Minimise operational downtime through preventative maintenance planning. 
– Monitor equipment availability and operational reliability. 

Team Leadership & Supervision 
– Supervise rail siding operators, loading teams, and contractors. 
– Manage staffing, shift planning, attendance, and performance. 
– Train employees on operational procedures and safety requirements. 
– Foster a high-performance and safety-focused culture. 

Reporting & Administration 
– Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly operational reports. 
– Monitor KPIs including loading tonnages, turnaround times, delays, safety incidents, and equipment 
utilisation. 
– Maintain accurate operational records and documentation. 
– Analyse operational data and implement continuous improvement initiatives. 

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) 
– Achievement of daily and monthly loading targets 
– Rail wagon turnaround times 
– Minimal train delays and demurrage 
– Stock accuracy and reconciliation performance 
– Compliance with safety and environmental standards 
– Equipment uptime and operational availability 
– Reduction in operational downtime 
– Contractor performance management 
– Incident-free operational performance 
– Achievement of dispatch schedules 

Minimum Requirements 
Qualifications:
– Diploma or Degree in Logistics, Mining, Engineering, Operations Management, or related field 
– Experience 
– Minimum 5–8 years’ experience in coal logistics, rail siding, mining, or bulk material handling 
operations 
– Previous supervisory or management experience essential 
– Experience working with rail loading operations and export coal logistics preferred 

Knowledge & Technical Skills 
– Coal handling and stockpile management 
– Rail siding and wagon loading operations 
– Bulk materials handling systems 
– Safety and environmental legislation 
– Operational planning and logistics coordination 
– Stock reconciliation and reporting 
– MS Office and ERP systems 

Competencies 
– Strong leadership and people management skills 
– Operational planning and organisational ability 
– Problem-solving and decision-making capability 
– Strong communication and coordination skills 
– Ability to work under pressure and manage deadlines 
– High attention to safety and compliance 
– Analytical and reporting capability 
– Preferred Experience 
– Experience in export coal operations 
– Experience working with Transnet rail operations 
– Knowledge of wash plant and dispatch operations 
– Experience in high-volume mining or terminal environments