Western Cape: Operations Manager (Western Cape & Eastern Cape) posted by Wasteplan

Responsibilities

Personnel Management

• 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, Worker’s Committee meetings, etc 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 policie
• 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 analysing information, investigating issues, identifying solutions and recommending action plans

SHEQ Responsibilities

• 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 Shiftsman (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

Production

• 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

Liaising with External Clients

• 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 Landlord’s SHEQ standards and licence 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 General Manager 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 

Reporting and Administrative Responsibilities

• 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 the Head of Operations

Purchasing

• 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

Operational Management

• 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

Client relations

• 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

Financial Management and Reporting

• 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 / Directors 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

Requirements

• 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 driver’s license and own vehicle
• A willingness to, at times, work on holidays / weekends and evenings if operations require it

Employment will be implemented in accordance with the Employment Equity Act.
Only Applicants considered for the role will be contacted.

Closing date: 12th November 2025
Should you wish to apply, please follow the online application process.