National Operations Manager

SUMMARY:
Our client is a leading player in the FMCG sector with a national footprint and a reputation for operational excellence. With six depots across South Africa and a strong focus on efficiency, scalability, and customer satisfaction, the company continues to expand its influence in the market.

POSITION INFO:

The Role: National Operations Manager

As National Operations Manager, you will oversee and optimize all operational activities across six depots nationwide. Reporting directly to the CEO and forming part of the Executive team, you will lead depot managers and a large operational workforce while driving warehouse, transport, and planning performance. The role is highly strategic, requiring strong leadership and the ability to translate operational insights into sustainable growth and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage operations across six depots: Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Nelspruit, and Bloemfontein.

• Oversee 6 depot managers and 450+ operational staff, ensuring alignment with company KPIs.

• Drive warehouse, transport, and planning operations, including route tracking, stock control, and workflow management.

• Manage a national fleet of 180 multi-temperature trucks via the National Fleet Manager.

• Develop and implement cost management strategies to optimize efficiency and profitability.

• Lead warehouse and truck design initiatives to ensure scalability and operational excellence.

• Investigate and implement stock loss reduction strategies across all depots.

• Conduct weekly and monthly expense reviews, including supplier negotiations and procurement strategies.

• Perform detailed costings for new business opportunities and evaluate delivery networks for improvements.

• Report directly to the CEO and Executive team with operational performance updates.

About You

• Minimum 5 years senior or executive-level FMCG operations experience.

• Proven expertise in warehouse management systems (WMS) and transport management systems.

• Strong track record in managing multi-site operations and large teams.

• Financially astute with deep knowledge of warehouse, truck, and route costings, budget management, and cost reduction.

• Skilled in warehouse and truck design, stock loss management, and process optimization.

• Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving capabilities.

• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

• Driven, organized, and able to operate effectively in a fast-paced, complex environment.