Senior Operations Manager

Recruiter:

Yates Recruitment

Job Ref:

0002

Date posted:

Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Location:

Durban, South Africa

Salary:

Competitive Salary

SUMMARY:
Suited to a mid-career professional ready for a senior operational leadership track

POSITION INFO:

Senior Operations Manager

Location: Cato Ridge, KwaZulu-Natal

A leading FMCG distribution business is seeking a high-calibre Senior Operations Manager to support its Operations Executive within a large, fast-paced cold-store environment. This is a newly created role and a key succession and impact position within the operation.

The successful candidate will play a hands-on role in operational execution, systems optimisation, and continuous improvement across supply chain and logistics functions.

Reporting to: Operations Executive

Key Responsibilities

Support the Operations Executive in managing day-to-day cold-store operations
Drive operational efficiency, process improvement, and systems optimisation
Lead and deliver operational and supply chain–related projects
Work closely with logistics, transport, and warehouse teams to ensure performance targets are met
Support and enhance WMS and TMS system usage within the operation
Analyse operational data and KPIs using advanced Excel reporting

Minimum Requirements (Non-Negotiable)

Supply Chain Degree, with majors in Logistics and Transport Economics
OR Industrial Engineering qualification
5–8 years’ experience within supply chain, logistics, retail operations, or continuous improvement roles
Proven experience working in a cold-store or FMCG distribution environment
Demonstrated delivery on operational or systems-related projects
Advanced Excel skills (critical requirement)
Prior involvement in systems implementations or optimisation initiatives

Systems & Technical Experience

Working knowledge of WMS systems (WAMAS advantageous but not essential)
Experience on SAP, HighJump WMS, or RedPrairie WMS will be advantageous
Solid understanding of Transportation Management Systems (TMS)
Prior participation in the design, implementation, or optimisation of a TMS within a cold-store or logistics environment

Key Attributes

Strong attention to detail
High sense of ownership and accountability
Proven follow-through on deliverables
Structured, analytical, and operationally minded
Suited to a mid-career professional ready for a senior operational leadership track

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