Head of Operations

Location: Cape Town, Western Cape Requirements: - Matric certificate. - A relevant tertiary qualification in Business Management, Commerce (BCom) or a related field. - At least 10 years' experience in a senior leadership or executive management role. - Essential: Proven experience in the shipping industry, with a sound understanding of shipping operations and related business processes. - Essential: Strong financial management and accounting experience, including financial reviews, budget oversight, profitability analysis, cost control and margin improvement. - Extensive experience in operational management and overseeing multiple business functions. - Experience managing sales, warehouse and finance departments. - Strong commercial awareness and business acumen. - Proven ability to improve operational efficiency, productivity and profitability. - Excellent leadership, people management and team development skills. - Strong analytical, strategic planning, problem-solving and decision-making abilities. - Ability to work effectively under pressure in a deadline-driven environment. - Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. - Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills. - A hands-on leadership approach with the ability to manage both strategic objectives and daily operations. - Must be based in Cape Town. Key Responsibilities: - Oversee and manage day-to-day business operations, ensuring effective performance across all departments. - Provide leadership and direction to sales, warehousing and finance teams. - Establish operational priorities and implement strategies to achieve business objectives. - Monitor financial performance, budgets, profitability, productivity and operating costs. - Conduct financial reviews, analyse business performance and implement measures to improve margins and control expenditure. - Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, service delivery and overall business performance. - Report on operational and financial results to senior management and recommend corrective actions where necessary. - Work closely with senior management to achieve financial, productivity and customer satisfaction targets. - Drive continuous improvement through process optimisation and the implementation of best practices. - Ensure compliance with applicable legislation, industry regulations and company policies. - Implement internal policies, procedures and management directives. - Promote employee engagement, accountability and a productive working environment. - Maintain appropriate workplace health and safety standards. - Build and maintain effective relationships with customers, suppliers and internal stakeholders. - Drive sustainable business growth and profitability through effective operational and financial management.