WHAT IS ON OFFER
Alfred H Knight has an exciting opportunity for an Operations Manager to join the team in Johannesburg. The primary function of the Operations Manager is to manage the execution of the day-to-day operational services carried out across all AHK South Africa sites, including, but not limited to,Richards Bay, Johannesburg, Rustenburg, Lohatlha, Steelpoort, Durban, Maputo, Beira, Port Elizabeth, Saldanha, Lüderitz and Walvis Bay.
As Operations Manager, the post holder will have to proactively manage highly diverse locations, both remotely and in person through regular travel and site visits.
Ultimately, the Operations Manager is responsible to the General Manger of South Africa for the
service delivery of all inspection, supervision and sampling operations carried out within this region.
ABOUT US
Alfred H Knight is a totally independent, family owned business spanning five generations. A global network of strategically placed offices and laboratories enable global trade providing independent inspection, analysis an consultancy services to the metals and minerals, solid fuels and agriculture industries.
We have honed and carefully crafted our reputation. Delivering knowledge and professionalism in all aspects of weighing, sampling and analysis. We thrive by continuing to re-invest in our facilities, technology and people.
Click here to find out more about AHK.
DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?
To be successful at Alfred H Knight the incumbent will need to display the following:
Required Knowledge and Work Experience
Responsibilities
Operational
- Manage the quality of inspection work (including sample preparation) carried out across
the entire region, through ensuring appropriate SOPs are followed to a high standard
and that any failures in compliance are identified and corrected as required.
- Ensure all operational staff within the region have received the appropriate training and
are equipped with the necessary skills needed to execute their work. Organise any
additional internal or external training as required.
- Ensuring that the Site Managers/Foremen effectively manage their operations, such that
sampling work is processed at ports, warehouses (and any other location) in a
professional manner and in line with established SOPs, AHK Group expectations and to
the satisfaction of the client(s).
- Act in a troubleshooting capacity to resolve customer complaints relating to commercial
discrepancies that derive from operational and technical shortcomings. Implement
preventative measures having undertaken a root cause analysis of the complaint.
- In conjunction with the General Manager, agree yearly KPIs to which each site’s Head of
Operations should adhere. This will include operational, expenditure, training and
personnel KPI’s.
- Ensure regular communication with all key operational staff within the Region, as well as
regular travel to each operation to maintain excellent internal working relationships.
- Identify equipment requirements and ensure site equipment is appropriately maintained
on a routine basis to ensure technical compliance is maintained
Other Responsibilities
- Commercially, the post holder should attend any client meetings and/or conferences as
instructed to support the Marketing Manager with new opportunities / projects in both
current and new locations.
- Administratively, the post holder will work in conjunction with Administration Managers,
both in the UK and Overseas, to oversee surveyor job instructions, daily updates, report
management and in-field I.T systems. It will be the post holder’s responsibility to receive
feedback from operational staff on how administration systems can be improved and
streamlined.
- Support Group initiatives on global projects to implement technology solutions in-field
across the AHK Group.
- Provide technical advice and support to all operations/sites within the Region. Work in
conjunction with the International Technical Network and the UK Technical Team to
ensure the correct procedures are carried out as required. In addition to this, support
the UK Technical Team with initiatives aimed at improving the in-field execution of work
globally
- Ensure the Company’s Health & Safety policy is applied effectively in areas under the
Post Holder’s control and any non-conformances are brought to the attention of the
General Manager.
- Human Resourcing: Arranging shift, flexible or overtime working to meet the following
contingencies: staff shortages as a consequence of leave, illness, holidays, equipment
malfunction / breakdown, growth in work volumes, re-prioritising of significant amounts
of sampling work
- Participate in annual Industrial Relations negotiations
Essential
- Excellent, proven personnel management capabilities
- Commitment to safe working practices
- Must have own transport, valid driver’s license and passport
- Capable of managing multiple tasks simultaneously
- Excellent organizational skills with proven team player qualities
Required Work Experience
- 10 years minimum experience in commodity surveying, specific to metals and minerals commodities.
Required Qualifications
- Educated to Bachelor's degree or higher.
- Tertiary scientific, technical, Chemical or Metallurgical Engineering qualification or
similar is desirable
- Knowledge of ISO 12743 and 10251 is desirable
- Experience of implementation of or compliance to ISO 17020 and / or 17025 is desirable
Required Languages
- Highly proficient in English and Afrikaans (Verbal and written)
Travel
- Be able to travel extensively both locally and to neighbouring countries at short notice
BENEFITS
We are offering an excellent opportunity with a salary and benefits package to match
Alfred H Knight is committed to creating a diverse & inclusive environment and hence welcomes applications from all sections of the community in line with our Employment Equity Plan.
Closing Date: 05 May 2026
