Operations Lead

Purpose:

The purpose of this role is to analyse, improve and implement organisational processes, and work to improve quality, productivity, and operations across the organisation. The role drives operational excellence through process optimisation, supplier and customer relationship management, compliance oversight, and business development initiatives.

Duties and Key Areas of Responsibility

Operations & Business Development

• Ensure all operations are conducted in an appropriate, efficient, and cost-effective manner.
• Improve operational management systems, processes, policies, and best practices.
• Support the organisation in maintaining legal compliance and proactively managing operational risks.
• Formulate and implement strategic and operational objectives aligned with business goals.
• Analyse supplier performance within South Africa and implement improvements to enhance profitability and service delivery.
• Identify new business, product, and service development opportunities and prioritise initiatives according to ROI.
• Support Regional, Services, Sales & Marketing, and IT Managers in converting new and existing products to minimise manual and physical intervention.
• Manage ad hoc operational and strategic projects, ensuring effective execution and profitability.
• Oversee asset-related initiatives including POS devices, partnered yards, and diesel licensing.
• Monitor operational expenditure, cost-saving initiatives, budgets, and spend policies across all staff and operational sites.
• Ensure operational performance aligns with approved financial objectives and profitability targets.

Branches / Offices / Diesel Truck Parks / Depots

• Drive operational implementation to ensure smooth and effective operations across all sites.
• Monitor operational and financial performance against budgets and report variances to the Area Manager.
• Recommend corrective actions to mitigate operational and financial risks impacting profitability and sustainability.
• Ensure effective asset management by maintaining accurate asset registers for POS devices, pumps, vehicles, and other operational assets.

Service Stations

• Track and monitor operational input costs across sites, stations, customer service centres, and supplier locations to improve profitability and competitiveness.
• Plan and conduct a minimum of two annual operational visits to service stations, branches, and diesel truck parks within the area of responsibility.

Regulatory, Compliance, Governance and Legal

• Actively identify, grow, and leverage key regulatory and licensing relationships to ensure compliance with company policy and local legislation
• Ensure due diligence and obtain necessary approval from the Area Manager or designate for all new agreements prior to authorised signature
• Ensure timely and effective communication of key regulatory, licensing, and strategic developments and risks to the Area Manager

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Operations Management, Supply Chain, Logistics, Engineering, or a related field
• Relevant operational or project management certifications advantageous.
• Valid passport and driver’s license

• Minimum 3 to 5 years of experience in a similar position
• Previous experience within the diesel, trucking, logistics, or similar environment is essential
• Experience working with multiple currencies is required
• Previous experience in business development is advantageous

• Building Partnerships: Ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships to achieve work goals
• Strong Interpersonal Skills: Ability to communicate effectively, work independently and within teams, and make sound decisions
• Customer Focus: Commitment to meeting customer expectations and using customer insights to improve products and services
• Business Development Mindset: Ability to identify opportunities that drive profitability and growth
• Character: Energetic, action-oriented, and able to thrive under pressure and challenges
• Willingness to travel extensively within South Africa and neighboring countries when required