A Day in the Life: Supervising the Move in South Africa
Behind every seamless delivery and every well-stocked warehouse shelf in South Africa is a supervisor making sure the heavy metal moves safely. We sat down with a seasoned pro to find out what it’s really like to manage a team of machine and vehicle operators.
So, what’s the first thing you do when you get to the site?
I’m usually through the gates by 06:30, well before the main shift starts. The first thing I do is walk the floor. Whether it’s a distribution centre in Midrand or a port terminal in Durban, you need to "feel" the floor before the chaos begins. I check the overnight logs and ensure the battery-charging station for the forklifts didn't trip during a bout of loadshedding. If those machines aren't charged, we’re behind before we’ve even started.
By 07:00, we have the "toolbox talk." This is where I organise the team, go over the day’s safety priorities, and realise who has actually shown up for work. In this industry, reliability is everything.
Is it mostly just sitting in an office and watching screens?
I wish! While there is a fair amount of admin—tracking turnaround times and petrol usage—I spend about 70% of my day on my feet. I’m out there in the thick of it, wearing a high-vis vest and steel-toed boots. I’m the one who has to intervene if a reach truck operator is taking corners too fast or if the loading bay is becoming a bottleneck. You’re constantly balancing the pressure to move volume with the absolute necessity of staying compliant with health and safety regulations.
What are the biggest challenges you face on a daily basis?
The pressure is immense. Right now, the market is incredibly tight—you’ll notice there are very few active job openings for this role at the moment. This means there is no room for error; if your department underperforms, it’s noticed immediately.
Then there’s the human element. You’re managing a diverse group of people, each with their own stresses. If a driver is distracted because of a personal issue, that’s a massive safety risk. You have to be part-mentor, part-policeman. And of course, in the South African context, we’re always pivoting around infrastructure issues—delayed shipments at the docks or road closures that throw our entire daily programme out of sync.
Does the salary make the stress worth it?
The average salary sits around R30,860 per month. For many, that’s a solid middle-class income that provides for a family. Is it enough for the level of responsibility? Some days it feels a bit lean, especially when you’re responsible for millions of Rands worth of equipment and stock. But the rewards aren't just financial. There’s a real sense of pride when you see a massive logistics operation run like a well-oiled machine because of your planning.
What kind of person thrives in this environment?
You need a thick skin and a sharp eye. You can't be someone who avoids conflict, because you’ll have to call people out on safety breaches constantly. But you also need to be a problem-solver. When a conveyor belt snaps or a driver gets stuck in traffic, you’re the one who has to find a workaround so the trucks can still leave on time.
What is your "Expert Advice" for someone looking to break into this field or move up the ladder?
Don’t just learn the machines; learn the data. In the current market, being able to drive a forklift isn't enough to get you promoted. You need to understand the software behind the logistics. My advice is to get certified in supply chain management or health and safety protocols (like SAMTRAC).
Because there are so few active vacancies right now, you have to make yourself indispensable. Show that you can reduce "dead time" and improve safety records. If you can prove you save the company money by reducing equipment wear and tear, you’ll be the first in line when a position does open up. Stay disciplined, keep your certifications updated, and always be the most reliable person on the site.
Ready to see if you have what it takes?
The world of logistics is demanding but vital to the South African economy. If you have the grit to lead a team in this high-stakes environment, it might be the career for you.
