Area Supervisor

Location: Rustenburg, South Africa

Department: Programs

Reports to: Branch Manager

• We are seeking an Area/Operations Supervisor to join our team at Wabtec Digital Mine.
• This role plays a critical part in delivering high-quality services, driving innovation, and supporting our customers and internal teams.
• The successful candidate will bring expertise, leadership, and a collaborative mindset to help us achieve operational excellence and customer satisfaction.
• Wabtec Corporation is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for the freight and transit rail industries.
• The Digital Mine business unit focuses on transforming mining operations through advanced digital technologies, including safety systems, productivity solutions, and data-driven insights. Our mission is to help mining companies operate more efficiently, safely, and sustainably.

• Directly manage all site-based staff, including performance and disciplinary actions.
• Plan and manage staff leave, shifts, and fatigue to ensure coverage and compliance.
• Ensure effective staff recall procedures are in place and executed.
• Identify training and development needs for field staff.
• Develop SOPs and Work Instructions in collaboration with the Branch Manager.

• Oversee maintenance, breakdowns, and installation activities.
• Manage site fleet to ensure maintenance and efficient utilization.
• Inspect completed work for quality and compliance.
• Audit job cards for accuracy and standards compliance.
• Track and analyse operational KPIs.
• Prepare weekly and monthly operational reports.
• Implement operational improvement strategies.

• Fulfill duties under MHSA 2.9.2 (Supervisor) and 2.6.1 (Manager) appointments.
• Ensure health and safety compliance and reporting of incidents.
• Conduct and update risk assessments.
• Ensure machinery and equipment safety.
• Maintain accident reporting and investigation systems.
• Oversee staff training and PPE provision.
• Collaborate with HSE Administrator to maintain safety files.
• Ensure staff medicals and inductions are current and recorded.

• Prepare and submit weekly operations reports.
• Collaborate with Account Manager on monthly reporting.
• Manage Control Room operations and ensure timely reporting.
• Perform ad hoc tasks as assigned by management.

• Maintain and strengthen relationships with existing clients.
• Address and resolve client queries and issues promptly.
• Conduct regular client check ins and meetings.

• Execute project plans from the Branch Manager within scope, budget, and timeline.
• Collaborate with Branch and Account Managers on project activities.

• Build relationships with new clients for upcoming projects.
• Ensure smooth onboarding and integration into the company's client base.

• Branch Manager - project execution, SOP/WI development.
• Account Manager - client reporting and coordination.
• HSE Administrator - safety compliance and documentation.
• Site Teams - staff supervision and operational delivery.
• Control Room Operators - daily reporting and incident tracking.
• HR - staff performance, training, medicals, and inductions.
• Fleet/Logistics Team - vehicle management and allocation.

• Clients - relationship management, issue resolution, onboarding.
• Contractors/Service Providers - maintenance and installations.
• Regulatory Bodies - compliance with MHSA and safety standards.
• Training Providers - staff development and certification.

• This role can Hire and Fire
• This role can recommend salary increases but not apply it
• This role can approve claims
• This role can approve leave

1. MHSA & Safety Compliance Management

Measurement

Target

MHSA Relevance / Rationale

MHSA Compliance Audit Score (Delegated): Average score from internal and external audits covering delegated MHSA 2.6.1 duties (risk assessments, safe equipment, incident investigation system).

Target: 98%

Direct measure of supervisory effectiveness in fulfilling delegated managerial safety obligations.

Safety File & Induction Readiness

Percentage of site-based staff whose mandatory medicals and inductions are current and recorded correctly in the safety file at all times.

Target: 100%

Ensures all staff are legally fit and authorized to work on client sites.

SOP/WI Implementation & Adherence

Percentage of newly created Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Work Instructions (WIs) successfully implemented and consistently followed by field staff (verified via over-inspection).

Target: 95%

Measures the supervisor's ability to develop and enforce safe, standardized work processes.

Zero Non-Compliance Incidents

Number of accidents, near-misses, or dangerous occurrences directly attributed to a lack of safe supervision.

Target: 0

Paramount measure of safety leadership and risk mitigation.

2. Operational Efficiency & Quality Control

Mean Time To Repair (MTTR) - Team Average: Average time taken by the entire field team to diagnose and restore system functionality across all breakdown events.

Target: 120 Minutes

Job Card & Reporting Accuracy: Percentage of submitted job cards and weekly operational reports that pass the internal audit for completeness, accuracy, and timely submission.

Target: 98%

Over-Inspection Completion Rate: Percentage of mandatory system maintenance/installation work over-inspected by the supervisor or Team Lead, as per quality plan.

Target: 100%

Operational Fleet Utilization: Percentage of total available hours that the allocated fleet is utilized efficiently for operational tasks (maintenance/installation), excluding downtime.

Target: 85%

3. Staff & Resource Management

Scheduled vs. Actual Staff Coverage: Percentage variance between planned shifts/leave coverage and actual daily staffing levels.

Target: 2%

Technical Competency Improvement: Average score improvement of field staff on mandatory technical skills assessments or training modules.

Target: 10%

Disciplinary & Conflict Resolution Rate: Percentage of minor disciplinary or conflict issues resolved effectively at the supervisory level without escalation to the Branch Manager/HR.

Target: 90%

4. Reporting, Strategy & Client Delivery

Monthly Operational Report Submission: Timeliness of the comprehensive Monthly Operational Report to the Branch Manager and Account Manager.

Target: 100% By Deadline

Improvement Strategy Implementation Rate: Percentage of identified operational improvement strategies (from KPI analysis) that are successfully implemented and show measurable results.

Target: 80%

Project Delivery Time Variance: Average variance between the estimated duration of installation/upgrade projects and the actual completion time.

Target: 5%

• Diploma or Degree in Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• Valid supervisory and managerial appointments under MHSA (2.9.2 and 2.6.1).
• Certification in Health & Safety or Risk Management (advantageous).
• Valid driver's license.

• Leadership & Staff Management - Strong ability to lead teams, manage performance, and resolve conflicts.
• Operational Planning - Skilled in scheduling, resource allocation, and fleet management.
• Health & Safety Compliance - In-depth understanding of MHSA requirements and safety protocols.
• Reporting & Analysis - Proficient in compiling operational reports and tracking KPIs.
• Client Relationship Management - Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Project Execution - Capable of delivering projects on time and within scope.
• Problem Solving - Strong analytical and decision-making abilities.
• Technical Knowledge - Familiarity with maintenance, installations, and job card auditing.
• Documentation & SOP Development - Ability to create and maintain operational procedures and work instructions.

We're proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome talent of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities, including race, gender, age, disability, veteran status and more.

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