Operations Manager

Red Ember Recruitment (PTY) Ltd Permanent

Cape Town, South Africa Posted on 30/03/2026

Red Ember Recruitment is seeking to hire an Operations Manager for a client based in the Ship Chandling / Marine Supply sector in Paarden Island.

This role requires a hands on leader with strong operational oversight, experience managing teams, and the ability to drive efficiency within a fast paced marine supply environment.

• Oversee end-to-end operational activities for vessel deliveries, including technical stores, bonded and non-bonded goods, food provisions, cabin stores, deck and engine supplies, and protective coatings.
• Plan and coordinate deliveries to vessels in port, anchorage, shipyard, or offshore locations in line with customer schedules and port requirements.
• Ensure all customer orders are processed accurately, picked correctly, packed efficiently, and delivered on time.
• Manage urgent, short-notice, and last-minute vessel requests while maintaining service quality and cost control.
• Monitor daily operational performance and resolve delays, shortages, delivery issues, and service failures quickly.

• Oversee warehouse operations, stock control, receiving, picking, dispatch, and inventory accuracy.
• Ensure optimal stock levels are maintained for fast-moving marine, technical, and food supply items.
• Supervise the handling and storage of Hempel coatings and other regulated or specialized marine products in accordance with safety and manufacturer requirements.
• Coordinate transport, port access, launch services, and delivery documentation for vessel supply operations.
• Reduce stock losses, wastage, expired goods, and operational inefficiencies.

• Work closely with procurement and suppliers to ensure product availability, competitive pricing, and timely replenishment.
• Maintain strong relationships with key vendors, including food suppliers, technical product suppliers, and Hempel coatings representatives.
• Monitor supplier performance in terms of quality, lead time, pricing, and reliability.
• Support sourcing of specialized marine items and urgent customer requirements.

• Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction through reliable service, fast response times, and professional issue resolution.
• Coordinate closely with sales and customer service teams to align operational execution with client expectations.
• Support key accounts, vessel agents, owners, and procurement contacts with efficient service delivery.
• Contribute operational input on quotations, delivery feasibility, lead times, and service capability.

• Ensure operations comply with port regulations, customs requirements, food safety standards, and company procedures.
• Maintain health, safety, environmental, and quality standards across warehouse and delivery activities.
• Ensure proper documentation, traceability, and control of delivered goods.
• Lead continuous improvement in operational processes, service quality, and risk management.
• Lead, supervise, and develop warehouse, logistics, drivers, and operational support staff.
• Allocate resources effectively across shifts and vessel schedules.
• Train staff on operational procedures, customer service expectations, safety standards, and product handling requirements.
• Build a performance driven, responsive, and accountable operations team.

• Bachelor's degree or diploma in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business Management, Maritime Studies, or related field preferred.
• Proven experience in operations management within ship chandling, marine supply, port logistics, or a related maritime environment.
• Strong knowledge of vessel supply processes, port operations, and marine customer requirements.
• Experience handling a wide range of technical and food products for vessels.
• Familiarity with marine coatings, particularly Hempel coatings, will be a strong advantage.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent planning, problem solving, and decision making abilities.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple vessel requirements simultaneously.
• Good commercial awareness and customer focused mindset.
• Proficiency in ERP systems, inventory systems, Microsoft Office, and operational reporting.
• A valid driver's license may be required depending on operational needs.

• Order accuracy and fulfilment performance.
• Customer satisfaction and complaint resolution.
• Inventory accuracy and stock availability.
• Warehouse productivity and operational efficiency.
• Supplier performance and procurement turnaround.
• Compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.
• Cost management and margin protection.

• Fast paced, port based operational environment.
• May require after hours, weekend, and emergency response availability depending on vessel schedules.
• Regular coordination with vessels, agents, port authorities, transport providers, suppliers, and internal teams.