Operations Manager

What you will do

We are looking for a values-driven leader to head our Operations Team at (RDC) Regional Distribution Center Johannesburg. As a leader, you are welcome to join a fantastic community of leaders, experts, and a skilled workforce to leverage our organizational strengths to the next level of business excellence while securing Volvo Values in practice so that we can be a people-centric organization.

This position is a key leadership position responsible for the DC operations in Johannesburg. We run an 13500 sqm facility with a workforce of industrial workers (team leaders and team members). You will be responsible for securing continuous improvements in the operational output such as efficiency, quality, lead time, and delivery precision. An equally important responsibility is to improve the way work is being performed and nurture the use of Lean principles with a strong focus on developing people, processes, and the working environment through an inclusive culture. Excellent interpersonal leadership skills, a personal drive to improve, and a solid ability to cooperate are essential to succeed in this role. 
You will be part of the (SML) Service Market Logistics RDC Johannesburg Management Team and a member of Regional Operational and Safety Networks.

Reporting: This role will be reporting to the Head of RDC Johannesburg.

Job Objectives:

• Accountability and optimization of performance for the RDC operational processes (unloading, checking, put-away, picking, packing, loading, quality checking, discrepancy detection and investigation, inventory management, return & buyback, etc.).
• Drive Operational Excellence through the effective implementation and application of lean principles reflected in the Volvo Performance System (VPS) methodology.
• Responsible for healthy employee relations at the warehouse and develop relationships towards better employee engagement.
• Secure a safe & healthy working environment for all employees and personnels working in the warehouse.
• Develop, recommend, and implement improvements in the internal materials handling and administrative processes to improve quality, customer service, lead-time, productivity, and cost-efficiency.
• Develop the warehouse personnel, organization, and environment to improve flexibility, teamwork, motivation, skillset, and attitude through team meetings, training, performance evaluation tools, providing necessary coaching, and proactive succession planning - all in line with the Volvo Group Values creating an engaged and inclusive organization.
• Manage operational internal interfaces and external customer demands having efficient communication and relationships to ensure the needs of our organization and customers are met.
• Participation and contribution to key transformation projects on all activities related to RDC Johannesburg by showcasing project management competencies and skills.
• Compliance with Internal/External Audits without any non-conformance and ensuring adherence to systems and processes to Audit Standards.

Who are you?

Do you dream big? We do too, and we are excited to grow together. In this role, you will bring: 

• You have a Matric or hold a University degree or equivalent.
• You have substantial experience in Logistics, DC operational processes and experience in Volvo or Global Supply Chain processes and tools.
• You are an active management team member, demonstrating a high value-based leadership.
• You possess good problem-solving abilities and understanding of people management. 
• You like to work together with people across diverse backgrounds. In a group that values safety, quality, environment, diversity, and respect for the individual, you hold a strong personal credibility, integrity, creativity, and strong coaching skills. 
• You are skilled in developing team leaders and members, having very good interpersonal relations and organizational development mindset, and bring continuous improvement leadership skills with ability to unlearn, learn continuously and to inspire others to do the same, fostering a culture of adaptability, collaboration and growth. 
• You have significant change management experience and demonstrated ability to set demanding targets and to motivate teams and individuals to deliver outside their comfort zones. 
• You have a cross-functional mindset with good influencing skills and able to create trusting relationships despite cultural differences and geographical distance. 
• You have strong interpersonal skills with a high degree of 'flexibility', including networking effectively across the Volvo organization and within SML Lyon & International region. 
• You can develop an excellent working climate and atmosphere aligned with the Volvo Group Values and our Code of Conduct. 
• You are a role model in driving Volvo culture by being energetic, engaging and innovative to develop and influence people around you to always do their best. 
• You have excellent people management skills and a strong communicator (verbally and in writing), and skilled in the English language. 

What’s in it for you?

Are we the perfect match?

We can't promise you an effortless job, but we can promise you some skilled colleagues and some truly exciting challenges to work with.

You will work in an exciting and truly global environment that provides you with development opportunities, both professionally and personally.

We want you to prosper and be happy, because when you succeed, we succeed. We are eager to learn from you and you will get fantastic opportunities to learn and develop with us. 

Short listed candidates must complete and sign personal verification permission, consent and indemnity declarations, to inter alia perform reference, criminal, credit, qualification, vetting process (if applicable to position) and any other checks deemed necessary.

Volvo Group Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd is an affirmative action, equal employment opportunity employer. We encourage people with disability to apply. 

Application Closing Date: 25 August 2025.