Head of Operations: Hydraulic and Mechanical Equipment & IT

About the Company

The company delivers time-critical logistics services at 300 locations in more than 65 countries, across six continents. But at the heart of our business is our people. Whether serving our clients landside or airside, above or below the wing, our teams are agile, dedicated, and eager to help. Safety and security are at the heart of everything we do. We have a duty of care to look after each other, our customers and their customers. And we care about the communities in which we operate.

We understand that what we do makes a difference at many levels. Our services help keep people moving with everyone playing their part, delivering with precision, round the clock, every minute of every day. In this we take immense pride, and it strengthens our determination to deliver.

Our core services include Ground services, Cargo, Fuelling, Executive services and Offline services.

About the Role

A Head of Operations involves leading, managing, and optimizing an organization’s day-to-day operations to achieve strategic and financial goals. Key responsibilities include developing operational strategies, overseeing various departments, managing budgets, implementing process improvements, ensuring compliance with regulations, and fostering positive stakeholder relationship.

Responsibilities

Oversee and provide guidance on diagnosing, repairs, and servicing of the company’s fleet vehicles and equipment, ensuring adherence to the company’s and manufacturer work specifications.
Direct and lead mechanical workshops nationally, driving operational efficiency and maintaining best practice standards.
Lead continual improvement initiatives aimed at reducing the total cost of ownership and increasing the effective utilization of the the company’s fleet across stations.
Ensure fleet presentation and reliability are maintained at best-in-class standards.
Manage workshop budgets, ensuring financial controls, cost efficiency, and value for money.
Provide direction to workshop teams and advise on training and development initiatives to maintain a high-performing technical team.
Ensure that the administrative support function adds value and adheres to efficient protocols for day-to-day administration and effective stock control.
Oversee the fuelling function and ensure adherence to supplier protocols and contractual obligations.
Provide accurate, regular, and concise monthly management information to support decision making and identify key risks to the business.
Ensure and implement a succession plan for your key and core team members, to ensure sustainability and leadership continuity within the asset management function.
Manage and oversee the sourcing and purchasing of workshop equipment, tools as well as IT assets, thus ensuring procurement of high-value and high-sensitivity items at the best prices and terms.
Ensure all procurement and ordering processes comply with company policies and procedures.
Negotiate and manage contracts with suppliers and service providers to reduce repair and maintenance costs.
Maintain accurate records and reporting for all asset procurement and workshop operations.
Manage company properties, including lease agreements, maintenance, repairs, layout planning, branding, and disposal of obsolete properties.
Develop and manage property budgets in collaboration with finance and operations teams.
Provide comprehensive property services, including facility management, compliance with health and safety regulations, space utilization optimization, and coordination of refurbishments or upgrades as needed.
Lead the revamp and ongoing management of rented facilities to meet operational and branding standards.
Oversee the management and operations of the IT department, ensuring alignment with business needs and customer expectations.
Lead and ensure proper procurement and maintenance of IT infrastructure and systems.
Manage IT assets and service providers, ensuring compliance, performance, and value for money
Ensure succession plan is in place with development initiatives for continuation of effective leadership.
Liaise and develop strong working relationships with manufacturers, suppliers, internal departments, and other stakeholders.
Provide regular reports and updates to senior management regarding fleet performance, workshop operations, and asset management.
Lead effective and efficient negotiations with internal and external stakeholders to ensure optimal contractual outcomes.

Candidate Requirements

Industrial or Mechanical Engineering degrees
A bachelor’s degree in business administration, operations management, or a related field
Master of Business (MBA) will be a plus.
Grade 12 and relevant qualification
Proven experience in a technical high value environment, fleet operations, and thorough exposure in IT-related Functions.
Proven experience managing mechanical workshops and fleet maintenance operations at a national level.
Strong background in procurement and supplier management, preferably within the transport or logistics sector, with a strong influence of IT methodology.
Financial acumen with experience managing budgets and cost control.
Excellent leadership and people management skills.
Strong negotiation and stakeholder management capabilities.
Relevant technical qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Asset Management, or related fields preferred.
Advanced proficiency in Excel.
Strategic thinking and problem-solving.
Attention to detail and commitment to quality.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
Proactive and results-driven mindset.