Head of Operations and Global Logistics

We are looking for a high-energy, firm, and process-driven Head of Operations to join our leadership team. You will be the custodian of our operational excellence- the person who turns our vision into scalable, repeatable reality. If you are an "SOP Guru" who thrives in high-volume, high-pressure environments and possesses a "right-brain" analytical edge, this role is for you.

Key Responsibilities🧳

1. Operational Custodianship & SOPs

• Process Architecture: You are the architect and manager of all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). You will build, implement, and continuously refine processes to ensure peak efficiency.
• Accountability: You hold ultimate responsibility for operational successes and failures. If a process isn’t working, you own the fix.
• Daily Operations: Act as the primary “go-to” for all daily operational bottlenecks, ensuring the business remains agile and responsive.

2. Supply Chain & Freight Forwarding Oversight

Own and manage the full upstream supply chain from supplier to final delivery into South Africa and broader Africa markets, ensuring cost efficiency, compliance, and reliability.

You will be working closely with the supply chain team on the following:

End-to-End Freight Management

• Oversee all international logistics (air and sea freight), including bookings, routing, and shipment scheduling
• Manage and optimise relationships with freight forwarders, clearing agents, and shipping partners
• Ensure optimal freight decisions across cost, speed, and reliability

Import & Compliance Ownership

• Take full ownership of the import lifecycle, including documentation, customs compliance, and regulatory requirements
• Ensure correct use of HS codes, duties, and import structures to minimise risk and optimise cost

Cost Control & Landed Cost Accuracy

• Own landed cost inputs across freight, duties, and associated charges
• Ensure accurate and consistent costing aligned with finance and commercial teams
• Drive continuous improvement in freight cost efficiency through consolidation and negotiation

Supply Chain Visibility

• Maintain full visibility across all inbound shipments and supplier pipelines
• Proactively manage delays, disruptions, and supplier readiness

3. Warehouse, Operations & Returns Management

Take full ownership of warehouse performance and the returns function, ensuring operational control, accuracy, and efficiency across all physical product handling.

You will be working closely with the operations and warehouse team on the following:

Warehouse & Operations Oversight

• Oversee all warehouse activities including receiving, put-away, picking, packing, and dispatch
• Ensure high levels of inventory accuracy through cycle counts, audits, and reconciliations
• Implement and enforce best-practice warehouse processes to minimise errors and improve efficiency
• Monitor and drive performance against key KPIs (pick accuracy, order turnaround time, stock variance, fulfilment speed)
• Continuously optimise warehouse layout, workflows, and resource allocation

Returns & Reverse Logistics (critical focus area)

• Own and build a structured, scalable returns process across all channels (retail, e-commerce, B2B)

Ensure all returns are

• Accurately logged and tracked
• Assessed and processed quickly
• Correctly categorised (resell, repair, write-off, supplier claim)
• Implement strict quality control processes for returned stock
• Work closely with suppliers on warranty claims and defective product management
• Identify root causes of returns (product issues, packaging, logistics failures) and drive corrective action across the business
• Maximise recovery of value through efficient refurbishment, reprocessing, or claims

4. Data, Systems & Visibility

• ERP Leadership: Serve as the internal expert on our ERP system to drive data integrity and operational flow.
• KPI Visibility: Improve data trackability to ensure all performance metrics are visible, measurable, and actionable for the entire team.
• Systems Collaboration: Work closely with the Chief Digital Officer (CDO) to align tech systems with physical operations.

The Ideal Candidate🎯

Experience & Qualifications

• Background: 3+ years experience in Distribution or Wholesale senior/executive role (industry-specific experience preferred).
• Education: Ideally an Industrial Engineering background or a similar technical/analytical degree.
• Technical Mastery: Deep knowledge of ERP systems and extensive international imports/freight forwarding.
• Sector Experience: Proven track record in high-transaction, time-sensitive environments (e.g., FMCG, manufacturing, meat/fish production, or high-volume goods).

Core Competencies & Personality

• The "Left Brain" Edge: High cognitive ability with extreme attention to detail and analytical leanings.
• Leadership Style: Firm and strict when it comes to standards, yet "firm but kind" in approach. You bring good energy to the team without losing sight of the bottom line.
• Problem Solver: You don’t just identify issues; you build the system that prevents them from recurring.

Reporting Structure

• Direct Reports: Warehouse Manager, Operations Manager, and the Supply Chain Team.
• Collaboration: You will be a core member of the C-Suite/executive team, working directly alongside the CEO and CDO.

Why Join Us?

We have built our success on grit and resilience. Now, we are ready to scale. As our COO, you won’t just be managing a department; you will be building the operational backbone of South Africa’s leading value-added distributor🚀