Operations Manager at Unitrans

Job Advert Summary    

• At Unitrans, we make growth happen. Through safe, reliable logistics solutions, we help customers, industries and communities move forward every day. We believe growth is driven by people who take ownership, work together, and continuously look for better ways to deliver results.
• As we continue to deliver on this commitment, we're looking for an experienced Operations Manager to lead our specialised fuel and chemicals transport operation in Durban, Clairwood.
• This opportunity is suited to a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, develops high-perfoming teams, and delivers operational excellence through safety, accountability and collaboration.

What you'll do

• Fleet Management – Oversee 80+ vehicle fleet operations, maintenance, utilisation and compliance, ensuring safe, reliable and efficient service delivery.
• Financial Control – Hold full P&L responsibility, managing fuel, tyres, labour and operational costs while identifying opportunities to improve performance and efficiency.
• Safety & Compliance – Uphold SHERQ standards, hazmat compliance, driver risk management and regulatory requirements, fostering a strong safety-first culture.
• Client Relations – Build trusted customer relationships, manage escalations and lead service reviews to ensure consistently high service levels.
• Team Leadership – Lead, support and develop Contract Managers and operational teams to deliver on key business objectives.
• Continuous Improvement – Drive initiatives that enhance productivity, operational efficiency and fleet utilisation across the operation.

Minimum Requirements    

What we're looking for

Essential

• 8–10 years in transport/logistics operations leadership
• Proven experience managing large fleet operations (80+ vehicles)
• Track record in fuel and/or hazardous materials transport operations
• Strong financial management and cost control expertise
• Deep understanding of SHERQ, hazchem compliance, and transport regulations
• Degree or Diploma in Operations Management, Logistics, or Engineering

Advantageous

• Experience in the fuel and chemical logistics sector
• Knowledge of fleet management systems and telematics
• Local KwaZulu-Natal or Durban market experience
• Fleet and logistics expertise
• P&L and cost control
• Hazchem and safety compliance
• People leadership
• Client relationship management
• Resilience and problem-solving

Duties & Responsibilities    

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Execution

• Lead day-to-day operational performance across multiple contracts, depots, or sites.
• Translate regional and divisional strategy into detailed execution plans, schedules, and performance targets.
• Ensure compliance with contractual SLAs, KPIs, internal SOPs, and statutory requirements.
• Analyse operational performance data to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.
• Drive standardisation, consistency, and operational discipline across sites.
• Manage operational disruptions, service failures, and emergencies.
• Ensure fleet, depots, washbays, and infrastructure are safe, compliant, and operationally ready.

Financial Management & P&L Accountability

• Hold full P&L accountability for assigned contracts or region.
• Review, challenge, and consolidate budgets, forecasts, and financial performance.
• Deliver approved revenue, margin, cost, cash flow, and working capital targets.
• Actively manage key cost drivers including fuel, fleet maintenance, labour, overtime, subcontractors, PPE, and consumables.
• Ensure accurate invoicing, rate implementation, revenue verification, and cost recovery.
• Identify under-performance early and implement corrective actions.
• Provide operational input into pricing reviews, tenders, renewals, and scope changes.

People Leadership & Workforce Optimisation

• Lead, coach, and develop Contract Managers, Depot Managers, and senior operational leaders.
• Build a high-performance, safety-driven, values-based culture.
• Ensure effective workforce planning, succession, and skills development.
• Oversee recruitment, induction, training, and performance management.
• Ensure compliant labour utilisation, shift systems, rosters, fatigue, and overtime management.
• Partner with Human Capital on labour relations, union engagement, disciplinary processes, and workforce stability.

Safety, SHERQ & Risk Management

• Ensure full implementation and adherence to SHERQ systems and standards.
• Embed a strong safety-first mindset across all operations.
• Monitor and report on safety performance, incidents, and corrective actions.
• Ensure statutory compliance, driver risk management, and fatigue management.
• Identify and mitigate operational, safety, environmental, security, and reputational risks.

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Act as the senior operational interface with clients.
• Support resolution of escalations, service failures, and disputes.
• Participate in client performance reviews and governance forums.
• Identify operational improvement and value-add opportunities.

Closing Date    

• 2026/08/18