OPERATIONS MANAGER

JOB TITLE:               OPERATIONS MANAGER

REPORTS TO:          HEAD OF OPERATIONS

A. Operational Management

• Manage daily operations of the transfer station, including receiving of waste, tipping, loading and compacting, transfer and discharge at final site.
• Develop daily, weekly and monthly operational plans in line with waste volumes and service requirements.
• Monitor waste throughput and ensure the station operates at optimum capacity.
• Coordinate the activities of operational supervisors, equipment operators, drivers, flagmen, weighbridge personnel and other operational staff.
• Ensure adequate manpower and equipment are available for each operational shift.
• Minimize operational bottlenecks, congestion and unnecessary tricycle waiting time.
• Establish and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all operational activities.
• Ensure continuous improvement in operational processes and productivity.

B. Waste Flow and Throughput Management

• Monitor incoming waste volumes and ensure efficient movement of waste through the facility.
• Coordinate the movement of waste from the tipping floor to transfer vehicles.
• Ensure efficient loading and dispatch of transfer trailers/trucks.
• Monitor turnaround time of collection and transfer vehicles.
• Prevent unnecessary accumulation of waste within the station.
• Ensure appropriate segregation and handling of prohibited or special waste where applicable.
• Maintain accurate operational records on waste received and transferred.

C. Fleet and Equipment Coordination

• Coordinate with Fleet and Technical/Maintenance teams to ensure availability of operational vehicles and equipment.
• Monitor utilization of loaders, trailers, trucks and other operational equipment.
• Ensure equipment is operated according to approved procedures and manufacturers' requirements.
• Report equipment defects and coordinate timely maintenance interventions.
• Develop contingency arrangements for equipment breakdowns to minimize operational disruption.

D. Health, Safety and Environmental Management

• Ensure strict compliance with health, safety and environmental requirements.
• Conduct regular operational inspections and safety briefings.
• Ensure employees use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Identify operational hazards and implement corrective actions.
• Investigate operational incidents and recommend preventive measures.
• Ensure safe traffic management within the transfer station.
• Ensure appropriate housekeeping and cleanliness of operational areas.
• Ensure dust, odour, litter, noise, leachate and other environmental impacts are effectively controlled.
• Work closely with the Head of Safety unit to maintain regulatory compliance.

E. People Management

• Supervise, motivate and develop operational employees.
• Prepare and manage staff rosters to ensure adequate shift coverage.
• Monitor employee attendance, punctuality and productivity.
• Set performance expectations for operational teams.
• Conduct regular toolbox meetings and operational briefings.
• Identify training and competency requirements for operational personnel.
• Work closely with the Human Capital unit to address performance and disciplinary issues in accordance with company policies.

F. Customer and Stakeholder Management

• Ensure reliable and timely service to tricycle operators, municipalities and other customers.
• Monitor customer complaints relating to operational service delivery.
• Resolve operational issues affecting customers and service providers.
• Liaise with local authorities and other relevant stakeholders on operational matters.
• Support initiatives aimed at improving customer satisfaction and service reliability.

G. Cost and Resource Management

• Manage operational expenditure within approved budgets.
• Identify opportunities to reduce fuel, overtime, maintenance and other operational costs.
• Monitor resource utilization and eliminate wasteful operational practices.
• Support annual operational budgeting and forecasting.
• Provide management with reports on operational performance and cost drivers.

H. Reporting and Performance Management

• Prepare daily, weekly and monthly operational performance reports.
• Monitor key operational KPIs and initiate corrective action where performance falls below target.
• Analyze trends in waste volumes, vehicle turnaround time, equipment utilization, downtime and productivity.
• Maintain accurate operational records and documentation.
• Provide management with recommendations for operational improvements.

I. Business Continuity and Emergency Management

• Develop contingency plans for equipment breakdowns, excessive waste volumes, power failures, fire, accidents and other operational disruptions.
• Coordinate emergency response activities within the operational area.
• Ensure continuity of waste transfer services during operational disruptions.
• Participate in emergency drills and business continuity exercises.

ADDITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED

Education and experience: 

• Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Engineering, Logistics, Waste Management, Business Administration or a related discipline.

• A professional qualification in operations, logistics, waste management or related field is an advantage.

• 5–8 years' relevant operational management experience.

• Experience in waste management, logistics, fleet operations, manufacturing, industrial operations or a similar high-volume operational environment.

• Experience managing shift-based teams and heavy-duty equipment.

• Experience in KPI management, budgeting and operational reporting.

Technical competence: 

• Solid waste transfer station operations.

• Waste flow and throughput management.

• Fleet and equipment coordination.

• Operations planning and scheduling.

• Health, safety and environmental management.

• Performance and KPI management.

• Cost and productivity analysis.

• Incident and emergency management.

• Microsoft Office/Excel and operational reporting systems.

SOFT SKILLS REQUIRED

• Strong leadership and people-management skills.

• Decision-making and problem-solving ability.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work under pressure and manage operational emergencies.

• Results-oriented.

• High level of integrity and accountability.

• Strong planning and organizational skills.

• Ability to drive continuous improvement.

• Customer-focused mindset.

• Team-oriented and collaborative approach.

MODE OF APPLICATION 

Interested applicants may submit applications and curriculum vitae to the under-listed email address by 7th September, 2026 at 5:00 PM  to: [email protected] 

Subject line for your application should be the job title as advertised. 

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.