Key Accounts & Operations Manager

About the position

An established retail and supply chain solutions provider in Gauteng is seeking an experienced Key Accounts & Operations Manager (Supply Chain) to oversee operational performance, client relationships and workforce management across assigned sites.

The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring operational targets are achieved, maintaining strong key client relationships, managing employees and driving continuous improvements in productivity, service delivery and operational efficiency.

Responsibilities:

Operations & Performance

• Set operational targets in consultation with clients and communicate expectations to relevant stakeholders.
• Manage daily productivity and monitor performance against agreed targets.
• Identify performance gaps and implement corrective measures.
• Escalate concerns that may impact operational targets or service delivery.
• Streamline processes to improve productivity and operational efficiencies.
• Ensure consistent service excellence across assigned operations.

Key Account & Client Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients and customers.
• Conduct regular client engagements and provide operational feedback.
• Resolve client concerns promptly and professionally.
• Identify and implement value-added initiatives.
• Ensure client expectations and service-level requirements are consistently achieved.

People Management

• Manage employee performance, productivity and development.
• Ensure effective induction and onboarding of new employees.
• Manage timesheets, leave, employee relations and staff wellbeing.
• Implement succession planning, training and development initiatives.
• Manage disciplinary processes in accordance with company procedures.
• Maintain accurate employee and performance records.

Administration

• Complete and submit salary and weekly operational inputs.
• Ensure recruitment and employee documentation is completed accurately.
• Manage leave administration and conduct HR audits.
• Maintain and update asset registers.
• Ensure accurate and timely operational reporting.

Health & Safety

• Ensure employees receive appropriate health and safety training, information and supervision.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date Health & Safety registers.
• Participate in Health & Safety meetings and maintain required records.
• Ensure reportable incidents are escalated immediately in accordance with relevant requirements.

Requirements:

• Relevant University Degree in Operations, Supply Chain or a related field.
• 5-10 years relevant operational experience.
• Minimum 5 years operational experience within Supply Chain Management.
• Proven experience in client/key account and people management.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Valid driver's licence.
• Fluent in English.
• Clear criminal record.

Key Competencies:

• Strong operational and people-management capabilities.
• Excellent client relationship and problem-solving skills.
• Professional, presentable and confident.
• Assertive, enthusiastic and energetic.
• Highly accurate with excellent attention to detail.
• Strong planning, organisation and time-management skills.
• Patient and able to manage challenging situations professionally.
• Results-driven with a strong focus on service excellence and operational efficiency.

Desired Skills:

• Supply Chain
• Operations
• Microsoft Office
• Health and safety registers
• HR Audits
• Employee performance
• Management Accounts