Operations Manager - Beauty

About the position

Durban or Cape Town
Lead the operational growth of a luxury beauty brand rooted in sustainability and natural innovation. This full-time, in-office role offers the opportunity to build internal systems, drive international expansion, and lead a high-performing team from the ground up.
Our client is a high-end beauty and wellness company that formulates premium products using African botanicals and modern scientific expertise. With a strong focus on sustainability, traceability, and ethical sourcing, the brand is expanding rapidly both locally and internationally. They are now seeking a capable operations leader to support this next phase of growth.
As Operations Manager, you will take full ownership of the company’s operational functions—including logistics, supply chain, fulfilment, and supplier coordination. You will be central to building structured systems and leading the first internal hires, creating a platform for efficiency and scale. This is a strategic, hands-on role suited to someone who thrives in a fast-growing, entrepreneurial environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations including logistics, inventory, fulfilment, and supplier management
• Build and optimise systems across production, supply chain, and customer fulfilment
• Improve operational efficiency and establish processes for scale
• Coordinate with consultants and external service providers
• Support strategic expansion into new African and global markets
• Hire, train, and manage the internal operations team
• Monitor stock levels and ensure product availability through supply planning
• Maintain strong supplier relationships and oversee procurement
• Develop reporting tools and performance metrics
• Ensure regulatory compliance for local and international distribution
• Work closely with leadership to align operational execution with company goals

Key Attributes

• Highly organised and detail-oriented
• Independent, proactive, and results-driven
• Comfortable operating in a lean, high-growth business
• Strong leadership and decision-making ability
• Process-focused with strong problem-solving skills

Requirements

• Minimum 3 years in an operations leadership role
• Experience in consumer goods, beauty, wellness, or hospitality supply chains preferred
• Proven ability to build teams and systems from early stages
• Strong understanding of supply chain management and logistics
• Exposure to international operations or expansion is advantageous

Remuneration
 R35,000 - R40,000/month + competitive incentive package

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted***

Desired Skills:

• Process and Procedure Driven
• Cost Conscious / Negotiator
• Natural Leader
• Entrepreneurial Mindset - hands on
• Proactive Problem Solver
• Independent - takes initiative