Operations Manager

WHAT IS ON OFFER

Alfred H Knight has an exciting opportunity for an Operations Manager to join the team in Durban. The primary function of the Operations Manager is to manage the execution of the day-to-day operational services carried out across all AHK South Africa sites including but not limited toRichards Bay Johannesburg Rustenburg Lohatlha Steelpoort Durban Maputo Beira Port Elizabeth Saldanha Lüderitz and Walvis Bay.
As Operations Manager the post holder will have to proactively manage highly diverse locationsboth remotely and in person through regular travel and site visits.
Ultimately the Operations Manager is responsible to the General Manger of South Africa for the
service delivery of all inspection supervision and sampling operations carried out within this region.

ABOUT US

Alfred H Knight is a totally independent family owned business spanning five generations. A global network of strategically placed offices and laboratories enable global trade providing independent inspection analysis an consultancy services to the metals and minerals solid fuels and agriculture industries.

We have honed and carefully crafted our reputation. Delivering knowledge and professionalism in all aspects of weighing sampling and analysis. We thrive by continuing to re-invest in our facilities technology and people.
Click here to find out more about AHK.

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES

To be successful at Alfred H Knight the incumbent will need to display the following:

Required Knowledge and Work Experience

Responsibilities

Operational

• Manage the quality of inspection work (including sample preparation) carried out across
  the entire region through ensuring appropriate SOPs are followed to a high standard
  and that any failures in compliance are identified and corrected as required.
• Ensure all operational staff within the region have received the appropriate training and
  are equipped with the necessary skills needed to execute their work. Organise any
  additional internal or external training as required.
• Ensuring that the Site Managers/Foremen effectively manage their operations such that
  sampling work is processed at ports warehouses (and any other location) in a
  professional manner and in line with established SOPs AHK Group expectations and to
  the satisfaction of the client(s).
• Act in a troubleshooting capacity to resolve customer complaints relating to commercial
  discrepancies that derive from operational and technical shortcomings. Implement
  preventative measures having undertaken a root cause analysis of the complaint.
• In conjunction with the General Manager agree yearly KPIs to which each sites Head of
  Operations should adhere. This will include operational expenditure training and
  personnel KPIs.
• Ensure regular communication with all key operational staff within the Region as well as
  regular travel to each operation to maintain excellent internal working relationships.
• Identify equipment requirements and ensure site equipment is appropriately maintained
  on a routine basis to ensure technical compliance is maintained

Other Responsibilities

• Commercially the post holder should attend any client meetings and/or conferences as
  instructed to support the Marketing Manager with new opportunities / projects in both
  current and new locations.
• Administratively the post holder will work in conjunction with Administration Managers
  both in the UK and Overseas to oversee surveyor job instructions daily updates report
  management and in-field I.T systems. It will be the post holders responsibility to receive
  feedback from operational staff on how administration systems can be improved and
  streamlined.
• Support Group initiatives on global projects to implement technology solutions in-field
  across the AHK Group.
• Provide technical advice and support to all operations/sites within the Region. Work in
  conjunction with the International Technical Network and the UK Technical Team to
  ensure the correct procedures are carried out as addition to this support
  the UK Technical Team with initiatives aimed at improving the in-field execution of work
  globally
• Ensure the Companys Health & Safety policy is applied effectively in areas under the
  Post Holders control and any non-conformances are brought to the attention of the
  General Manager.
• Human Resourcing: Arranging shift flexible or overtime working to meet the following
  contingencies: staff shortages as a consequence of leave illness holidays equipment
  malfunction / breakdown growth in work volumes re-prioritising of significant amounts
  of sampling work
• Participate in annual Industrial Relations negotiations

Essential

• Excellent proven personnel management capabilities
• Commitment to safe working practices
• Must have own transport valid drivers license and passport
• Capable of managing multiple tasks simultaneously
• Excellent organizational skills with proven team player qualities

Required Work Experience

• 10 years minimum experience in commodity surveying specific to metals and minerals commodities.

Required Qualifications

• Educated to Bachelors degree or higher.
• Tertiary scientific technical Chemical or Metallurgical Engineering qualification or
  similar is desirable
• Knowledge of ISO 12743 and 10251 is desirable
• Experience of implementation of or compliance to ISO 17020 and / or 17025 is desirable

Required Languages

• Highly proficient in English and Afrikaans (Verbal and written)

Travel

• Be able to travel extensively both locally and to neighbouring countries at short notice

BENEFITS

We are offering an excellent opportunity with a salary and benefits package to match

Alfred H Knight is committed to creating a diverse & inclusive environment and hence welcomes applications from all sections of the community in line with our Employment Equity Plan.

Closing Date: 01 May 2026

Required Experience:

Manager