Operations Manager

Operations Manager | Durban | Permanent

Drive operational excellence across multiple sites while leading front-line teams to deliver outstanding service. If you enjoy getting into the details, building strong client relationships, and keeping operations tight, this role is for you.

As Operations Manager, you will take full responsibility for the day-to-day management of cleaning and outsourced property service contracts across your allocated portfolio. You will ensure that service level agreements are met, client expectations are managed, and operational standards are consistently maintained. A key focus will be on implementing and monitoring cleaning plans, ensuring that staff, equipment, consumables, and processes are in place to deliver reliable, quality service.

You will also play an important role in the commercial performance of the area. This includes managing direct expenses and overheads, protecting company assets, achieving non-contractual revenue targets, and ensuring accurate monthly reporting and variance explanations. Health and safety compliance, staff training, and adherence to company policies and procedures will sit firmly under your remit.

Our client is an established outsourced property and cleaning services business, supporting a diverse portfolio of commercial sites. They pride themselves on long-term client relationships, strong service culture, and well-structured operational processes. You will be joining a hands-on, performance-driven team where your ability to manage people, clients, and numbers will make a visible impact.

What You Will Do

• Manage operational activities across allocated sites in line with the company's strategic plan and long-term objectives
• Develop, implement, and maintain systems to ensure SLAs are consistently met and client relationships are professionally managed
• Establish, implement, and monitor site-specific cleaning plans in line with contractual requirements
• Conduct regular site visits, reporting on activities, results, risks, and recommendations
• Manage the delivery and availability of cleaning chemicals, consumables, and equipment to all sites
• Control and safeguard company assets, ensuring proper use, maintenance, and record-keeping
• Implement cleaner and site staff work schedules; manage performance, discipline, and adherence to company policies
• Maintain all health and safety requirements on sites, including up-to-date safety files and compliance with the OHS Act
• Ensure staff are trained on health and safety and operational requirements as needed
• Achieve monthly non-contractual revenue targets and support upselling on existing contracts
• Manage direct expenses and overheads to optimise the profitable performance of the area
• Provide accurate monthly feedback, variance explanations, and operational reports

What You Bring

• Matric (Senior Certificate)
• Diploma (NQF 6) in Property Management, Project Management, Operations Management, or a related field
• SAFMA Certified Facilities Supervisor or similar professional certification is advantageous
• At least 3 years? experience in the cleaning, hygiene, or outsourced property services industry
• Proven experience managing multiple sites, contracts, and frontline staff
• Valid South African driver?s licence and willingness to travel between sites
• Solid knowledge of HR-related processes at the operational level
• Good understanding of property or facilities management environments
• Intermediate MS Office skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Outlook)
• Experience working on PRP, D365, or similar operational and reporting systems
• Sound knowledge of the OHS Act, ISO 9001 quality management, and risk management systems

What Success Looks Like

• SLAs consistently met or exceeded, with strong, professional client relationships
• Clean, safe, and well-run sites with minimal operational disruptions
• Accurate cleaning plans, schedules, and reporting in place for all allocated sites
• Health and safety requirements are fully compliant, with current and complete safety files
• Teams that are engaged, productive, and clear on expectations and standards
• Non-contractual revenue targets achieved and existing contracts successfully upsold
• Direct expenses and overheads are controlled, delivering sustainable profit contribution for the area